The Best Invisible Hearing Aids of 2024
All of our top picks for invisible hearing aids offer discretion, durability, and high quality.
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- Discreet, in-ear designs
- Rechargeable models
- Suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss
- Variety of discreet models to choose from
- Rechargeable and battery-powered models
- Suitable for mild to profound hearing loss
- Optimal discretion with invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) models
- Battery-powered and rechargeable models
- Suitable for mild to profound hearing loss
- 100-day free trial
- 3-year loss and damage coverage
- Designed for mild-to-moderate hearing loss
- Competitively-priced hearing aids
- 24/7 live customer support
- Available to purchase individually or as a pair
Our team of audiologists and senior tech experts tested the industry’s leading hearing aids and narrowed down the list to our favorite invisible models.
Our team of audiologists and senior tech experts tested the industry’s leading hearing aids and narrowed down the list to our favorite invisible models.
Learn MoreContents
Hearing aids should enhance your hearing without being a burden! That’s why many older adults go with an invisible — or nearly invisible — style. Because they’re so discreet, wearers can go about their everyday lives without worrying about their hearing aids getting in the way.
While the choices are ample, invisible hearing aids are not all created equal. We tested and compared the best hearing aids to rank our top five invisible devices. Our tech experts evaluated each hearing aid for important factors like visibility, price, value, sound quality, ease of use, and more. We also consulted with Dr. Ruth Reisman, an audiologist on our panel of experts, for her recommendations and insights. Three are IIC styles for mild to moderate hearing loss and two are mini behind-the-ear (BTE) devices; the latter is slightly more visible and typically suited for mild to moderately severe hearing loss.
We tested all of the invisible hearing aids on our list, including Eargo's SE model.
Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Invisible Hearing Aids
Everything included in the Eargo 7 box
How We Tested the Hearing Aids
Our tech team conducted hands-on testing to compare the best invisible and near-invisible hearing aids on the market. We focused on a wide range of factors that could affect efficacy, comfort, and visibility, and took notes on every aspect of our experience.
Here’s what our testing process looked like for OTC hearing aids that could be ordered without a prescription:
- Our team tried out each brand’s online hearing test, comparing our results to in-person evaluations from an audiologist.
- Then, we selected our hearing aids and ordered them, evaluating the overall purchasing process. We considered the price and value of each hearing aid model, considering seasonal promotions, extra fees, and upfront costs.
- Once the devices arrived at our doorstep, we followed the instructions to set them up. If the brand had a mobile app, we downloaded it to our phones and set it up as well. We evaluated the ease of use and the total number of steps required to get our hearing aids out of the box and fully functional.
- We reached out to customer service multiple times to evaluate the quality of care by phone, mobile app (if applicable), and online chat features.
- Our team tested each hearing aid for a week, using them at home, in noisy environments, and in more intimate, conversational settings. We evaluated the hearing aid’s features, sound quality, and ease of use in each location. We also took note if they were visible from certain angles or virtually invisible from every angle.
For prescription hearing aids that can’t be ordered online, we spoke with Dr. Reisman about her expertise with each brand. We used her experience prescribing and testing these hearing aids, along with feedback from her patients, to evaluate and rank them.
How We Chose the Best Hearing Aids
Our team of tech experts, along with our resident audiologist, Dr. Reisman, researched and reviewed the industry’s leading invisible hearing aids to narrow down our list. We spent over 100 hours researching and testing these devices based on several criteria:
- Size: Invisible hearing aids are typically — though not always — very small. We focused on a variety of smaller hearing aids that still offer a range of prices and features to suit different needs.
- Discreet design: Just because a hearing aid is small doesn’t mean it’s discreet! When evaluating invisible or near-invisible hearing aids, we wanted to ensure that the devices are designed to be comfortably worn — but not seen.
- Durability: With smaller devices, there’s always the concern that they’ll be easier to break or damage. We tested each device to ensure that they could withstand everyday wear and tear.
