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Eargo Link vs. Oticon Xceed

Check out our comparison of the Eargo Link vs Oticon Xceed. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.

Score
3.5
Eargo Link
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Eargo

Link

SoundScore 4.0/5
$799 per pair
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Oticon Xceed 1 BTE SP
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Featured Products
Oticon

Xceed 1 BTE SP

$4,598 per pair
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Link
$799 per pair
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Xceed
$4,598 per pair
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Product Overview

Link
Xceed
Form Factor
Form FactorNon-custom earbud style device.
Form FactorThis super-powerful type of hearing aid is fitted behind the ear and connects via tubing to a custom-fitted mold inside the ear.
Expert Rating
Score
3.5
N/A
User Rating
—
4.212 reviews
Hearing Loss LevelHearing Loss LevelThis represents HearingTracker's best guess on suitability. Please consult a licensed audiologist to confirm your own candidacy for this device.
MildModerate
ModerateSevereProfound
Product Features
RechargeableiPhoneAndroid
TelecoilIP68

Expert Ratings

Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.

Link
Xceed

HearingTracker Score

Link
3.5AVERAGE

The 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 review
Xceed

Not yet rated by our experts

HearAdvisor SoundScore

Link
4.0ABOVE AVERAGE

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.

Xceed

Not yet rated by our experts

Build Quality

Link
3.8BELOW AVERAGE

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.

Xceed

Not yet rated by our experts

Battery

Link
2.9BELOW AVERAGE

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.

Xceed

Not yet rated by our experts

Bluetooth

Link
5.0EXCELLENT

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.

Xceed

Not yet rated by our experts

Comfort

Link
4.0AVERAGE

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.

Xceed

Not yet rated by our experts

Design

Link
4.5EXCELLENT

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.

Xceed

Not yet rated by our experts

Value

Link
3.6AVERAGE

The Eargo Link offers solid performance for its $799 price point, though several competitors in the same price range achieve higher scores.

Xceed

Not yet rated by our experts

Handling

Link
3.5BELOW AVERAGE

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.

Xceed

Not yet rated by our experts

Pro Support

Link
1.0BELOW AVERAGE

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.

Xceed

Not yet rated by our experts

Lab Recordings

Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.

Link
Xceed
Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Link
Xceed

Lab recordings not yet available

Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Link
Xceed

Lab recordings not yet available

Streaming MusicStreaming MusicStreaming music provides a full range of bass and treble
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Link
Xceed

Lab recordings not yet available

HearingTracker partners with HearAdvisor to provide recordings and performance data from an acoustic laboratory that follows standard scientific procedures. All hearing aids are fitted and performance-tested for mild sloping to moderate hearing loss. All audio samples cutoff above 10kHz.

Accessories

Compatible accessories for each hearing aid

Link
Xceed
Battery Charger

Link Charger

Charges Link by Eargo OTC hearing aids.

None
CROS System
None

CROS

Oticon CROS sends a wireless signal via Near Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) from the poorer ear to a receiver on the better ear.

CROS PX

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.

Landline to Streaming
None

Phone Adapter 2.0

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.

Remote Control
None

Remote Control 3.0

ConnectClip+3

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.

Companion App+2

App that lets you adjust the volume, mute your hearing aids, and change listening programs. Includes streaming EQ and remote care.

Smartphone App
None

On App

Lets you control your hearing aids from your smartphone and interact with other Internet-connected devices and services.

TV Streamer
None

TV Adapter 3.0

Streams TV audio directly to your hearing aids at the volume you choose with an effective range of up to 45 feet.

Hardware

Link
Xceed
Bluetooth® AudioBluetooth® AudioThis hearing aid is capable of streaming Bluetooth® audio certain phones and/or devices.
  • Bluetooth® (A2DP)
  • Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
Disposable BatteriesDisposable BatteriesCommon disposable batteries last anywhere from a few days to two weeks or more. For more information Google "how long do hearing aid batteries last" and click on the Hearing Tracker link.
No
675
Hands-Free CallingHands-Free CallingIt is possible to have a hands-free phone call with this hearing aid. You are not required to hold the phone up to your mouth.
—
  • Accessory required
IP RatingIP RatingIP Ratings rate sealing effectiveness of hearing aids against intrusion from foreign solid matter (dirt, dust) and moisture.
No
IP68
Push ButtonPush ButtonThe hearing aid features a push button which allows toggling across different sound processing programs
No
  • Program control
  • Volume Control
  • Mute control
Rechargeable BatteriesRechargeable BatteriesCharge your batteries overnight in a docking station and get a full day's use (in most cases) of battery life the following day.
Lithium-ion
No
Tap ControlsTap ControlsThe hearing aid may be controlled by physically tapping it with your fingers.
  • Change program
  • Accept/end calls
  • Pause/Resume
  • ANC On/Off
No
TelecoilTelecoilThe hearing aid is able to pick up audio from landline telephones or public audio systems without using its acoustic microphones. This minimizes background noise and improves clarity and understanding, even over great distances. At performing arts venues, events, government meetings, etc., look for assistive listening systems (hearing loop, FM, and infrared systems), which must be provided at no cost under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other international regulations.
No
Yes
Volume RockerVolume RockerA volume rocker or wheel to allows the adjustment of volume with a finger.
No
Yes

