Unboxing and Setup for Eargo 6

Eargo 6 packaging.

Unboxing Eargo 6

Eargo put a lot of thought into the Eargo 6 packaging. It’s sleek and easy to open. When I opened the box, I was met with simple tips and instructions printed right on the packaging!

Instructions to scan a QR code.

The packaging directed me to scan a QR code, which I did using my smartphone’s camera app. I clicked the link that popped up, which directed me to Eargo’s website for registration.

I needed to charge the hearing aids before continuing with the setup, so I explored the contents of the package while my devices charged.

Everything included in the Eargo 6 box.

Here’s what’s included in the Eargo 6 box:

• Two Eargo 6 hearing aids
• Portable charger
• USB adaptor and charging cord
• Two medium and two large open-ear tips
• Two medium and two large closed-ear tips
• Two microphone caps
• Cleaning cloth
• Cleaning tool

I love that Eargo included so many accessories. That means you don’t need to worry about purchasing additional supplies upfront. My favorite accessory is the charging case. It’s slim and sleek, so you can easily fit it in your purse or pocket. Plus, the case carries up to two full charges — perfect for a weekend getaway.

Charging Eargo 6

Charging the Eargo 6.

To charge Eargo 6, I placed the hearing aids in the portable charger and plugged in everything. A magnet holds the hearing aids and the case’s cover in place. After you close the case, the charging-port and battery-indicator lights illuminate. It makes it easy to see where to plug in the cord, especially if you have poor eyesight or are in a low-light environment.

I found that a full charge takes six hours and delivers up to 16 hours of use. For comparison, MDHearing’s Neo hearing aids have an 18-hour battery life, so Eargo 6’s battery life is fairly similar and should suffice.

Downloading the Eargo App

While my Eargo 6 devices charged, I downloaded the Eargo app on my Google Pixel 4a from the Google Play store. The app is also available from the App Store for iPhone users. Simply type “Eargo” into your app store’s search bar.

Downloading the Eargo app from the Google Play Store.

Connecting Eargo 6 to the Eargo App

Pairing Eargo 6 via my smartphone’s Bluetooth settings.

I had a little trouble connecting the Eargo 6 to my smartphone. It didn’t work on my first or second attempt, but the app walks you through the process and directs you to helpful articles and videos if you get stuck.

You’ll need to place your Eargo 6 devices in the charging case and plug in the case during the connecting process. I also needed to connect the devices to my phone via Bluetooth in my phone’s settings. If you’ve ever connected a Bluetooth device — such as wireless earbuds, a speaker, or a smartwatch — to your phone, the process is very similar.

All in all, it took me about 35 minutes to connect the Eargo 6 to my smartphone, mainly because there was a 30-minute software update.

Testing the Eargo 6

Now that the hearing aids were charged and connected to my phone, it was time to take them for a test drive!

Fitting the Eargo 6 Hearing Aids

Since the Eargo 6 devices are self-fitting CIC hearing aids, they’re practically invisible when fitted properly.

Screenshot of the “insert and remove devices” video in the Eargo app.

The app showed me how to place the devices in my ears. Just press them in the ear canal while leaving the clear device-removal thread accessible. They initially felt warm when I put them in my ears, but a quick search on Eargo’s website told me that’s normal. The heat comes from the inductive charging.

I have small ears, so the devices weren’t a great fit — they were a tad painful and uncomfortable. I had my mom test the fit, and the shape and size worked better for her.

Eargo 6 Price

A pair of Eargo 6 hearing aids costs $2,250. Eargo often has seasonal discounts, so keep your eyes peeled! Your purchase includes the Eargo 6 devices, all the accessories, a one-year warranty, and lifetime support from Eargo professionals. Eargo also offers financing as low as $71 per month for 36 months.

When it comes to price, Eargo 6 is the company’s middle-of-the-road model. For comparison, the Eargo SE costs $1,650 and the Eargo 7, which I’ve reviewed, costs $2,950.

Eargo’s pricing may seem high, but keep in mind that many prescription hearing aids cost much more. Oticon’s hearing aids cost $1,000 to $3,500 per device, for example. On the flip side, Lexie sells OTC hearing aids that cost $799 to $999 per pair, but they aren’t as customizable or discreet as Eargo devices.