- Sound quality: Another assumption about small hearing aids is that they won’t offer the same sound quality as larger, more robust models. While this can be true in some cases, we looked for the ones that offer the best balance between minimal visibility and excellent sound quality.
- Ease of use: Smaller, less visible hearing aids typically have fewer buttons to control things like volume and environment programming. Fortunately, most modern models come with mobile apps that make it easy to set them up and customize the settings for your hearing. Alternatively, some providers allow you to work with an audiologist to make necessary changes.
- Value: Finally, we want to make sure that seniors are getting the most value for their money. We examined the type of features offered with each model and included providers with varied price points for seniors on just about every budget.
Why Trust Us
Our team of tech experts tries out the latest devices for seniors each year. We’ve logged hundreds of hours testing and reviewing hearing aids from dozens of providers.
We also worked with experts like our resident licensed audiologist, Dr. Ruth Reisman, to find the best invisible prescription hearing aids. She has personally tested and prescribed hearing aids from providers on this list. She’s also worked alongside us to choose the best ones for size and discretion, and she offered her feedback on specific models. Dr. Reisman has more than 15 years of experience working with older adults with hearing loss.
| Brand | Starting price | Prescription required | Battery life | Styles | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eargo | $799 per pair | No | Up to 16 hours | IIC, CIC, earbud | 2 years |
| Phonak | $2000 per pair | Yes | Up to 4 months | IIC, ITE, Mini BTE | 1 to 3 years |
| Signia | $200 per pair | Yes | Up to 24 hours | IIC, CIC, ITC, ITE, Mini BTE | 2 to 3 years |
| Jabra Enhance | $995 per pair | No | Up to 24 hours | Mini BTE | 3 years (with Premium) |
| MDHearing | $297 per pair | No | Up to 20 hours | CIC, ITC, Mini BTE | 1 year |
Our Picks for the Best Invisible Hearing Aids for 2024
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1. Eargo - Best Invisible Hearing Aid for Online Purchase
What we like most
- Discreet, in-ear designs
- Rechargeable models
- Suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss
EargoOverview:
Testing out the Eargo 7 devices
Overview
- Price: $799 to $2950 per pair
- Style: IIC, CIC, earbud
- Type: OTC
- Battery life: Up to 16 hours
If you’re in the market for a discreet or nearly invisible hearing aid, Eargo may be a great fit. Though Eargo is a newer hearing aid brand (founded in 2010), they offer affordable devices that you can purchase over the counter (OTC) — no prescription required. Eargo boasts high-quality devices, natural sound, and sleek designs. This company made our list because invisibility, rechargeability, and value come standard with every model.
Did You Know? Eargo offers some of the only rechargeable IIC hearing aids on the market. Check out our list of the best rechargeable hearing aids to learn more.
All of Eargo’s hearing aid models, including the Eargo 7 and Eargo 6, fit snugly in our ear canal — which reduces background noise and makes them invisible — during testing. Since you can buy these IIC devices online, you can forgo an appointment with an audiologist. While convenient, this means they won’t suit individuals with severe to profound hearing loss. When selecting an Eargo hearing aid, consider the audio and connection features that set each model apart. For example, LINK by Eargo is an earbud-style hearing aid that offers a bit less discretion. It’s also the only Eargo model that offers Bluetooth streaming directly to the hearing aids (though all models have Bluetooth-ready charging cases).
Pros & Cons:Pros About Eargo
- No prescription required
- Devices are nearly invisible
- Cases act as charging devices
- Lifetime support from a hearing aid professional
- Mobile app for remote adjustments
Cons About Eargo
- Not designed for those with profound hearing loss
- Only one Bluetooth model with direct streaming
Our Hands-on Experience:Our Experience With Eargo
We have tested all four Eargo models and found them to be discreet and customizable.
The LINK by Eargo hearing aids look like regular earbuds, but they offer open- and closed-ear tips that we could switch out based on whether we wanted to use them as earbuds or hearing aids. We loved having hearing aids that made it seem like we were just listening to music. Though we didn’t mind changing out the ear tips when switching between streaming music or having a conversation, we know that this could be an issue for people with dexterity issues.
