Key Takeaways
- Most Eargo hearing aids are sold online without a prescription; however, they recently added prescription options to their lineup.
- ReSound’s prescription hearing aids produce superior sound quality and are designed for mild to profound hearing loss.
- Eargo hearing aids are significantly less expensive than ReSound hearing aids, though they are only suitable for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Our team of tech experts and audiologists have hands-on experience with most of the best hearing aids on the market. Two of these brands are Eargo, an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid manufacturer, and ReSound, an innovative prescription brand.
Eargo and ReSound are well-established, trusted brands in the industry. Each manufactures high-quality devices that produce good sound quality. There are, however, many differences between them that impact everything from your hearing satisfaction to your wallet. Eargo offers discreet hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss, while ReSound has many hearing aid styles suitable for all levels of hearing loss.
In this article, we’ll compare Eargo to ReSound for important factors like cost, technological hearing advancements, and ease of use.
Expert Insights
From Dr. Ruth Reisman, Audiologist
An OTC hearing aid like Eargo can be a great option for those seeking a discrete, self-managed hearing aid. However, for those who are looking for a more customized solution or for those with a more complex loss, the flexible options along with the in-person professional support that ReSound offers may be the way to go. Both are great options, so the patient’s needs will influence which solution is best.
Eargo vs. ReSound Product Lineup
Our favorite is Eargo
See Pricing
| Hearing loss levels | Mild to profound hearing loss | Mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss |
| Price range | $1,000 to $3,750 per single device* | $799 to $2,950 per pair |
| Styles offered | Behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-ear (RIE), mini-RIE, micro-RIE, in-the-canal (ITC), invisible-in-canal (IIC), completely-in-canal (CIC), in-the-ear (ITE), mic-in-helix (MIH) | Completely in canal (CIC) and earbud |
| Requires an audiogram (prescription) | Yes | No |
| How to purchase | Through an audiologist | Online |
| App connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Battery types | Rechargeable and disposable (traditional) | Rechargeable |
| Trial period length | Varies by provider | 100 days |
| (CROS) One-sided hearing loss options | Yes | No |
| Tinnitus tools | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast | Yes, in LINK by Eargo earbuds |
| Manufacturer’s warranty length | Vary by product and region; typically 2 years | 1 to 2 years |
| Website | See Pricing | See Pricing |
*Prices listed are estimates from Dr. Ruth Reisman. Costs will vary by location and provider.
Eargo
Pros About Eargo
- Less expensive than prescription hearing aids
- Easy to purchase online and in stores
- Provides good sound quality
Cons About Eargo
- Not for profound or severe hearing loss
- More expensive than some OTC brands
- No one-sided hearing loss solutions
Eargo is an OTC brand of hearing aids for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. You can buy Eargo hearing aids online and in select brick-and-mortar stores, such as chain pharmacies.
» Learn More: Eargo hearing aid review
Before purchasing our hearing aids, we took Eargo’s free online hearing screening. Once we got our results, an Eargo customer service professional connected us to let us know if the hearing aids were right for us. You do not need an audiogram (prescription) from an audiologist to buy Eargo hearing aids.
Expert Insights
From Dr. Ruth Reisman, Audiologist
Eargo offers the widest range of invisible-in-the-ear options that are also rechargeable. With the recent release of their prescription model, there is potentially an Eargo option for most patients.
If you have severe or profound hearing loss, Eargo hearing aids will not provide enough power to produce good results for you. But if you have mild to moderate hearing loss, they may be a good choice.
Eargo 7 in the charging case
Our team likes Eargo’s discreet styles. There are four hearing aids to choose from. Eargo 7, Eargo 6, and Eargo SE are all completely-in-canal (CIC) and virtually invisible when worn. Dr. Ruth Reisman, an audiologist on SeniorLiving.org’s panel of experts, likes the number of accessories that come with these hearing aids. You get virtually everything you need, from a sleek charging case to cleaning tools and extra microphone caps.
» Learn More: Eargo 7 Review and Eargo 6 Review
These three styles can all be programmed through the Eargo app. You’ll need a smartphone to get the most out of Eargo’s CIC styles. We found the app easy to use, and it helped us customize our listening experience to our unique needs. After tinkering with our settings in the app, we had a better listening experience and crisp and natural sound.
You can easily adjust your hearing aid settings in the Eargo mobile app.
LINK by Eargo is an earbud-style hearing aid that features direct streaming. One of our tech experts with mild hearing loss and tinnitus loves the ease of shifting back and forth between streaming music with Bluetooth to hearing the city sounds around her. LINK by Eargo is the only model that doesn’t connect to Eargo’s app.
Testing out LINK by Eargo, the company's earbud-style hearing aids.
All of Eargo’s devices produce clear sound with little feedback. They’re not as resonant or rich sounding as ReSound’s devices, but they do well at zeroing in on conversations in noisy environments.
