Hearing health innovators Eargo and hearX have finalized their merger, establishing a new entity known as LXE Hearing. The combined company aims to expand access to high-quality and affordable hearing aids for millions of Americans affected by hearing loss. The merger is bolstered by a $100 million investment from Patient Square Capital, highlighting strong investor confidence in the over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid market.

Industry Impact

LXE Hearing emerges as a significant player in the hearing health industry, representing the first major consolidation in the OTC hearing aid sector since the FDA introduced regulations permitting OTC sales in 2022. The company will retain both the Eargo and Lexie Hearing brands, leveraging their respective strengths in design, technology, and customer experience. By integrating product technology platforms and customer relationship management systems, LXE Hearing seeks to enhance efficiency and accessibility for both consumers and business partners.

Brand Strengths and Vision

Eargo has long been recognized for its discreet, direct-to-consumer hearing aid designs, while hearX, through its Lexie Hearing division, has quickly ascended to become a leader in the OTC hearing aid space. Together, the two brands bring a combined 25 years of expertise in hearing health innovation. LXE Hearing intends to set new industry standards by uniting their award-winning designs, advanced sound technology, and mobile platform capabilities under a shared commitment to clinical excellence and user-centric service.

Scientific and Technological Leadership 

Scientific research and technological validation underpin LXE Hearing’s commitment to quality, with more than 52 peer-reviewed studies supporting the efficacy of its technology. The company also holds 68 patents, reflecting its pioneering efforts in the hearing aid market. This foundation in clinical research, paired with a strong technological portfolio, positions LXE Hearing as a leader in the evolving OTC hearing industry.

Leadership and Strategy

The leadership team for LXE Hearing includes hearX co-founder and CEO Nic Klopper, who will serve as CEO of the newly formed company. Eargo’s COO and interim CEO, Bill Brownie, will assume the role of COO, ensuring continuity in operational expertise. Together, they plan to drive innovation while prioritizing affordability and accessibility for individuals experiencing hearing loss.

Commitment to Accessibility

Klopper emphasized the merger’s goal of expanding hearing health solutions to a broader audience by combining Eargo’s sleek design and customer-first approach with hearX’s Bose-powered technology and award-winning mobile app. Brownie echoed this sentiment, noting that the integration of their talent, experience, and technology will help bridge accessibility gaps in hearing care. The merger reflects a shared mission to redefine hearing health through innovation and direct-to-consumer solutions.

Investor Confidence

Patient Square Capital’s investment signals strong belief in LXE Hearing’s potential to reshape the hearing aid landscape. Partner Justin Sabet-Peyman highlighted the significant number of adults with hearing loss who remain underserved due to accessibility barriers and the limitations of traditional hearing aids. The firm sees LXE Hearing as a disruptive force that will deliver innovative solutions tailored to the needs of modern consumers.

The newly formed LXE Hearing is poised to capitalize on growing demand for OTC hearing solutions, a market that has been expanding since regulatory changes enabled greater consumer choice. By merging their strengths, Eargo and hearX aim to accelerate product innovation and enhance user experience, reinforcing their position as leaders in the hearing health industry. With substantial investment and a strategic vision, LXE Hearing is set to make a lasting impact on the future of hearing care.