Testing out LINK by Eargo, the company's earbud-style hearing aids.
The Eargo SE, Eargo 6, and Eargo 7 have more traditional invisible designs, and they were very discreet once fitted properly. There’s less need to actually take the devices out and make adjustments. Instead, you can just download the Eargo app and make adjustments from your smartphone. We found the app easy to use. One of our favorite features is Sound Match — an in-depth hearing test that takes about 20 minutes and adjusts your device settings to your unique needs. Our listening experience was much better after taking this test. The sound quality was better than some of the other OTC devices we’ve tested, including MDHearing’s in-ear options.
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Eargo's hearing aids are nearly invisible, as seen in the photo above.
Dr. Reisman notes that if “Eargo is an option for your hearing loss and if discretion is very important to you, their hearing aids are certainly worth a try.” That said, you might want to consider providers like Signia for serious medical hearing loss.
» Our Full Review: Eargo hearing aid review
Pricing
- Eargo 7: $2,950 per pair
- Eargo 6: $2,250 per pair
- Eargo SE: $1,650 per pair
- LINK by Eargo: $799 per pair
Unlike prescription providers like Signia and Phonak, Eargo is transparent with pricing. You can also spread the cost over monthly payments for 12 or 24 months (depending on your budget). Federal employees may be able to take advantage of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program to receive Eargo at no cost.1
While Eargo is a few thousand dollars less expensive than prescription brands, it is on the pricier side for OTC options. For comparison, MDHearing’s most expensive model is $397 per pair, while Jabra Enhance’s top-of-the-line model costs $1,995 per pair. Still, if discretion is your top priority, Eargo may be worth the price bump.
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2. Phonak - Best for Extended Wear
What we like most
- Variety of discreet models to choose from
- Rechargeable and battery-powered models
- Suitable for mild to profound hearing loss
PhonakOverview:
Phonak Lyric Hearing Aid
Overview
- Price: $2,000 to $7,500 per pair
- Style: IIC, ITE, Mini BTE
- Type: Prescription
- Battery life: Up to 4 months (Lyric model)
Phonak’s Lyric model is the world’s first fully invisible extended-wear hearing device that delivers natural sound. Extended wear means you can wear Lyric 24/7 for four months at a time without taking out the devices — even in the shower! Its unique placement in the ear canal allows it to stay fully hidden while users can capture sound from the outside world naturally; they’ll experience exceptional sound quality — even in very noisy listening environments.
Expert InsightsFrom Audiologist Dr. Ruth Reisman,Lyric is the only device of its kind. Patients love it because it's not only invisible, it's hassle-free for 3 to 4 months before it must be replaced. This makes it feel more like natural hearing vs. wearing a hearing aid. Lyric offers the most discretion from any hearing aid, sitting at 4 mm away from the eardrum.Since Lyric is 100 percent invisible and stays in all of the time, wearers can focus on enjoying life. The purchase of a Lyric hearing aid requires an ongoing subscription. The subscription includes replacement devices and technology updates as they become available.
If Lyric isn’t the right fit for you, Phonak offers a variety of other discreet in-canal and BTE solutions.
Testing out Phonak hearing aids
Pros & Cons:Pros About Phonak
- Completely invisible design
- Extended-wear technology
- Moisture protection
- Exceptional sound quality
- Lyric can be worn all the time, including while sleeping
Cons About Phonak
- Expensive compared to OTC hearing aids
- Can’t be purchased online
- Lyric is not suited for moderately severe to profound hearing loss
Our Hands-on Experience:Our Experience With Phonak
While Phonak Lyric is the best discreet, extended-wear hearing aid on the market, it’s not without its drawbacks. It doesn’t offer some of the more advanced technology you can get with many other invisible hearing aids; this includes Bluetooth connectivity like with LINK by Eargo and enhanced digital speech recognition a la Signia’s Silk X.
