What Are Invisible Hearing Aids?

Posted on by Advanced ENT & Allergy

In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 7.1% of adults aged 45 and over used a hearing aid. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with hearing loss and looking to become one of the millions of Americans who use hearing aids to improve their lives, you may be wondering what model to choose.

Consider Invisible Hearing Aids

Woman having a consultation with an audiologist about hearing aids.

One option, especially if you’re looking for something on the smaller side, is invisible hearing aids. As the name suggests, they are essentially invisible to the naked eye. That’s because they are extremely small and fit completely inside the ear canal. They are also referred to as invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aids.

Let’s take a closer look at their potential benefits and limitations to figure out whether they might be right for you.

Three Big Benefits of Invisible Hearing Aids

  • They are strong yet discreet. If the thought of other people noticing your hearing aids makes you feel self-conscious, IIC models might be a perfect choice. They are strong enough to help anyone with mild to moderately severe hearing loss. So, you can easily hear while out running errands or even enjoy conversing with friends at Harvest Coffee in Medford without anyone noticing your device.
  • More natural hearing. Because IIC models sit inside the ear canal next to the ear drum, nothing blocks sound from entering your ear canal naturally. Also, because there are no parts that sit behind the ear, you are less likely to experience wind noise blowing against the microphone.
  • Good for an active lifestyle. Because of their location, invisible hearing aids make it easier to use headphones or wear helmets if you’re running or cycling, making them a great choice for active individuals.

Why They Might Not Be Right For You

While IIC models make a great choice for some people, they aren’t the right match for everybody. They don’t fit all ear canal shapes, and some people simply just do not like the feeling of an object in their ear.

Additionally, while their size makes them extra discreet, it also means that they can be difficult for people with dexterity issues. This is especially true when changing batteries, which you will have to do more frequently than with other models as they have a shorter battery lifespan and currently do not have the option of using rechargeable batteries.

If you would like to learn more about invisible hearing aids or need additional hearing services, call Advanced ENT & Allergy today to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.