Earlens

Earlens Reviews

Our promise. We provide a buying advantage with verified reviews and unbiased editorial research.

Our Buyers Guide Top Picks:

Eargo

Eargo Reviews

Get Pricing

About Earlens

Earlens produces light-driven hearing aids rather than acoustic-boosting devices. This new technology uses light in order to make your eardrum vibrate, which your ear perceives as sound. Earlens hearing aids are tailored to your ear canal and compatible with Apple technology. For this type of hearing device, the user must see an ENT to determine whether or not they’re a good fit.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros
    • Customized for your ear canal
    • Fuller sound spectrum
    • Rechargeable processor
    Cons
    • Requires ENT for implant and removal
    • Compatible only with Apple tech

    What is Earlens?

    Earlens is a privately held medical tech company. Its goal is to help people who are dealing with hearing loss. The company achieves this by using updated hearing aid technology — these hearing aids work with your natural aural system by vibrating the eardrum, ideally giving you a fuller spectrum of sound.

    Unlike most hearing aid models, Earlens does not use amplification to help users. Instead, it uses a more recent technique known as light-driven technology. This tech is intended to improve word recognition and sound quality.

    How do Earlens hearing aids work?

    With Earlens, you need to be evaluated to ensure you’re a good candidate for its hearing aids. Once the company determines its hearing aid meet your needs, you’ll meet with an otorhinolaryngologist (ENT), who cleans your ear and takes an impression of your ear canal and eardrum.

    The doctor’s office sends this impression to Earlens so the company can create a 3D model from it. The team then uses this model to customize the “Light Tip” and lens for your hearing aid. About two weeks after the initial impression, your ENT can insert your custom lens.

    Earlens hearing aids work using light instead of an acoustic receiver. The Light Tip creates a small infrared laser that pulses, transmitting information to the lens; the lens makes contact with your eardrum, which causes it to vibrate. This motion is perceived as sound.

    How much does Earlens cost?

    With Earlens, the provider decides the cost. Your hearing aid cost likely will include:

    • The initial consultation
    • Impressions
    • Lens placement
    • Fittings
    • Adjustments with an audiologist

    Earlens also offers a trial period and a three-year warranty covering manufacturer defects and free software upgrades. It includes one-time replacement coverage for loss or damage.

    Earlens FAQ

    What kind of accessories come with Earlens hearing aids?

    The Earlens website doesn’t make clear exactly what comes with your hearing aids. The lens portion of the hearing aid is installed by a professional. Users then get a behind-the-ear processor, plus a charger and adapter to recharge it.

    How do I clean my Earlens hearing aids?

    Earlens provides mineral oil and instructions on how to use it properly. This helps prevent earwax buildup in the ear canal. You can use baby wipes, isopropyl alcohol-based wipes or a soft cloth to clean the ear tip for the behind-the-ear processor.

    Does Earlens offer a trial period for hearing aids?

    There is a trial period, but Earlens doesn’t clarify the length on its website. Instead, it recommends that you discuss your trial with your provider.

    What types of hearing aids does Earlens offer?

    Earlens offers light-driven hearing aids. Rather than amplifying sound (as with most hearing aids), Earlens directly vibrates the eardrum.

    Do we recommend Earlens hearing aids?

    Earlens hearing aids are a good choice if they fit your needs. Not everyone will be a candidate for this type of hearing aid, though; an ENT can assess you to determine whether Earlens hearing aids are right for you. This light-driven technology is intended to help with word recognition and overall sound quality. Note that there is no set cost for Earlens — retailers can set their own price for this new technology.

    Earlens Reviews

    Filter by Rating

    • (4)
    • (2)
    • (1)

    Popular Mentions

      How do I know I can trust these reviews about Earlens?
      • 4,568,019 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
      Recent
      • Recent
      • Oldest
      • Most helpful

      A link has directed you to this review. Its location on this page may change next time you visit.

      How do I know I can trust these reviews about Earlens?
      • 4,568,019 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
      Page 1 Reviews 0 - 10
      Profile pic of the author.
      PriceOnline & AppStaff

      Reviewed Sept. 26, 2023

      This is a unique technology, best explained in a Youtube review. They're quite pricey and although I'm still getting used to them and getting the settings adjusted, they're clearly better than the standard amplifier-type hearing aid. Only 4 stars for 2 reasons - first of all I'm apparently in the minority of people with sensitive eardrums and the placement and manipulation of the device was quite painful. Secondly, they are only able to connect with iPhones at this time and I'm not interested to transition to that platform; they tell me Android connectivity is coming.

