Invisible Hearing Aids
Unveiling the World of Invisible Hearing Aids
What Are Invisible Hearing Aids, and How Do They Work?
Invisible Hearing Aid Prices: What to Expect
Choosing the Right Invisible Hearing Aid for You
The Pros and Cons of Invisible Hearing Aids
Pros
Invisible hearing aids offer cosmetic appeal taking away the visibility stigma. Many people do not use hearing aids only because they do not want them to be seen, invisibility is the primary advantage in such cases.
- Can be easily worn and removed without any additional fixtures, such as earmolds
- Changing battery is easy, though frequent
Cons
- People with dexterity issue will find it difficult to wear and remove
- Features are limited due to size
- Battery life is short resulting in high recurring cost
- Prone to damage due to fall
Are Invisible Hearing Aids Worth the Investment?
Comparing Invisible Hearing Aids to Traditional Models
In this section, we’ll conduct a thorough comparison between invisible hearing aids and their traditional counterparts, helping you understand the key differences and which option might be more suitable for your hearing needs.
Invisible hearing aids, though small in size, can be highly pricey. If cosmetic appeal is the main criteria, it warrants the high price of invisible hearing aids.
Traditional hearing aids such as Behind the Ear (BTE) or Receiver in Canal (RIC) offer many more features but are bigger in size and more visible as compared to ITC/CIC devices.
The position of the microphone on the hearing aid is essential for a more natural hearing experience. In the case of ITC/CIC devices, the microphone is placed in a very natural position, like we hear normally. This benefits from the pinna funnel effects and also the directionality benefits of the human pinna.
In the case of BTE and RIC devices, the microphone position is over the ear and needs to be further compensated electronically for the sound to seem natural.
People with dexterity issues will find it difficult to use ITC/CIC hearing aids due to their small size. In such cases, other style options should be considered such as BTE/RIC
Features such as Bluetooth, wireless, rechargeability, manual controls, and ease of handling will primarily determine the choice of traditional versus invisible hearing aids.
Maintaining your invisible hearing aids is crucial for their longevity and optimal performance. Learn about the average lifespan of these devices as well as essential maintenance tips to keep them functioning at their best.
Remember to take care of your hearing aids, and they will help you hear better for many years to come.
On average, any hearing aid would have a lifespan of 4-5 years. As hearing aids are electronic devices, they are prone to moisture and humidity. Also, wax buildup in the ear canal is a major factor in making hearing aids stop working, as wax blocks the sound outlet. Daily cleaning with a soft cloth and wax brush will help to avoid ear wax issues.
Use the cleaning tools provided by the manufacturer to do basic cleaning and maintenance on your instruments. Do not use or insert any sharp pointed objects, such as pins, as these may damage the receiver and microphone membrane. Keep your device away from water and liquids. Do not wear the instruments when washing your face or having a bath.
Finding the Perfect Fit: Invisible Hearing Aids for Your Lifestyle
- ITC – In the Canal
- CIC – Complete in Canal
- IIC – Invisible in Canal
All three styles are custom made with the individual’s own ear impression size and shape. Of all the three styles, ITC is the biggest but has the most features in terms of directional microphones, Bluetooth, wireless, and manual controls. ITC sits at the entrance of the ear canal and is slightly visible when seen from the side of the ear. ITC is suitable for moderately severe hearing losses.
CIC is the most comfortable and convenient style and can be a discreet fit in most ears. CIC has wireless features and is suitable for mild to moderate hearing losses.
IIC invisible-in-canal hearing aids are a slightly smaller version of CIC and have to compromise on features due to their ultra small size. However, IIC, as the name goes, is completely invisible when worn and cannot be seen even from the side of the ear.