» Compare Providers: Phonak vs. Signia
However, this also means you don’t have to connect it to any other device to get it working. The deep placement in the ear canal makes it easier to use the Phonak Lyric with headphones or when making phone calls without any obstruction or physical interference from the device. We also like that you can wear the Phonak Lyric while you sleep, which is great for nighttime emergencies (like a fire alarm). If you find that you like Phonak devices and customer support but your hearing loss is more severe or profound, Dr. Reisman recommends the Phonak Naída Lumity BTE hearing aid. This model comes with a lot more features, like Bluetooth connectivity and SmartSpeech recognition, but it is far less discreet than the Phonak Lyric.
» Our Full Review: Phonak hearing aid reviews
Pricing
The cost of Phonak hearing aids, including their Lyric model, varies by location. With the Lyric, users can choose between subscription plans that range from three months and two years, with longer plans generally costing less over time. If you want to find out whether this device is within your budget, visit your local hearing provider for more information. Dr. Reisman estimates that Phonak hearing aids range from $1,000 to $3,750 per ear, similar to other prescription brands.
While these hearing aids are expensive, remember that they offer superior sound quality and care to OTC hearing aids. Plus, they’re an option for those with severe to profound hearing loss. Working with an audiologist ensures that the devices are tailored to your unique needs, which is even more important if you have higher levels of hearing loss.
Dr. Reisman testing the sound quality of Sony s CRE-C10 hearing aids
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3. Signia - Best for an Instant Fit
What we like most
- Optimal discretion with invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) models
- Battery-powered and rechargeable models
- Suitable for mild to profound hearing loss
SigniaOverview:
Trying out Signia's Silk hearing aids
Overview
- Price: $2,000 to $7,500 per pair
- Style: IIC, CIC, ITC, ITE, Mini BTE
- Type: Prescription
- Battery life: Up to 24 hours
Signia offers prescription hearing aids with phenomenal sound quality, comfort, and ease of use. As far as invisible hearing aids go, Signia carries a few different models, including the Silk Nx and Silk X.
» Our Full Review: Signia hearing aid reviews
For ultimate discretion (but no Bluetooth connectivity), there’s Signia’s Silk Nx CIC, which sits in your ear canal. Signia also offers the Silk X, another ITC hearing aid that’s completely invisible, depending on your ear canal size. We love that this model has an instant fit. You can walk in for your hearing test and leave with hearing aids perfectly fitted to your ears. This is thanks to their flexible Click Sleeve design.
Expert InsightsFrom Audiologist Dr. Ruth Reisman,Signia Silk hearing aids are the most commonly requested device in my office due to their small size and flexibility.Pros & Cons:Pros About Signia
- Options for severe hearing loss
- Instant fit CIC with the Silk X
- Can use with over-the-ear headphones
- Mobile app for remote adjustments
Cons About Signia
- Silk X may not be compatible with all ear canals
- Silk Nx CIC lacks Bluetooth connectivity
Our Hands-on Experience:Our Experience With Signia
Signia is continually integrating new technology into their hearing aids. It can often be difficult for someone with moderately severe hearing loss to find a reliable invisible hearing aid, but Signia takes into consideration all hearing loss levels. Plus, the company website is filled with useful information, which is welcome news if you prefer skipping a call to customer service.
» Related Reading: Best hearing aids for severe hearing loss
While Signia does offer some rechargeable models, the Silk X and Silk Nx require regular battery replacements. This might not be a good fit for those with dexterity issues or who want rechargeable hearing aids. That said, Dr. Reisman is a big fan of Signia’s offerings. Her patients often report very positive feedback related to the device’s cosmetic appeal, discreet designs, and tinnitus relief features.
Pricing
Signia’s pricing varies greatly depending on where you shop and purchase their hearing aids, as well as the specific features and designs you choose. To find out if these Signia models fit your budget, visit your local hearing aid center to learn more. According to Dr. Reisman, you can generally expect Signia’s costs to range between $1,000 and $3,750 per ear. This makes them far more expensive than OTC options like Eargo or MDHearing. However, it’s on par with other prescription hearing aids from brands like Phonak.