ReSound
Pros About ReSound
- Technologically-advanced features
- Large line of styles
- Addresses all levels of hearing loss, from mild to profound
Cons About Resound
- Expensive
- Prices and warranties vary between providers
- Requires a doctor’s audiogram prescription
ReSound is an innovative, technologically-advanced manufacturer of prescription hearing aids. Dr. Brad Ingrao, one of our resident audiologists, calls ReSound a game changer in hearing technology.
» Related Reading: ReSound Hearing Aid Review
Their innovations include the early introduction of multichannel compression, and most recently, the adoption of Bluetooth low energy audio and Auracast. Auracast-enabled hearing aids produce crystal clear sound and require very little battery consumption. Next-generation Auracast broadcast audio is poised to be highly-used for audio streaming in public places over the next several years.
Testing out ReSound BTE hearing aids
Most importantly, ReSound hearing aids address all levels of hearing loss, while Eargo is only suitable for mild to moderate loss. If your hearing loss requires powerful devices, this brand will be a better fit for you. ReSound also offers a range of add-on accessories like the TV Streamer+. This accessory furthers your listening comfort, whether you’re alone or with others.
Expert Insights
From Dr. Ruth Reisman, Audiologist
ReSound offers some groundbreaking solutions that other manufactures don't, like a third M&RIE microphone to add natural canal elements to hearing, as well as Auracast Bluetooth connection and a lot of adjustment flexibility for a prescription hearing aid.
Eargo vs. ReSound Pricing
Eargo
Eargo hearing aids costs range from $799 per pair for LINK by Eargo to $2,950 per pair for Eargo 7. The price includes a 100-day risk-free trial and a one or two year warranty depending on the style you purchase. It also includes audiological support for the life of your hearing aids. You can connect with Eargo hearing care professionals through their app or via phone. We appreciate this easy access to support. ReSound requires in-person visits for follow-up care, making Eargo the more convenient option.
Did You Know?
Did You Know? Original Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids. If you’re on a budget and need prescription devices, you have the option of choosing a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan. Many Part C plans offer partial or full coverage.
Eargo is more expensive than some OTC brands we’ve reviewed, like MDHearing. However, Eargo offers more discrete, advanced devices and a mobile app, which MDHearing doesn’t have.
» Related Reading: The Best OTC Hearing Aids of 2024
ReSound
Prescription hearing aid brands, including ReSound, typically don’t publish their costs online. The provider you work with will set the cost and determine the length of your warranty and risk-free trial, if any. For that reason, ReSound’s costs will vary by provider. Geography and other factors will most likely play a role.
» Dive Deeper: ReSound Pricing Guide
Dr. Reisman estimates that you will pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,750 per ear (not per pair) for ReSound hearing aids. While this is a few thousand dollars more than Eargo, remember that ReSound offers support and advanced features that Eargo does not. In-person support from an audiologist who can customize your hearing aids is invaluable for those with more complex or higher levels of hearing loss.
Dr. Reisman can make adjustments to ReSound hearing aids to best suit her patient's needs
Follow-up Support
Eargo
We found Eargo’s audiological staff to be highly accessible, friendly, and informative. If you buy Eargo hearing aids, you will have access to support via the app, as well as on the phone, for the life of your hearing aids. However, they can’t provide input about the causes, underlying conditions, or acceleration of your hearing loss. For that, you’ll need to see an audiologist or Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor (ENT) in person.
ReSound
To purchase ReSound devices, you’ll work with a hearing care professional in their network. Your hearing specialist will fit you for your hearing aids. They’ll also provide you with follow-up support as needed.
ReSound providers can be found in most states. You can look up audiologists who sell ReSound using their search tool. Most audiologists sell several brands, so you can compare ReSound to comparable hearing aid types, such as Oticon and Phonak. This is a great benefit that you won’t get with Eargo.
Did You Know?
Did You Know? Hearing aids can slow down the progression of cognitive decline in seniors who are at high risk for dementia.1
Final Thoughts
Eargo is best for: Seniors with mild to moderate hearing loss who want a discrete device.
ReSound is best for: Seniors with any level of hearing loss who prefer to have support and ensure the best fit for their loss and needs.
Eargo is a good choice for people who have early onset hearing loss or mild to moderate hearing loss. If you have severe to profound hearing loss, a larger budget, or want more advanced hearing aids, ReSound may be a better choice.
No matter what your situation, don’t let lack of access or budgetary constraints stop you from getting the hearing support you need. Insurance, including Medicare, may cover hearing exams if they’re deemed medically necessary. Talk to your audiologist about your hearing loss and ask them about the solutions that make sense for you.
Citations
National Institutes of Health. (2023). Hearing aids slow cognitive decline in people at high risk.
Written By:
Corey Whelan
Health Writer and Patient Advocate
Corey has been writing about Medicare, senior living, and health for over 10 years. Her career spans 20+ years in the nonprofit sector, where she served as an educator and patient advocate for organizations including The American Fertility Association and… Learn More About Corey Whelan
Reviewed By:
Dr. Ruth Reisman
Audiologist
Ruth Reisman, AuD MBA, is a licensed audiologist and hearing aid dispenser in New York state and is certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association. She is an associate adjunct professor for the CUNY Graduate Center and Touro College… Learn More About Dr. Ruth Reisman
