Today’s hearing aids are built to be sleek and discreet. Some models are even almost completely invisible! Below we review what an invisible hearing aid is, what options you have and what you should consider before making the investment.
What Is an Invisible Hearing Aid?
Some hearing aids sit behind the ear or in the ear bowl, but invisible hearing aids sit deep within the ear canal. Invisible hearing aids are similar to other hearing aids, except they’re so small they’re hardly visible to someone who doesn’t know you’re wearing one.
Whether your hearing aid is invisible or not, it consists of three main parts: a microphone, which picks up sounds in your environment; an amplifier, which increases the volume to a level you can hear; and a speaker, which delivers the amplified sound to your ears.
What Options of Invisible Hearing Aids Are Available?
There are three options available when it comes to invisible hearing aids:
- In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids. These are the largest of the three. While they fit inside the ear canal, they are still partly visible.
- Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids. These are nearly completely hidden, though they may be visible to someone who is standing close to you, like your stylist at Headlines Hair Designers.
- Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aids. These are the smallest hearing aids available. They can only be removed by pulling a small string.
What Should I Consider Before Investing in Invisible Hearing Aids?
Though invisible hearing aids have the advantage of being discreet, they do have their limitations. The small size of invisible hearing aids makes them suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, as they aren’t powerful enough for people with more severe forms of the condition. In addition, though some models are rechargeable, most take disposable button batteries that have a short lifespan due to their small size. Invisible hearing aids also tend to have fewer features than a larger device.
In short, if you have severe hearing loss or dexterity issues, invisible hearing aids may not be right for you. For more information about invisible hearing aids or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, call Hearing Center Silver Spring today.