» Skip the Appointment: Best over-the-counter hearing aids
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4. Jabra Enhance - Most Discreet BTE Option
What we like most
- 100-day free trial
- 3-year loss and damage coverage
- Designed for mild-to-moderate hearing loss
Jabra EnhanceOverview:
Jabra Enhance Select 300 hearing aids
Overview
- Price: $995 to $1995 per pair
- Style: Mini BTE
- Type: OTC
- Battery life: Up to 24 hours
Jabra Enhance offers BTE hearing aids that are nearly invisible at an affordable price. Traditionally, BTE hearing aids are more noticeable than ITC models since they rest on the outside of the ear. But Jabra Enhance’s FDA-approved devices are less than half an inch wide and come in five colors designed to blend in with hair color — making them even more discreet. Remember that Jabra Enhance offers just three BTE models. If you prefer a different style, check out Signia and Phonak. Both offer more than a dozen models of all shapes and sizes.
» A Closer Look: Jabra Enhance Select 300 review
The near-invisible design is one of many Jabra Enhance perks. All models are rechargeable, Bluetooth-enabled, and come with a 100-day money-back guarantee. Like Eargo, we could easily purchase our hearing aids online. Plus, they offer three years of virtual professional audiology services with Premium packages. We’re big fans of this follow-up care; an audiologist can ensure the best fit, help you learn the ropes, and address changes in your hearing over time. The audiologists we spoke with were kind, thorough, and helpful.
During testing, we could easily schedule an appointment with a Jabra Enhance audiologist through the mobile app.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Jabra Enhance
- Bluetooth-enabled
- Nearly invisible BTE-style
- Three-year warranty and loss and damage protection with Premium packages
- Virtual hearing care from an audiologist with Premium packages
Cons About Jabra Enhance
- Discreet but not completely invisible
- Not suitable for severe to profound hearing loss
- Follow-up care only lasts for three years
Our Hands-on Experience:Our Experience With Jabra Enhance
Though Jabra Enhance lacks a truly “invisible” model, they come pretty close with their BTE devices. The petite design and clever color options allow Jabra Enhance hearing aids to blend in behind the ear. All three models are Bluetooth-enabled and come with follow-up care from Jabra Enhance’s audiology team with Premium packages, which cost just $200 more than the Basic package. Jabra Enhance is difficult to top for older adults looking for a relatively inexpensive, nearly invisible BTE hearing aid they can buy online.
» Also Check Out: Best hearing aids for single-sided hearing loss
We appreciated that our Enhance Select 300 hearing aids came with clear and concise instructions to walk us through the setup and audio adjustments. Using the mobile app, we could adjust our settings and schedule virtual appointments with a trained audiologist who could answer all of our questions. The audiologist we spoke with offered tips to help us get the best possible fit and walked us through how to use the mobile app. Once we had everything set up, we found the sound quality was superior to other OTC brands like MDHearing. It was very crisp, clear, and natural.
Expert InsightsFrom Audiologist Dr. Ruth Reisman,Many patients comment on the cosmetic appeal of Jabra Enhance hearing aids. They sit snuggly behind the ear and can be well hidden.These devices are also one of Dr. Reisman’s top picks for OTC hearing aids. She says,
“With superior sound quality, seamless connectivity, innovative design, advanced noise cancellation, and versatile applications, Jabra Enhance consistently delivers exceptional audio solutions that enhance productivity, entertainment, and communication clarity.”
» Our Full Review: Jabra Enhance hearing aids review 2024
Pricing
- Enhance Select 50R: $995 to $1,195 per pair
- Enhance Select 300: $1,495 to $1,695 per pair
- Enhance Select 500: $1,795 to $1,995 per pair
Compared to prescription hearing aids like Signia and Phonak (which can cost well over $7,500 per pair), Jabra Enhance offers a more cost-effective option by selling hearing aids directly to consumers online. Just remember, they’re only an option for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.
