The advances in digital technology have had an impact on the sizes of hearing aids. Manufacturers can now produce a variety of styles that are becoming ever more discreet, to the point where some are almost invisible.
The most discreet hearing aids are those that fit into the ear canal and are either called a completely in the canal, CIC hearing aids or hearing aids invisible in canal, IIC hearing aid. They are also known as "In The Ear" or "ITE hearing aids".
One of the main reasons people choose to wear these tiny devices is because they don’t want others to be able to discern that they have hearing loss. However, these models may not be right for everyone and people with severe levels of hearing loss often cannot benefit from them.
What Are the Best Invisible Hearing Aids?
- Most Discreet Hearing Aid: Nano CIC Digital
- Smartphone-enabled: Widex Hearing Aid
- Bluetooth Hearing Aid: Signia Invisible
- Most Comfortable: Eargo Invisible Hearing Aids
- Custom-fitted Hearing Aid: Starkey Soundlens Synergy
Let’s dive in and learn in-depth about these hearing aids!
1. Most Discreet Hearing Aid: Nano CIC Digital
When it comes to invisible hearing aid prices, Nano's 2 CIC models are the best in the market that cost below $700 for a pair.
Nano CIC rechargeable invisible hearing aids have rechargeable technology for those that don’t want to be bothered with battery changes. These hearing aids are almost invisible and have powerful chip technology is designed in the U.S. The NANO CIC Recharge has background noise-canceling technology, noise reduction frequencies, and feedback control. Included in its price are two hearing aids (one for each ear), two charging cases and extra ear domes to ensure a snug fit.
Nano CIC Digital Hearing Aids have a sleek design and powerful digital technology with volume control. They have a 6-month supply of free batteries and various earbud sizes to ensure that they fit properly.
Nano digital hearing aids can be bought online. They have a 45-days money-back satisfaction guarantee and have superb sound quality.
2. Smartphone-enabled: Widex Hearing Aid
These mini invisible hearing aids can be placed quite deep into the ear canal, making them quite hard to see. The Widex hearing aids are known for their technology and good sound quality.
They are durable and comfortable hearing devices that can be worn in all situations and are custom made for a comfortable fit. They can be integrated with smartphones.
However, they do not fit all ear canal dimensions and people whose ears produce a lot of ear wax cannot wear them. They may also not fit well on people with perforated ears.
Prices are not available online and the hearing aids can only be bought from Widex representatives like audiologists.
3. Bluetooth Hearing Aid: Signia Invisible
There are quite a few Signia models to choose from in their invisible range. These include the Insio Primax IIC, Insio Nx IIc, and the Insio Silk Nx.
The Primax and Insio NX both cover even severe hearing loss and with 7px, 5 px, and 3px levels available but the Insio NX is too small to have the Bluetooth technology available on the other models.
Signia models are not available online and need to be tested for fit and hearing loss at a representative or audiologist.
4. Most Comfortable: EarGo Invisible Hearing Aids
Eargo has two models of invisible hearing aids. They are the Eargo Neo (with silicone Flexi Palms for comfort) and the Eargo Max which has Flexi Fibers for comfort. Accessories that can also be purchased separately include wax guards and chargers.
These can be bought without a prescription and are priced from $1,850 and up, depending on the model chosen. They are not suitable for profound hearing loss.
5. Custom-fitted Hearing Aid: Starkey Soundlens Synergy
The SoundLens Synergy is the most popular model, but Starkey also has the Synergy iQ and Picasso. They are custom fitted for comfort and offer natural sound. The batteries do need to be replaced every 5-7 days and they are recommended for those with mild to moderately severe hearing loss.
Starkey hearing aids are not available online and pricing can only be found from their network distributors and audiologists. They do offer a 30-day trial. Learn more about Starkey hearing aids by reading our complete review of Starkey hearing aids.
Advantages of Invisible Hearing Aids
People with hearing loss often don’t want to draw unnecessary attention to themselves when they are among others and prefer the discreetness offered by CIC or IIC hearing aids.
Even though these invisible hearing aids are tiny, they have all the functions that other styles offer an also have no external parts or wires. These functions often include advanced sound processing, directional microphones, noise reduction, environmental adaptability, and the ability to filter out disruptive background noise.
They need less power to transmit sound because they are closer to the eardrum and the hearing aids are therefore less likely to have an irritating feedback noise.
Like other hearing aid styles, these invisible hearing aids do often come with wireless capabilities so that they can connect to smartphones and other devices.
Wearers of these invisible hearing aids find that it is easier to use a telephone or headsets when wearing them.
People who lead very active lifestyles find that CIC and IIC hearing aids offer them a secure fit if they are the right size. Their ears are also protected from the whistling noises that other hearing aid users hear when they are outdoors on a windy day.
A snug fit also helps to reduce occlusion (the plugged-up feeling that many hearing aid wearers complain about).
Disadvantages of Invisible Hearing Aids
If the hearing aids are not rechargeable, the wearer may need to change the batteries more often because these are usually smaller than on other hearing devices. Some features may be missing because of their size and if they don’t have directional microphones, then they aren’t suitable for someone who wants to hear background noise in social situations or because of work.
Because everything is smaller, it may be more difficult for some people who have problems with their vision or deftness to change sound settings or batteries.
Who cannot wear invisible hearing aids?
People with more severe hearing loss often find that these hearing aids do not correct it enough, whereas receiver-in-canal and behind-the-ear hearing aids are more effective. Younger children are also not good candidates for CIC or IIC hearing aids. This is because their ear canal is still growing and if the hearing aids don’t fit snugly, they can easily be lost.
Which are the Best Invisible Hearing Aids
After researching and reading invisible hearing aids reviews online, you will probably agree that NANO provides the optimal solution. Let's explore the range:
The Bottom Lines
Nano Digital Hearing Aids are invisible and discreet. The two models are available online and don’t need an audiologist to make any sound adjustments. With a 45-day money-back guarantee, people with hearing problems can test them in all environments before deciding if they are the right hearing aids for them.
Frequently Asked Question:
Q. Are invisible hearing aids as good as standard hearing aids?
Ans: Invisible hearing aids are so small that there is not simply enough room for advanced processing power and powerful speakers. Thus, it is suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, not for severe hearing loss.
References:
Benefits and safety issues. (2018)Nano Hearing Aids has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial privacy policy.
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/hearing-aids/benefits-and-safety-issues
Ferguson, M. A., et al. (2017). Hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss in adults.
https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD012023.pub2/full