Software Features

Link
Xceed
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)ANC is different than typical hearing aid noise reduction in that it reduces both steady state and dynamic background noise using sound wave inversion.
Yes
No
Adaptive AdjustmentsAdaptive AdjustmentsSome hearing aids may use the volume control to do more than just control the volume or control a program. User-adjustments can be custom-tailored to the hearing aid wearer so that the volume control may have an impact on pitch and other variables.
No
Yes
Adjustment BandsAdjustment BandsThese are frequency-divided sections that can be adjusted in a hearing aid in order to amplify sounds. Although there are rarely more than 10 frequencies measured in a hearing assessment, having more bands that can be adjusted may allow for improved speech understanding and user comfort.
No
14
Adjustment SynchronizationAdjustment SynchronizationThis feature allows for a more pleasant listening experience by ensuring that both hearing aids process sound the same way. If one hearing aid changes its processing in response to noise or speech, it will send a wireless signal to the other hearing aid so both process sound in the same way.
No
Binaural CoordinationBinaural CoordinationCoordinates program and volume settings between the two hearing aids
Automatic Phone ProgramAutomatic Phone ProgramHearing aids with this feature can detect when a phone is placed near them and automatically switch to a phone program. In this setting, the hearing aids will reduce background noise and increase the volume of the phone.
No
AutoPhoneAutoPhoneAutomatically activates a phone program in the hearing aid for telephones with a dedicated magnet
Better Ear FocusBetter Ear FocusSome modern hearing aids can share sound from one ear to the other. In some cases the sound from the less noisy side can be shared to the other ear, enabling the listener to hear a cleaner sound in both ears.
No
Binaural Noise ManagementBinaural Noise ManagementWhen the SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) is determined to be significantly better at one of the hearing aids as compared to the other, a series of adjustments are made to try to maximize the audibility in the ear where the speech signal is clearest and to suppress the competition in the ear with poorer signal conditions.
DirectionalityDirectionalityDepending on the types and number of microphones a hearing aid has, the hearing aid may be able to boost sounds from specific directions (by reducing sounds from other directions). This can be helpful to focus on a speaker directly in front of the hearing aid user, as well as to give the user information about where different sounds are coming from.
No
Multiple Directionality OptionsMultiple Directionality OptionsEnables conventional directionality settings in addition to OpenSound Navigator™ transition settings
Ear SimulationEar SimulationThe outer ear, or pinna, can have a significant effect on the frequency shape of sound arriving at your inner ear. Some hearing aids mimic the "pinna effect" when producing sound, to deliver more natural sound to the listener.
No
Pinna OmniPinna OmniIn Pinna Omni (directionality setting), the hearing aid mimics sound as received by the human ear.
Environmental AdaptationEnvironmental AdaptationThe hearing aid can detect different acoustical environments, like speech in noise, and adjust the sound of the hearing aid accordingly to drive comfort or speech understanding, etc.
No
Yes
ExpansionExpansionExpansion reduces audibility for very soft sounds. This can help to remove microphone noise, which is generated by soft environmental sounds.
No
Yes
Extended Dynamic RangeExtended Dynamic RangeExtended dynamic range typically makes louder sound clearer. This may help with the reproduction of loud music or loud speech in a very noisy environment.
No
Clear DynamicsClear DynamicsClear Dynamics expands the input dynamic range, processing input sounds up to 113 dB SPL, to provide better sound quality without distortion and artifact at loud input levels, while still keeping the sound quality of soft input levels intact. Clear Dynamics has an operating range from 5 to 113 dB SPL. With speech cues preserved at high input levels, users enjoy a better listening experience without distortion even in loud environments. Clear Dynamics is especially valuable for users when listening to music or in conversations in busy, dynamic environments, where peaks can often be louder than the available input dynamic range.
Feedback SuppressionFeedback SuppressionIf any sound amplified by the hearing aid escapes the ear canal, it may reach the hearing aid’s own microphone and cause a harsh whistling noise. Some hearing aids are able to recognize when this feedback occurs and reduce or eliminate it.
Yes
Feedback shield LXFeedback shield LXEmploys an ultra-fast and effective feedback management system that prevents feedback without compromising sound quality or audibilityOpenSound Optimizer™OpenSound Optimizer™OpenSound Optimizer analyses amplified sound at an astonishing 56,000 times/sec so it can detect and prevent audible feedback proactively, even before it occurs. This enables you to fit users with up to 6 dB more gain, in an open fitting – without the risk of feedback.
Frequency LoweringFrequency LoweringUnderstanding certain speech sounds is dependent on the high frequency parts of these sounds. For individuals with high frequency hearing loss, this feature can take high frequency speech information and move it to lower frequencies where it will be audible.