      Thanks for your vote! Report
      Profile pic of the author.

      Reviewed Sept. 26, 2023

      I’m an audiologist and I’ve worn hearing aids since 2011. I’ve had so much success with Earlens. I don’t have to strain to hear in noise as I previously did. Music sounds like I remember it. I love Earlens so much.

      Thanks for your vote! Report

      Not sure how to choose?

      Get buying tips about Hearing Aids delivered to your inbox.

        By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. Unsubscribe at any time.

        Thanks for subscribing.

        You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.

        Customer ServiceStaff

        Reviewed Sept. 25, 2023

        Received my hearing aid about four months ago. They have gone above and beyond to make sure I am satisfied. I have received phone calls, appointments, and personal attention with anything of concern. Very pleased.

        Thanks for your vote! Report
        Profile pic of the author.
        Customer ServiceStaff

        Reviewed Sept. 25, 2023

        This is a hearing aid for people who have given up on hearings aids. The sound is far richer and more natural than any aids I previously used. Routing phone calls to these devices results in greater clarity than using my iPhone's tiny speaker. They also are my preferred method for listening to audiobooks. The Earlens Hearing Clinics have top notch professionals who are dedicated to making you hear better. There is also a "concierge" number to call for support. The wait time, if any, is minimal and the representatives are incredibly responsive and helpful. Yes, Earlens hearing aids are pricier than others, but with these you truly get what you pay for.

        Thanks for your vote! Report
        Profile pic of the author.
        PriceStaff

        Reviewed Sept. 18, 2023

        I have Meniere's disease and asymmetrical hearing loss. As the disease progressed, I needed better devices to hear conversations in crowded places. After some investigating, I decided to get the Earlens system. They are more expensive than traditional devices, but vastly superior, and this is my sense of hearing after all. I will never have normal hearing again, but this is as close as you can get. After the devices were in, I noticed noises I had never heard before (from my GPS watch, my toaster, the oven, etc). I went to a pop orchestra concert and got a little emotional because the orchestra sounded just as I remembered them.

        They are easier to care for than traditional devices - no wax guards to replace, cleaning is easier. You do have to squirt mineral oil in your ears every other night and the lenses themselves dampen hearing a little bit when you're not wearing the processors, but these are minor inconveniences. The concierge service is excellent, and the office I use is also wonderful. The company was offering nice financial terms that I used to buy the devices. Not sure if that program is still in place, but I would have gotten them even without that loan program.

        Thanks for your vote! Report
        Customer Service

        Reviewed June 23, 2023

        I bought a set of Earlens Hearing Aids in June of 2022. The positive impact on my life has been remarkable. A year later, I no longer ask people to repeat themselves. My diction has improved immensely. I am able to hear birdsong and other higher frequency sounds I did not hear before. Most importantly, I now am able to both play the upright bass in better tune and to sing in tune. I recently performed at a festival attended by 5000 people, singing confidently and in tune. After receiving my Hearing Aids, I received weekly calls from the Earlens Concierge service, and was able to easily book clinic appointments for any needed adjustments. While the process of getting Earlens was a bit more complex, involving ear impressions and lens placement, the quality of sound I now experience was more than worth it.

        Thanks for your vote! Report
        Staff

        Reviewed July 26, 2022

        I came in and got a pair of hearing aids. First I was brought in and casts were made of my ears and, next appointment was at 4:30 on a Friday afternoon. They put some things in my ears without physically even showing me what they were. Next, I was ushered into a quiet room, they then tested my hearing, stuffed some things in my ears, again didn't hardly get to see them. Then again gave me a short hearing test and told me goodbye. The front desk asked me for $11,000+ dollars.

        I went home, took them out and looked at them. The people skills were the worst. After waiting weeks I got the dumb Earlens taken out. My wife made me an appointment at Miricle Ear. They were so nice and professional, after a hearing test they then explained to me about my hearing loss, and what it meant. And fitted me with some hearing aids in the first meeting. And they didn't ask me for money. They said, "Wear these for a few weeks and come back in and we'll see how they are doing." Great personal skills. Folks Night and Day difference in People Skills.

        Thanks for your vote! Report

        Find a Hearing Aid partner near you.

        Loading more reviews...

        Earlens Company Information

        Company Name:
        Earlens
        Website:
        www.earlens.com

        Check out our buyers guide top picks

        Our Buyers Guide Top Picks: