Check out our comparison of the Eargo Link vs Sennheiser Sonite Rise. 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.
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 reviewThe 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Eargo Link offers solid performance for its $799 price point, though several competitors in the same price range achieve higher scores.
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.
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.
Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.
Compatible accessories for each hearing aid
Charges Link by Eargo OTC hearing aids.
The TV Connector is a small accessory that sends audio from a TV or other audio source directly to compatible hearing aids. It connects to the audio source using either an optical TOSLINK cable or a 3.5 mm analog cable, and it is powered through micro-USB. Once set up, it can stream audio wirelessly to paired hearing aids from up to about 15 m / 50 ft away, although walls, furniture, or other obstacles may reduce the range. In everyday use, the device is meant to work mostly in the background: when the TV or audio source is on, it transmits sound to the hearing aids; when no audio is detected, it goes into standby. Users can adjust the streamed audio volume using buttons on the device, and compatible hearing aids may also allow balancing TV sound against surrounding environmental sound. It supports Dolby Audio, stereo, and mono signals, but not DTS, so some TVs may require an audio-setting change or use of the analog cable instead.
The Remote Control is a handheld accessory for compatible hearing aids that lets the user adjust volume and switch between hearing aid programs without using the hearing aids themselves or an app. It has separate volume up and down buttons, a program-change button, an on/off slider, an indicator light, and a battery door. It must be paired with the hearing aids before use, but pairing is only needed once; after that, it reconnects automatically. The remote uses a replaceable CR2032 lithium button-cell battery rather than a rechargeable battery. Each press of the program button moves the hearing aids to the next available program, while the plus and minus buttons raise or lower volume. Changes are applied to both hearing aids at the same time, and the hearing aids may play a confirmation beep depending on how they are configured. The guide also notes that its Bluetooth range is about 1 m, so it is meant for close-range control rather than long-distance operation.
The PartnerMic is a small clip-on microphone designed to be worn by a conversation partner so their voice can be streamed directly to compatible hearing aids. It is intended for situations where the listener wants clearer access to one person’s speech, especially when distance or background noise makes conversation harder. The microphone can be clipped to clothing or worn on a lanyard, with the guide recommending placement about 20 cm / 8 inches below the speaker’s mouth and no more than 50 cm / 20 inches away. The device has a built-in rechargeable battery, charges by USB-C, and typically takes about 2 hours to charge. It pairs once with the hearing aids and then reconnects after being turned off and on. Its streaming range is up to 25 m / 80 ft, though walls, furniture, and even the human body can reduce stability or cause dropouts. Volume is adjusted through the hearing aids or the companion app rather than directly on the microphone.
The Easy Line Remote app is a smartphone app for compatible hearing aids that lets users adjust their hearing settings and view basic hearing-related health data. It can be used to change volume, switch listening programs, adjust features such as noise reduction and microphone directionality, and fine-tune sound using equalizer presets or manual bass, middle, and treble sliders. The app also supports remote appointments with a hearing care professional, allowing hearing aid adjustments to be made during a live video call. Depending on the hearing aid model, it may track health-related information such as step count, wearing time, goals, and activity levels. It can also show battery level and device status, configure touch controls, set cleaning reminders, and provide information about connected hearing aids and accessories.
The TV Connector is a small accessory that sends audio from a TV or other audio source directly to compatible hearing aids. It connects to the audio source using either an optical TOSLINK cable or a 3.5 mm analog cable, and it is powered through micro-USB. Once set up, it can stream audio wirelessly to paired hearing aids from up to about 15 m / 50 ft away, although walls, furniture, or other obstacles may reduce the range. In everyday use, the device is meant to work mostly in the background: when the TV or audio source is on, it transmits sound to the hearing aids; when no audio is detected, it goes into standby. Users can adjust the streamed audio volume using buttons on the device, and compatible hearing aids may also allow balancing TV sound against surrounding environmental sound. It supports Dolby Audio, stereo, and mono signals, but not DTS, so some TVs may require an audio-setting change or use of the analog cable instead.