Eargo Link vs. Phonak Lyric 4

Check out our comparison of the Eargo Link vs Phonak Lyric 4. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.

Eargo Link
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Eargo

Link

SoundScore 4.0/5
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Phonak Lyric 4
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Phonak

Lyric 4

Link
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Lyric 4
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Product Overview

Link
Lyric 4
Form Factor
Form FactorNon-custom earbud style device.
Form FactorExtended wear hearing aids are placed deep into the canal and kept there for a few months. When the battery expires the aid is disposed of and replaced by a fresh device.
Expert Rating
N/A
N/A
User Rating
3.818 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
MildModerate
Product Features
RechargeableiPhoneAndroid

Expert Ratings

Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.

Link
Lyric 4

HearAdvisor SoundScore

Link
4.0AVERAGE

Eargo Link achieved a SoundScore of 4.0/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #14 of 63 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.49/5.

Lyric 4

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.

Lyric 4

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.

Lyric 4

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.

Lyric 4

Not yet rated by our experts

Comfort

Link
4.0BELOW AVERAGE

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.

Lyric 4

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.

Lyric 4

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.

Lyric 4

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.

Lyric 4

Not yet rated by our experts

Lab Recordings

Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.

Link
Lyric 4
Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
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Link
Lyric 4

Lab recordings not yet available

Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
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Link
Lyric 4

Lab recordings not yet available

Streaming MusicStreaming MusicStreaming music provides a full range of bass and treble
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Link
Lyric 4

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
Lyric 4
Battery Charger

Link Charger

Charges Link by Eargo OTC hearing aids.

None
IIC Adjustment ToolIIC Adjustment ToolAllows users to adjust an IIC hearing aid with a magnetic tool.
None

SoundLync

Hardware

Link
Lyric 4
Bluetooth® AudioBluetooth® AudioThis hearing aid is capable of streaming Bluetooth® audio certain phones and/or devices.
  • Bluetooth® (A2DP)
  • Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
No
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.
No
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

Software Features

Link
Lyric 4
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
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
No
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
No