» Also Check Out: Best Android-Compatible Hearing Aids
Jabra Enhance hearing aids start at $995 per pair and go up to $1,995 if you opt for the Enhance Select 500 Premium package. That includes free shipping, three years of remote care with an audiologist, the Jabra Enhance Select mobile app, and more. The company also runs online sales throughout the year that could save you a few hundred dollars on your hearing aids.
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5. MDHearing - Most Comfortable In-Ear and BTE Options
What we like most
- Competitively-priced hearing aids
- 24/7 live customer support
- Available to purchase individually or as a pair
MDHearingOverview:
Testing out the Neo XS from MDHearing
Overview
- Price: $297 to $397 per pair
- Style: CIC, ITC, Mini BTE
- Type: OTC
- Battery life: Up to 20 hours
MDHearing offers two BTE models and two in-the-ear options. The NEO XS is the smallest and most lightweight out of all the models; it gives you the closest thing to a nearly invisible hearing aid. It fits in the ear and is about the size of a pill, so it has minimal visibility.
Savings Alert: MDHearing offers big sales throughout the year. You could save up to 50 percent on a pair of hearing aids if you snag one of these deals!
At $397 per pair, the NEO XS model is pretty affordable. MDHearing also made our list for its two BTE models, the VOLT and AIR; they are comfortable, affordable, and offer more high-tech features like noise reduction and feedback cancellation. They’re bulkier than the NEO XS but have more features and advanced settings for wearers who need extra support. However, Dr. Reisman notes that users should be careful with MDHearing’s BTE models, as they can over-amplify sounds.
Testing out MDHearing's VOLT devices
Pros & Cons:Pros About MDHearing
- Comfortable fit for both in-ear and BTE models
- Low-priced hearing aids
- 45-day risk-free trial
- Friendly support team available 24/7
- Monthly financing options
Cons About MDHearing
- BTE options can over-amplify sounds
- Lacks advanced features and Bluetooth connectivity
- Companion app only works with legacy models
Our Hands-on Experience:Our Experience With MDHearing
MDHearing offers value and comfort to older adults who want a basic, nearly invisible hearing aid. Remember that if you’re looking for hearing aids that blend in, MDHearing offers beige devices only. This means they may not be the most “invisible” for older adults with lighter or darker skin tones.
» Also Check Out: Best cheap hearing aids for seniors
Our testing yielded great results and decent sound quality, especially considering the low prices. However, Jabra Enhance and Eargo offer more natural sound quality in our opinion. Note that the visibility of the NEO XS may vary based on the size of your ear canal.
When we tested the NEO XS, for example, we had to change dome sizes to make the hearing aids less visible. This turned out to be a slightly arduous process. It might make the NEO XS challenging for seniors with poor dexterity or difficulties with fine motor skills. That said, Dr. Reisman has reported positive feedback from some of her patients who have chosen MDHearing hearing aids, particularly when it comes to the easy setup process.
» Our Full Review: MDHearing reviews
Pricing
- MDHearing AIR: $297 per pair
- MDHearing NEO: $297 per pair
- MDHearing NEO XS: $397 per pair
- MDHearing VOLT: $397 per pair
By offering OTC models with limited features, colors, and technology, MDHearing keeps prices low. MDHearing’s prices range from $297 to $397 per pair thanks to year-round sales that keep costs down. If you don’t mind sacrificing a bit of the discretion and high-tech features you would get with prescription providers like Signia and Phonak, you can end up saving thousands with MDHearing. These devices will only be suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss, so keep that in mind.
The Runners-Up
Narrowing down our list of the best invisible hearing aids was no easy task. There are several quality brands that didn’t make the cut but may still be a great option for some seniors.
- Starkey: Starkey’s Picasso IIC is a small device that sits deep within the ear canal to support the way our ears naturally pick up sounds. Best of all, it’s personally customized to fit your ear anatomy. Read more about this brand in our 2024 Starkey hearing aid review.
- Lexie: Lexie makes selecting and buying a mini BTE hearing aid a breeze with three OTC models: the Lexie Lumen, Lexie B1, and Lexie B2 Plus. Read our Lexie review to learn about our hands-on experience with Lexie’s hearing aids.
