Check out our comparison of the Eargo 8 vs Oticon Intent. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.
Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.
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.
Read full reviewOticon Intent is a top-tier flagship with excellent lab-verified speech performance, strong streaming and connectivity, and smart features like 4D sensors and fast charging, though its slightly bulkier fit, simpler button controls, and the still early LE Audio and Auracast rollout may be drawbacks for some users.
Read full reviewEargo 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.
Oticon Intent achieved a SoundScore of 4.70/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #1 of 35 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.91/5.
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.
Intent offer excellent moisture and dust protection with an ingress rating of IP68. Both the hearing aids and case are well build and ready for daily use.
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 battery life of up to 20 hours, longer without streaming, Intent should last you all day. This is an improvement over their previous generation Real which offered up to 16 hours.
I found Intent to offer easy and stable wireless connection. Their audio quality while streaming music, and during hands-free calling, was good and comparable to other prescription hearing aids.
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.
I found the Companion app easy to navigate and use. Other prescription hearing aid companies offer more in-depth apps, but there is still plenty of opportunity to customize settings from your mobile device. The HearingFitness component is also a nice feature for those who like to actively track their progress.
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.
Oticon Intent were extremely comfortable and lightweight in my ears. In general, hearing care providers can make numerous physical changes to prescription hearing aids like Real to improve comfort.
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.
Intent are sleek modern looking prescription hearing aids offering a smaller overall size than their previous generation Real. They also allow you to customize the look of your hearing aids with an array of color options.
Eargo 8 has a value score of 2.0/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
Oticon Intent has a value score of 3.3/5 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.
Intent are easy to use and adjust either with the multi-function button or Oticon Companion app. I had no issues making adjustments with either.
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.
Prescription hearing aids like Real are fit by hearing care providers so you should receive quality care. The Oticon Companion app also opens the possibility for remote programming and virtual follow-up appointments.
Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.
Compatible accessories for each hearing aid
The Eargo 8 charger is a compact, USB-C and wireless-compatible case that provides up to 14 full charges, with clear LED indicators for device and case battery levels, Bluetooth pairing, and error states. It includes cradles with charging contacts, a reset button, and requires regular cleaning to ensure optimal device performance and hygiene.
Direct contact charger with magnets for secure device fitting.
A hearing aid charger for Oticon Intent hearing aids. Includes a power bank for charging on the go.
Transmits audio to your hearing aids from a distance, lets you make hands-free phone calls, and adjusts your hearing aid volume and program settings.
Oticon CROS sends a wireless signal via Near Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) from the poorer ear to a receiver on the better ear.
The new Oticon CROS PX is rechargeable and offers TwinLink™ dual streaming technology, which provides access to more sounds in challenging listening environments and handles wireless streaming at the same time.
The Oticon Phone Adapter 2.0 enables hearing aid users to connect to their landline phones via the ConnectClip accessory. Wireless, hands-free phone conversations are enabled when the ConnectClip is worn on the body.
A hearing aid charger for Oticon Intent hearing aids. Includes a power bank for charging on the go.
App that lets you adjust the volume, mute your hearing aids, and change listening programs. Includes streaming EQ and remote care.
The Eargo app allows users to perform Sound Match personalization, select listening programs, and control volume and tone.
Transmits audio to your hearing aids from a distance, lets you make hands-free phone calls, and adjusts your hearing aid volume and program settings.
App that lets you adjust the volume, mute your hearing aids, and change listening programs. Includes streaming EQ and remote care.
Transmits audio to your hearing aids from a distance, lets you make hands-free phone calls, and adjusts your hearing aid volume and program settings.
The Eargo app allows users to perform Sound Match personalization, select listening programs, and control volume and tone.
App that lets you adjust the volume, mute your hearing aids, and change listening programs. Includes streaming EQ and remote care.
Transmits audio to your hearing aids from a distance, lets you make hands-free phone calls, and adjusts your hearing aid volume and program settings.
Streams TV audio directly to your hearing aids at the volume you choose with an effective range of up to 45 feet.