As nearly 50 million people in the United States have hearing loss, there is a tremendous demand for hearing aids. But, unfortunately, of those 50 million people, a majority, roughly 80%, do not have a supplement to their hearing condition [1]. The reasons for this are not concrete, but many ideas suggest a stigma around hearing aids. Thus, to end the stigma and help people who need help but don’t want o show hearing aids, companies have begun to make and sell indivisible hearing aids.
These hearing aids are small, fit directly inside the wearer’s ear canal, and offer the utmost discretion—they are virtually impossible to notice. What’s more, these tiny hearing aids are often technologically advanced.
When searching for an invisible hearing aid, there are many things to keep in mind. For example, are the hearing aids programmable? Do invisible hearing aids come with Bluetooth? What do invisible hearing aids cost?
Just like shopping for any other new technological product, you have to be diligent in your search. You can weigh the pros and cons of each hearing aids to determine which one is best for you. To help you with the search process, the list below is composed of the best available invisible hearing aids.
What to Look For
As you search for an invisible hearing aid, you want to ensure you have a well-built hearing aid, not just a discreet one. It would be best to consider the price of the invisible hearing aid, the features, accessories, and the manufacturer. Since the FDA approved the sale of hearing aids over-the-counter, many new companies have popped up, claiming to offer state-of-the-art hearing aids.
However, when you compare the price to what’s promised, there’s likely no way the promises can hold. Due to this reason, only reputable companies, whether over-the-counter or prescription-based, have been included here.
The Best Invisible Hearing Aid Options
1. Starkey Picasso
For more than 50 years, Starkey has been a leading provider of hearing aids for the American public. They know how to make a good hearing aid which they have proven, once again, with the Picasso. This invisible hearing aid model custom fits each wearer to ensure the perfect fit, and the sound clarity is unparalleled.
The Picasso is explicitly designed with convenience and comfort in mind. These hearing aids sit directly inside the wearer’s ear canal, so they never get in the way of glasses, face masks, or other items.
The Starkey Picasso incorporates modern technology, which implements gradual adjustments as you wear them. This characteristic makes it easy for users to get comfortable with new sounds and adjust to hearing aids.
What’s more, the Picasso connects seamlessly with other devices so that wearers can stream music, phone calls, sounds from TV, or other media sources directly to their hearing aids. Starkey has also added new technology to the Picasso to limit the amount of feedback. This, in addition to the fact that virtually no part of the hearing aid is exposed to the environment, means that there is no buzzing, whistling, or similar noises experienced. Lastly, the Starkey Picasso can come in various sizes, such as completely-in-the-canal, invisible-in-the-canal, in-the-canal, and in-the-ear.
Did you know? Your hearing device will last longer when regularly cleaned with a UV hearing aid dehumidifier.
2. EARGO NEO
Eargo is a high-quality brand that greatly benefits its users by being an over-the-counter option for hearing aids. However, the Eargo NEO provides more benefits than simple convenience.
The NEO is invisible, offers four different listening sound profiles, and has a unique design to maximize comfort. This hearing aid utilizes state-of-the-art Flexi Palm hearing aid tips, which bring added comfort and an improved experience. The tips are flexible, allowing fresh air into your ears and low frequencies to reach your eardrum for a natural sound.
As Eargo comes with various sound profiles, users benefit from using these options depending on the different environments they’re in. To make switching between these profiles easy, Eargo has a smartphone app to control your hearing aids while in use.
Another standout point of the Eargo NEO is that, unlike most of its competitors, these hearing aids are rechargeable. Whenever you purchase your Eargo NEO hearing aids, you receive a charging case and cord. This allows you to recharge your hearing aids nightly without ever having to worry about going out of your way to buy new batteries.
3. Widex Evoke CIC Micro
The Widex Evoke is a line of hearing aids intended for discreet usage. Specifically, the CIC-MICRO model is an invisible-in-the-canal model that is as named—invisible.