- Otofonix: Otofonix almost made our list for its affordable, budget-friendly mini BTE options that start at just $249 per pair. They can’t compete against the customized hearing aids you can get from your audiologist. However, they’re an accessible option for seniors who want to try out hearing aids before committing to a more expensive pair. Learn more about Otofonix in our Otofonix hearing aid review.
Types of Invisible Hearing Aids
If you’re in the market for invisible hearing aids, you have three types to choose from: invisible-in-the-canal (IIC), completely-in-canal (CIC), and mini behind-the-ear (mini BTE). There are also similar styles like in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), and earbud-style hearing aids that offer varying levels of visibility and discretion. Since IIC and CIC hearing aids are typically suited for mild to moderate hearing loss only, we wanted to include some mini BTE options, too. Mini BTE hearing aids aren’t totally “invisible,” but they’re as close as you can get to invisible if you have severe hearing loss.
Did You Know? Among Americans with hearing loss, five percent have severe hearing loss that generally requires prescription hearing aids.
IIC and CIC hearing aids
IIC and CIC hearing aids are for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. They sit deep within your ear canal and out of sight. Many people prefer these types of hearing aids because they’re small and as discreet as possible. Plus, they won’t interfere if you wear glasses or a mask. One thing to look out for with these styles is wax buildup. Wax can quickly clog the speaker, making hearing more difficult. Proper hearing aid maintenance and cleaning are very important with the IIC and CIC styles.
Eargo offers three CIC hearing aid models, including the Eargo 6.
Mini BTE hearing aids
Mini BTE hearing aids are suitable for those with mild to severe hearing loss. This style isn’t completely invisible, but it comes close — especially if you have hair that goes past your ears. A BTE hearing aid consists of an earmold that sits in your ear canal and a receiver that sits behind your ear. A tube, called an ear hook, connects both parts. Providers typically offer the receiver in a variety of hair and skin tone colors for as much discretion as possible.
MDHearing and Jabra Enhance both offer BTE hearing aids that are fairly discrete.
Earwax won’t damage mini BTE hearing aids like it could with IIC or CIC hearing aids. So, if you are susceptible to earwax buildup, drainage, or moist ears, this style may work better for you. Just note that if you wear glasses, you may need to have them refitted since your glasses and hearing aid will share space on your ear.
Pro Tip: Are you looking for even more BTE options? Check out our guide to the best behind-the-ear hearing aids.
How Much Do Invisible Hearing Aids Cost?
Invisible and near-invisible hearing aids can vary greatly in price. Depending on the style, features, and level of hearing loss, you could find invisible hearing aids for anywhere between $300 to $8,000 per pair. Whether or not you require a prescription can also greatly affect the price. If you opt for a no-frills OTC model (like the ones you can order online from MDHearing), you could get a pair for just a few hundred dollars.
If you want an OTC option with more features, you might opt for an earbud-style hearing aid from Eargo for about $800 per pair or a mini BTE model from Jabra Enhance starting at $1,495 per pair. Finally, if you have severe or profound hearing loss, or you simply want to meet with a hearing specialist for an in-person fitting, you could opt for a prescription hearing aid from Phonak or Signia and pay anywhere between $2,000 and $8,000 per pair.
Pros and Cons of Invisible Hearing Aids
Pros of Invisible Hearing Aids
- Great for seniors who want a more discreet hearing device than standard BTE models
- Ideal for active seniors who want a secure fit
- Natural sound quality due to deeper placement in the ear
- Little to no interference with glasses, masks, or even headphones
- Often comfortable to wear for longer periods
Cons of Invisible Hearing Aids
- Usually lacking in features like Bluetooth or manual volume control
- More likely to get lost due to the small size, particularly for older adults who struggle with memory problems or dementia
- May be difficult to manage for those with dexterity issues
- Smaller models often not suitable for severe or profound hearing loss
- More prone to moisture damage and might be a poor choice for those with excessive earwax
Important Features in an Invisible Hearing Aid
Invisibility is important to many people who have hearing loss. This is because it’s nice to have hearing aids that enhance hearing without getting in the way, especially if you regularly wear glasses. Of course, that doesn’t mean just any invisible hearing aid will do. Below are some other functions to look for in an invisible hearing aid.
