Eargo SE vs Sony CRE-E10

The Eargo SE is a premium-priced OTC hearing aid ($1,699) featuring an invisible-in-ear design. In our lab testing, it earned a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.2/5, placing it in the top 85% of the OTC hearing aid category—ranking #56 of 65 devices tested. Speech performance presents a mixed picture. The Eargo SE scores 3.2/5 for speech in quiet, a solid result that sits 0.43 points above the category average. However, speech in noise performance is low at 1.3/5, falling 0.23 points below average. Feedback handling is excellent at 4.6/5, slightly above the category average, meaning users can expect stable performance without whistling issues during normal use. The most significant limitation is music streaming, which scores 0.0/5—nearly 2 points below the category average. Users who prioritize streaming audio from their phones should be aware of this substantial weakness. Own-voice comfort scores a mixed 2.4/5, just slightly below the category average. At its premium price point, the Eargo SE faces stiff competition. Several OTC alternatives deliver comparable or better sound performance at lower prices. The invisible-in-ear form factor is the Eargo SE's primary differentiator, appealing to users who prioritize cosmetic discretion. Those who value the nearly invisible design and primarily need help with speech in quieter environments may find the Eargo SE suitable, but buyers seeking balanced performance across streaming and challenging listening situations should explore alternatives.

The Sony CRE-E10 is a mid-priced OTC hearing aid that earns an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.7/5, placing it in the top 3% of the 65 OTC hearing aids tested in our lab. At $998, this visible-in-ear style device delivers performance that competes with the best in its category. Speech performance is a standout strength. Speech in quiet scores a strong 4.3/5, sitting 1.46 points above the category average. Speech in noise reaches a solid 3.3/5, which is 1.77 points above average—a meaningful advantage for conversations in challenging environments. Music streaming quality is another highlight at 4.0/5, exceeding the category average by over 2 points, making it a strong choice for users who value audio fidelity when streaming from their iPhone. The device does have limitations. Own voice comfort scores a low 1.7/5, falling 0.81 points below the category average—users sensitive to the sound of their own voice may find this bothersome. Feedback handling is solid in absolute terms at 3.4/5 but sits 1.14 points below the category average, suggesting slightly less stability margin than many OTC competitors. The CRE-E10 is best suited for users who prioritize speech clarity and streaming quality and are less sensitive to own-voice perception. It has earned HearAdvisor's Expert's Choice Award for three consecutive years (2023–2025), reflecting its consistent strong performance in lab testing.