The Widex Evoke CIC MICRO comes in beige, dark brown or medium brown color for the plastic portion. However, regardless of the cover, nobody will ever see the hearing aid while it’s in use. The only piece potentially visible is the small, see-through wire that allows the wearer to pull the hearing aid out from the inside of their ear canal.
The Widex Evoke was created to be more than just discreet—it’s an intelligent hearing aid. First, the hearing aid analyzes the sounds in the environment the user is in. Then, it uses its analysis to alter the hearing experience to amplify some sounds, remove others, and change the overall volume as it sees fit.
The more that one uses their Widex Evoke, the more the hearing aid can learn, and the better it will perform. Users also benefit from the TONE LINK app. This allows the Widex hearing aid owners to control programs, volume, directional focus, and more. Plus, users can play music or other media to their hearing aids through the app.
4. Phonak Lyric
Phonak another leading name for hearing aid manufacturers, created the Lyric to be a 100% invisible hearing aid ideal for users who want a small and advanced hearing device.
The Phonak Lyric is a well-built hearing aid that offers power, discreet wearing, and ultimate convenience. The Lyric can be worn for extended lengths of time as it incorporates a long-lasting battery. Plus, the Lyric utilizes a unique design that incorporates moisture-wicking capabilities. Phonak states that the Lyric can be used all the time without taking it out, even while showering.
The Phonak Lyric offers a listening experience that mimics a human’s natural hearing. The Lyric can only be used after a trained professional place the Lyric inside one’s ear canal, next to the eardrum. Thus, with the help of hearing professionals, anybody who wants to restore a natural hearing experience, even in wet environments, can do so with the Phonak Lyric. Like many of the other major hearing aid brands, the Lyric can connect to wearer’s smartphones via the myPhonak app. This allows users to control various settings remotely. Plus, users can also use an app for tinnitus relief, text-to-call, and more.
5. Signia Insio Nx
The smallest models made by Signia, the Insio IIC Nc, and the Insio CIC Nx are two exceptionally made invisible hearing aids. Signia created these hearing aids to offer patients a tiny, discreet hearing aid that comes custom fit, powerful, and versatile. Furthermore, as these hearing aids are custom built for each patient, the utmost comfort is guaranteed.
While the Insio models are tiny compared to most modern-day hearing aids, they utilize advanced technology to provide wearers with an unparalleled listening experience. What’s more, the Insio models are open to all degrees of hearing loss, from mild to severe.
As the Insio Nx models sit directly inside the wearer’s ear canal, the wearer receives sounds naturally. Another benefit to the Signia Insio Nx is the smartphone connection capability. Users can download Signia’s touchControl App to have remote access to their hearing aid settings. With the app, users can control the volume, hearing programs, and aspects of the sound like bass and treble.
Lastly, Signia Insio wearer’s benefit from included tinnitus relief technology in the hearing aids. All in all, the Signia Insio is a top invisible hearing aid with good specs and reviews.
Also, Check Out – MD Hearing Aid Air
The Bottom Line
In today’s market, many potential hearing aid buyers first look at the style of the hearing aids. For instance, many individuals want to find a hearing aid that is not bulky and noticeable to everyone they interact with. This has led to the onslaught of invisible hearing aids in the market. While these devices are tiny, inconspicuous, and fashionable, they still offer great utility. Virtually all the invisible hearing aids on the market provide customizable options, smartphone connectivity, and more.
As with other hearing aids, the invisible hearing aids utilize advanced technology to provide a natural listening experience. The above hearing aids all use algorithms to reduce background noise and enhance the voices of individuals. That’s why they have all made a list of the best invisible hearing aids available.
Starkey, EARGO, Widex, Phonak, and Signia are all well-recognized names that provide the public with exceptional hearing devices. In addition, they have all helped advance the field by creating their invisible hearing aid models.
https://www.hearingloss.org/wp-content/uploads/HLAA_HearingLoss_Facts_Statistics.pdf?pdf=FactStats