Eargo SE vs Widex Allure RIC 440

The Eargo SE is a premium-priced OTC hearing aid at $1,699, featuring an invisible-in-ear design and earning a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.1/5 in our lab testing. This places it in the top 85% of the OTC hearing aid category, ranking #56 of 65 devices tested. In our testing, the Eargo SE demonstrated solid performance in speech clarity for quiet environments, scoring 3.2/5—0.43 points above the category average. Feedback handling was excellent at 4.6/5, meaning users should experience stable performance without whistling issues. However, the device showed limitations in challenging listening situations, with speech in noise scoring 1.3/5, which falls 0.23 points below the category average. A notable weakness is the complete absence of music streaming capability, scoring 0.0/5 compared to the category average of 1.92/5. Own-voice comfort scored 2.4/5, slightly below the category average. These mixed results suggest the Eargo SE prioritizes its discreet form factor over comprehensive audio features. The Eargo SE may appeal to users who prioritize an invisible design and primarily need help hearing conversations in quieter settings. However, given its premium price point and the availability of alternatives like the Jabra Enhance Select 50R that deliver stronger overall scores at lower prices, value-conscious consumers may want to explore other options before committing.

The Widex Allure RIC 440 is a premium prescription hearing aid released in 2025, priced at $4,398. In HearAdvisor's lab testing, it earned an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.7/5, ranking #7 among 39 prescription hearing aids tested—placing it in the top 15% of its category. This device delivers excellent speech clarity in quiet environments, scoring 4.4/5—a strong result that sits 1.04 points above the category average of 3.40/5. Speech understanding in noisy settings scores 2.3/5, which is above the category average but only mixed in absolute terms. Own-voice comfort is solid at 3.0/5, sitting 0.30 points above average. The most significant limitation is feedback handling, which scores just 1.7/5—a low result that falls 3.02 points below the category average of 4.72/5. Music streaming performance is mixed at 2.7/5, essentially matching the category average. These feedback challenges may require careful management during fitting and daily use. The Allure RIC 440 features rechargeable batteries, iPhone and Android streaming, and hands-free calling capability. At this premium price point, competitors like the Phonak Sphere Infinio (4.98/5) and Oticon Intent (4.83/5) offer higher overall scores. This hearing aid is best suited for users who prioritize speech clarity in quieter listening situations and can work with their hearing care professional to manage feedback limitations.