Eargo Mobile App Experience

Eargo’s mobile app has only 2.5 stars out of five on the Google Play store. I still thought it was easy to use and full of helpful features, which I’ll get into below. Let’s start by discussing how exactly the app and hearing aids work together.

Your smartphone uses different tone frequencies to communicate with Eargo 6 via the mobile app. You’ll have to turn up your phone’s volume to at least 60 percent for it to work, which means you can’t make any hearing-aid adjustments while your phone is at a low volume, silenced, or set to Do Not Disturb. Eargo reminds you about that as you use the app, but it’s still a drawback.

Access Helpful Information and Videos

Eargo’s app offers 12 video guides, covering everything from fitting to charging to removing your devices. You can watch the videos at your own pace or follow Eargo’s 30-day tutorial.

Eargo’s 30-day tutorial schedule.

If you learn better by reading, the app also has a comprehensive users’ guide. I loved how easy it was to read, thanks to small blocks of text and plenty of pictures.

Screenshot of the charging page in the Eargo 7 users’ guide.

Change Programs and Adjust the Volume

You can use the app to change programs, adjust the volume, filter noise, and more. You can even adjust the hearing aids simultaneously or individually. The app has more customization features than other hearing aids I’ve tried, including my prescription Oticon devices.

Screenshot of noise-filter adjustment in the Eargo app.

Contact Eargo Support Professionals

If the users’ guide and video tutorials aren’t enough, you can use the app to get live help directly from Eargo. You can chat, email, call, or video call with an Eargo professional during business hours. The web chat responses weren’t very fast in my experience, but you can schedule a video call in advance. The schedule was very open, so you shouldn’t have any trouble setting an appointment.

Other Eargo App Features

Eargo’s mobile app also lets you:

• Check the charger’s battery life
• Set reminders so you don’t forget to change petal tips or clean your devices
• Retake the Sound Match test
• Read helpful articles
• View your Eargo account

Final Thoughts on Eargo 6

All in all, the Eargo 6 devices are impressive. They don’t have the advanced Sound Adjust+ feature and two-year warranty you get with the newer Eargo 7 model, but the Eargo 6 offers exceptional value — especially when a sale drops the price below $2,000.

I also love that Eargo has a 45-day trial period. You have ample time to see if the features, fit, and technology meet your needs. Keep in mind that the devices aren’t for people with moderate to severe hearing loss, and you’ll need to consider a different provider if you’re interested in Bluetooth streaming.

Check out our 2024 Eargo review for a comprehensive look at Eargo’s products.

Our Methodology: How We Tested and Reviewed Eargo 6

I spent a week testing the Eargo 6, taking notes on my experience from unboxing and app setup to daily use and customer support. I also consulted with our resident audiologist, Dr. Ruth Reisman, for her insights on the hearing aid model.

Here’s what my testing process consisted of:

1. I received a complimentary pair of Eargo 6 hearing aids in the mail. I spent time unpacking them and reviewing the instruction manual and packaging materials for clarity, design, and accuracy.
2. I set up the hearing aids and reviewed the accessories that come with them while they charged.
3. I downloaded the Eargo app and synced it to the hearing aids while they were still in their charging case.
4. Then, I tried out the hearing aids on myself. When I realized that they were too small for my ears, I recruited my mom to test out the devices as well for a more well-rounded review.
5. My mom and I worked together to analyze Eargo 6’s special features, sound quality, and ease of use.
6. Based on our experience, we broke down our experience with the Eargo 6 hearing aids into the following categories:

• Cost: For seniors on a budget, Eargo 6 hearing aids may be a good fit, as they’re one of the less expensive Eargo models. They are less affordable than some other OTC options, but provide rich, clear, adaptable sound, making them worth the cost. We’ve found that cheaper options often get tossed and not worn because they don’t sufficiently address the challenges of having hearing loss in all types of environments.
• Size: Eargo hearing aids are small and discreet, making them an excellent option for those who want to keep their hearing aids hidden. On the flip side, I also address the challenges people with smaller-than-average ear canals (like myself) face when shopping for in-ear hearing aids.
• Battery type: Like Dr. Reisman, our tech team likes that Eargo 6 uses rechargeable batteries, rather than hard-to-handle disposable batteries. If you have low vision, arthritis or hand tremors, this can make hearing aid use much easier.
• Accessibility: Eargo 6 is purchased online without the need to go to an audiologist or store. This eliminates a barrier for seniors who prefer to shop this way.