No
Speech Rescue™ LXSpeech Rescue™ LXMakes high frequency sounds more audible
Listening ProgramsListening ProgramsNumber of manually accessible listening programs (using push button, remote, app, or other switching method)
No
4
Machine Noise ReductionMachine Noise ReductionNoise reduction for loud machine noise.
No
Yes
New User AdaptationNew User AdaptationProvider may set the hearing aid to gradually get louder over the first few weeks or months of a new hearing aid fitting. This can be convenient for new users who want to experience maximum benefit without making a lot of trips to the provider for tune ups.
No
Adaptation ManagementAdaptation ManagementAdapts in 3 steps for gradual user acclimatization to a new hearing aid
Noise ReductionNoise ReductionThis feature uses modern hearing aids’ processing power to examine the incoming sound signal, determine if noise is present and reduce the volume of the troublesome sound to increase comfort.
Yes
Maximum noise removal: 9 dBMaximum noise removalHow much noise is removed when using the OpenSound Navigator™ to help understand speech in a noisy environment?
Occlusion ReductionOcclusion ReductionWhen ears are plugged, or occluded, by hearing aids the low frequencies from one’s own voice are amplified and may be uncomfortable. This effect is typically reduced in hearing aids through venting or open-fit models. In some cases the perception of occlusion may also be reduced through software by adjusting the acoustic output of the hearing aid.
No
Yes
Phone Ear FocusPhone Ear FocusWhen on a phone call, some hearing aids can focus amplification on the phone ear and reduce amplification in the non-phone ear.
No
Yes
Power On DelayPower On DelayWhen you close the battery door to turn on your hearing aid, the hearing aid won't start producing sound for a certain amount of time. This can alleviate whistling (feedback) sound that sometimes occurs while inserting your hearing aid.
No
Yes
Preference AdaptationPreference AdaptationIf a hearing aid user frequently adjusts the volume or program settings of their devices, some hearing aids will recognize when and where these changes are made and begin automatically making these changes in those settings.
No
YouMatic™ LX: 3 configurationsYouMatic™ LXAccommodates personal listening preferences and sound perceptions in the prescription of gain and automatics
Processing ChannelsProcessing ChannelsThese are all the frequency-divided sections the hearing aid is able to examine at a single time. The hearing aid uses this information to determine whether the contents of each section are noise, speech, or something else and amplify the sound in each section accordingly.
No
48
Soft Speech BoostSoft Speech BoostMore aggressive amplification for softer speech sounds
No
Soft Speech Booster LXSoft Speech Booster LXOticon’s proprietary fitting rationale, VAC+, uses multiple kneepoints to provide a clear focus on soft to moderate speech information while preserving comfortable perception of louder sounds.
Spatial Noise CancellationSpatial Noise CancellationThis feature recognizes where sounds are coming from and can reduce noise coming from behind or to the side of the listener. This helps the listener focus on the speaker, usually in front of them.
No
Balancing power effect: 100%
Stereo Audio StreamingStereo Audio StreamingSome hearing aids and hearing aid accessories (including iPhones) allow streaming audio in stereo.
No
Stereo streaming (2.4 GHz)Stereo streaming (2.4 GHz)Streams audio input in stereo
Streaming Bass BoostStreaming Bass BoostBoosts bass when streaming audio
No
Bass BoostBass BoostControls compensation for bass leakage in open fittings when streaming audio
Sudden Loud Noise ReductionSudden Loud Noise ReductionThis feature detects loud sounds and reduces their volume to a comfortable level. Though not a replacement for hearing protection, this technology can greatly improve listener comfort.
No
Transient Noise Management: 4 configurationsTransient Noise ManagementProtects against sudden loud sounds with fast recovery to preserve audibility; offers four different levels for fine tuning, including ‘off’
Tinnitus ReliefTinnitus ReliefTinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be addressed by hearing aids in several different ways, such as introducing a soft therapeutic signal or targeted notched noise.
No
Tinnitus SoundSupport™Tinnitus SoundSupport™Select from a wide range of customizable tinnitus relief sounds that are dynamic, yet soothing — including broadband sounds (white, pink and red noise) and natural, ocean-like sounds.
Unique Amplification StrategyUnique Amplification StrategyHearing aids all process sounds a little bit differently. Sometimes it varies even within one model.
No
Speech Guard™ LX: Level 1Speech Guard™ LXSpeech Guard LX preserves clear, transparent sound quality and speech details for better speech understanding with less effort even in complex environments.
Wind Noise ReductionWind Noise ReductionAs wind blows against the microphones of hearing aids, unpleasant noise may be generated. Some hearing aids have the ability to recognize this wind noise and reduce its level. Such reductions may also affect the audibility of desired sounds, like speech.
No
Wind Noise ManagementWind Noise ManagementProtects against the discomfort of wind noise