Eargo 8 vs. Lucid Hearing Engage

Eargo 8 is Eargo's latest flagship OTC hearing aid, featuring automatic sound environment adjustments, enhanced audio fidelity, and patented device-health monitoring. Designed for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, it emphasizes user convenience, extended battery life, and robust customer support.

It features Bluetooth streaming, app-controlled personalizable sound settings, and rechargeable batteries, and can be purchased online or in stores like Best Buy, Walmart, and Sam's Club.

Eargo 8 achieved a SoundScore of 2.85/5 and a SoundGrade of C in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #39 of 61 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.

Lucid Engage achieved a SoundScore of 4.49/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #5 of 61 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.

Eargo 8 hearing aids appear to be well build with an IP68 rating, offering great protection against moisture and debris. The portable charging case is also a nice addition and should protect Eargo well when not in use.

Engage has an ingress rating of IP22 indicating it does not offer the greatest protection against moisture and debris. T

Eargo are extremely small making their 16 hour rechargeable battery life impressive. The case offers additional on-the-go power and I found the magnetic charging bays a nice easy to use addition.

With a reported battery life of up to 20 hours you should make it through the day on a single charge. One downside though is the case does not have a power bank and must be plugged in to charge.

Not yet rated by our experts

Engage's audio streaming is not the highest fidelity but it works with both iOS and Android mobile devices. Hands-free calling is not available at this time.

I found Eargo's app to be packed full of useful features like the Sound Match hearing assessment and automatic noise reduction controls. You have plenty of options for personalization though adjustments are not always reliable as Eargo relies on phone speaker commands instead of Bluetooth.

Lucid's app offers many useful features, like the 7-band equalizer LucidShape, and recently received an update improving the overall appearance. You will definitely want to use the app to get the most out of Engage hearing aids.

Comfort will vary by individuals depending on your tolerance to a deeper fitting hearing aid. Overall, I found them moderately comfortable through they can cause a tickling ear sensation due to their fit.

Engage is lightweight and fit comfortably like other behind-the-ear style hearing aids. Their licensed professionals can help if you need assistance with comfort or ear tip selection.

Eargo's instant-fit, completely-in-the-canal, style is unique discrete. If you are interested in a nearly-invisible OTC hearing aid you will love their design.

Engage are not the most sleek or modern looking hearing aids but they are small enough where they remain mostly invisible behind your ear.

Eargo 8 has a value score of 2.0/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Lucid Engage has a value score of 4.4/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Handling can be challenging with Eargo 8 due to the small size and reliance on tap controls. Furthermore, Eargo relies on acoustic indicators for wireless communication, which is less reliable than Bluetooth and caused me several problems.

Engage are straightforward and offer decent button controls, though you will want to install the associated app. If this is your first time wearing RIC, or receiver-in-canal, devices, contact their support team for guidance on proper wear.

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.

Lucid is a step above some other OTC companies as they offer lifetime support from licensed professionals. This is not the same as in person can but it is a great addition even for those familiar with hearing aids.