Background noise reduction and speech enhancement
Most hearing aids offer background noise reduction and speech enhancement as standard features. They’re especially crucial when you find yourself in noisy situations attempting to hear the people or sounds that you need to hear. Verify with your hearing provider that the model you are interested in comes with these features.
Caveat: Because IIC hearing aids have only one microphone, they will be limited in how well they can separate speech from background noise. If you are interested in an invisible hearing aid, it is advisable to request speech-in-noise testing during your hearing test to determine if a remote microphone is warranted. On the other hand, BTE hearing aids and some CIC hearing aids have dual microphones. So, if you’re OK with slightly visible (but still discreet) hearing aids, they’re worth considering.
Feedback cancellation
No hearing aid will completely eliminate feedback, but the good ones will significantly suppress it to make your hearing more comfortable. It’s important to ask your hearing provider for hearing aids that have advanced feedback cancellation if you are sensitive to feedback.
Multiple hearing aid channels
Your doctor will ultimately determine whether your level of hearing loss will require multiple hearing channels for the best hearing results, but it’s good to consider this. A multichannel hearing aid isn’t necessarily better, but it helps divide sounds into more frequency sections for separate analysis. Having more channels may be beneficial if you have complex hearing loss.
Phone compatibility
Being able to communicate with others on the phone easily is important. See whether your potential invisible hearing aid offers Bluetooth streaming or some other form of easy phone use, like a specific program in your hearing aid that your provider may set up. Hearing aids and phones do not always work together seamlessly, so be sure to ask your hearing provider about the different setup options.
» Learn More: Best Bluetooth hearing aids of 2024
Self-learning
Some invisible hearing aids are “smart” enough to “learn” the wearer. By this, we mean that they can internally record the number of hours the hearing aids are worn, volume preferences, and the nature of the wearer’s usual sound environments, for example. This feature can help users fine-tune their hearing experience and provide audiologists with a way to identify and resolve certain types of hearing issues.
Tinnitus masking
If you experience ringing in the ears, you will need an invisible hearing aid with tinnitus masking as a feature. These hearing aids have sound generators that produce various sounds to offset the perceived loudness of tinnitus. While it’s a relatively new feature, it has proven to be useful. So, tinnitus masking is definitely worth looking into if it’s a concern for you. And, if tinnitus is the main reason you’re looking for hearing aids, be sure to review our list of the best hearing aids for tinnitus.
FAQs
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Do invisible hearing aids work well?
Yes, invisible hearing aids from quality providers can work very well for mild, moderate, and even moderately severe hearing loss. However, most invisible hearing aids are not designed for more severe or profound hearing loss.
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How do you fit invisible hearing aids?
How you fit invisible hearing aids will depend on the style: IIC, CIC, ITC, ITE, or mini BTE. For prescription hearing aids, the hearing aid specialist will fit them for you. If you opt for an over-the-counter brand, you’ll need to contact the manufacturer for assistance getting your fit just right.
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What is the most inconspicuous hearing aid?
The Phonak Lyric is the most inconspicuous invisible hearing aid on the market. It fits deep into the ear canal, doesn’t need to be removed during sleep or showers, and doesn’t even need to be charged. It only needs to be replaced by a specialist once every three or four months.
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Can anyone wear invisible hearing aids?
While most people will be able to wear a mini BTE hearing aid, certain invisible in-ear models are too small for unique ear canal anatomies. As a result, truly invisible hearing aids are not for everyone.
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Are invisible hearing aids better than behind the ear?
If you favor discretion, invisible hearing aids are better. However, if you have severe or profound hearing loss and you want to enjoy features like Bluetooth streaming and multidirectional microphones, you’ll have far more BTE hearing aids to choose from.
AFGE. Eargo Hearing Aids. (2023).