Hearing aids come in many shapes, styles and colors. If you’re hoping for a discreet model, you’re in luck: Some of today’s hearing devices are almost completely invisible. Below we review what an invisible hearing aid is, what options are available and what you should consider before buying invisible hearing aids.
What Is an Invisible Hearing Aid?
An invisible hearing aid is just like any other hearing aid except it is so small it is hardly visible.
All hearing aids, invisible or not, consist of three main parts:
- A microphone to pick up sounds in your environment.
- An amplifier, which increases the volume to a level you can hear easily.
- A speaker to deliver the amplified sound to your ears.
While some hearing aids sit behind the ear or in the ear bowl, invisible hearing aids sit deeper within the ear canal. Because of their small size, they are ideal for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
What Invisible Hearing Aids Are Available?
There are three main styles of invisible hearing aids:
- In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids 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 are nearly completely hidden, though they may be visible to someone who is standing close to you, like your stylist at Arbor Salon and Spa.
- Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aids are the smallest hearing aids available. They can only be removed by pulling a small string.
What Are Some Considerations for Invisible Hearing Aids?
While invisible hearing aids are great in terms of being discreet, they do have limitations. Though some invisible hearing aids are rechargeable, most models take disposable batteries, and these tend to have short lifespans due to their small size. The size also limits the number of features. ITCs will tend to have longer battery life and more features than an IIC.
If you have severe hearing loss or dexterity issues, invisible hearing aids may not be right for you. To learn more about invisible hearing aids or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, call the Georgia Hearing Center at ENT of Athens today.