Cearvol Wave vs. Eargo Link
Check out our comparison of the Cearvol Wave vs Eargo Link. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.
Product Overview
Expert Ratings
Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.
The Cearvol Wave is a budget-friendly OTC hearing aid with a visible in-ear design, Bluetooth streaming, app-based personalization, AUX-IN support, and a charging case that can double as a remote microphone. In HearAdvisor lab testing, it earned a strong 4.32/5 SoundScore, with especially impressive speech-in-noise performance for its $399 price. The main trade-off is own-voice comfort, where users may notice a more plugged-up or boomy sound. A full HearingTracker review is still pending.
Read full reviewThe Link by Eargo is an over-the-counter hearing aid designed to offer discreet and user-friendly hearing enhancement. It features advanced sound processing technology, competitive pricing, and has been positively reviewed by independent labs for its performance and reliability.
Read full reviewCearvol Wave achieved a SoundScore of 4.37/5 in HearAdvisor lab testing. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.
The Eargo Link achieved a SoundGrade of B and ranked in the top 23% in the OTC Hearing Aid category. With a SoundScore of 4.00/5, it performs above the category average of 3.43, demonstrating competitive overall sound quality in HearAdvisor's standardized testing protocol.
We found Cearvol Wave to feel well built, especially the portable charging case, though they have a lower IPx5 rating. This suggests you should take extra care and limit exposing them to moisture and debris.
The Eargo Link seem to be a slight regression in build quality and have an IP54 rating, which is lower than other Eargo models. This means they are not water-proof and will require extra care to continue working well long term.
Wave's battery life falls below many other hearing aids with a max use time of up to 10 hours per charge. You can expect shorter run times in their Restaurant program and with heavy use of Wave's wireless audio features. While this could be better, Wave offer a quick-charge feature where 15 minute in the case gives you an additional 3 hours of use.
I liked the portable charging case and magnetic locks. However, the 9 hour rechargeable battery life means they will not last all day and will be better suited for situational use rather than all-day hearing help.
Cearvol Wave are Bluetooth compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing for audio streaming and hands-free calling. The case also offers unique additional wireless features.
I was impressed with Eargo Link's audio quality for both streaming and hands-free calls. The Bluetooth 5.3 compatibility is a significant upgrade from Eargo's other products that don't support streaming.
We found the Cearvol mobile app to offer many useful features for general sound customization. The user-interface could be modernized, though the large numbers and icons make it easier to see what you are adjusting.
I found Wave comfortable to wear with a nice "twist-in" feel. My main complaint is that they protrude slightly from the ear which can make them more prone to catching on things.
Link were moderately comfortable in my ears and feel like typical wireless earbuds. I was able to switch through the included ear tips to find the right fit for both comfort and sound quality.
Wave offer a modern earbud-like design. This, along with their black and silver color, make them very noticeable in your ears. Depending on your preferences this can be a pro or a con.
With their modern earbud-like appearance, Link is definitely more bold than other Eargo models. While I like the earbud look, you will have to decide whether you prefer a more discrete hearing aid option.
Cearvol Wave has a value score of 4.9/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
The Eargo Link offers solid performance for its $799 price point, though several competitors in the same price range achieve higher scores.
Handling is one area where Wave shine. The portable charging case includes a touch-screen and doubles as a wireless remote control for your hearing aids. It also offers additional features like a remote microphone and direct audio input.
Instead of typical multi-function buttons, Link uses touch sensors. These worked well, and more reliably than other products I've tested, though the app would be a nice addition for manual controls.
Cearvol mention offering both remote and online support from hearing care providers. You also have 24/5 access to their support specialists. In my experiences, they are quick to respond and you can easily receive help from a human.
Eargo is one of the first direct to consumer hearing aids, but support is unfortunately limited to to their Client Care team and personal hearing professionals. While Eargo claims they work alongside audiologists, it is not the same as direct professional hearing care.
Lab Recordings
Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.
Accessories
Compatible accessories for each hearing aid
Wave Charger
The Cearvol Wave includes a rechargeable charging case with a built-in LCD display that shows the battery status of both hearing aids and the case itself. The hearing aids provide up to 24 hours of runtime per charge, while the 400 mAh charging case stores additional power for on-the-go charging. Beyond charging, the case doubles as a remote microphone for one-on-one conversations and includes a 3.5 mm AUX input that can stream audio from TVs and other compatible devices directly to the hearing aids.
Link Charger
Charges Link by Eargo OTC hearing aids.
Wave Charger
The Cearvol Wave includes a rechargeable charging case with a built-in LCD display that shows the battery status of both hearing aids and the case itself. The hearing aids provide up to 24 hours of runtime per charge, while the 400 mAh charging case stores additional power for on-the-go charging. Beyond charging, the case doubles as a remote microphone for one-on-one conversations and includes a 3.5 mm AUX input that can stream audio from TVs and other compatible devices directly to the hearing aids.
Wave Charger
The Cearvol Wave includes a rechargeable charging case with a built-in LCD display that shows the battery status of both hearing aids and the case itself. The hearing aids provide up to 24 hours of runtime per charge, while the 400 mAh charging case stores additional power for on-the-go charging. Beyond charging, the case doubles as a remote microphone for one-on-one conversations and includes a 3.5 mm AUX input that can stream audio from TVs and other compatible devices directly to the hearing aids.
Hardware
- Bluetooth® (A2DP)
- Bluetooth® (A2DP)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
- Bluetooth® (HFP)
- Volume Control
- Change program
- Accept/end calls
- Change program
- Accept/end calls
- Pause/Resume
- ANC On/Off