3 Types of Invisible Hearing Aids

From ear trumpets to small, almost totally invisible hearing aids, the size of hearing aids has come a long way. Perhaps even more impressive is the advanced technology which fits into these small devices. It allows users to get the highest level of sound quality available.

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invisible-ha_illustration_iic

What is the best invisible hearing aid?

One of the smallest invisible hearing aids is the invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) style because it fits the furthest down inside the ear canal. The latest IIC hearing aid is invisible in 8 out of 10 users¹, offering excellent sound quality without compromise on technology.

Pros and Cons of Invisible Hearing Aids

Your personal preference, your level of hearing loss, and your ear canal shape are all factors that help determine whether invisible hearing aids are a good fit for you. 

Some of the pros and cons of invisible hearing aids are:

Pros

  • Small, discreet style 

  • Since they are protected by the outer ear, they are less likely to pick up wind noise

  • Some wearers of the invisible-in-the-canal hearing aid report a more natural sound experience, since they are able to be placed deeper in the ear 

  • There are no external tubes / wires

  • Since they are custom-fitted, they are comfortable for most users

  • Users can use over the ear headphones as they normally would without having to connect to Bluetooth 

Cons

  • They have a shorter battery life

  • The controls are harder to see and feel (since they are so small) 

  • They are not suitable for all ear canal shapes (some ear canals may be too small)²

  • The smallest invisible hearing aids can be challenging to handle for those with dexterity issues 

  • No binaural coordination possible between your two hearing aids

  • No Bluetooth connectivity available

  • Not available with rechargeable batteries  

Read more about the two main types of hearing aids:

Behind-the-ear hearing aids  In-the-ear hearing aids

 

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Since modern hearing aids have become increasingly smaller with technological advancements, certain in-the-ear and behind-the-ear hearing aids are also more discreet than ever.

The best discreet hearing aids come in the following styles: 

  • Completely-in-the-canal (CIC)

    • Mild to moderate hearing loss

    • One of the smallest hearing aids

    • Invisible in most cases

  • In-the-canal (ITC)

    • Mild to severe hearing loss

    • Small, discreet size

    • Bluetooth connectivity

  • Smaller receiver-in-the-ear sizes (known as miniRITE)

    • Mild to severe hearing loss

    • Smallest behind-the-ear hearing aid model

    • Rechargeable battery

In-the-ear hearing aid examples

FAQ about invisible hearing aids

jill-price-croppedJill Price, Chief Audiologist

Jillian Price is an Audiologist and has a Masters degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She has worked within the private sector and has 17 years experience with hearing aid fitting and counselling about hearing loss. At her current position as Director of Audiology, she oversees clinical procedures and standards of care in all HearingLife centres.

¹ https://www.oticon.ca/professionals/products/hearing-aids/opn-ite

² https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/52837-The-pros-and-cons-of-small-hearing-aids