Eargo SE vs Yeasound RIC800

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 Yeasound RIC800 is a mid-priced OTC hearing aid that earned an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.8/5 in our lab testing, placing it #2 among 65 OTC devices tested. At $659, this behind-the-ear rechargeable device delivers performance that significantly outpaces the category average of 3.71/5. Speech clarity is a standout strength. The RIC800 scores 4.4/5 for speech in quiet—a strong result that sits 1.63 points above the OTC category average. Speech in noise performance is more mixed at 2.4/5, though this still lands 0.93 points above the typical OTC device. Music streaming is where this device truly excels, scoring 4.3/5 and outperforming the category average by a substantial 2.38 points—making it one of the better choices for consumers who frequently stream audio from their phone. Feedback handling is excellent at 5.0/5, meaning users shouldn't encounter whistling issues during normal wear. The tradeoff comes with own-voice comfort, which scores 2.1/5—a mixed result that falls 0.41 points below the category average. Some users may notice their own voice sounds more hollow or boomy than expected. The RIC800 earned a 2025 Expert's Choice Award and supports both iPhone and Android streaming. For consumers seeking strong speech performance and exceptional streaming quality in the OTC space, this device represents a compelling option. Those particularly sensitive to own-voice quality may want to compare alternatives, but overall performance places the RIC800 among the top tier of OTC hearing aids we've tested.