Best Invisible Hearing Aids for 2021
Our experts researched and reviewed 10 invisible hearing aids and narrowed the list to their top 5 recommendations.
Updated September 20, 2021
Our experts researched and reviewed 10 invisible hearing aids and narrowed the list to their top 5 recommendations.
Top 7 Highest Ranked Invisible Hearing Aids
How We Chose the Best Invisible Hearing Aids
To help you select the best invisible hearing aid for your lifestyle, we have narrowed down to the top seven based on several criteria. Durability, ease of use, sound quality, and size are some factors we took into consideration when ranking the best invisible hearing aids in the market. Explore these top-of-the-line devices.
Lively gives customers who prefer BTE (behind-the-ear) hearing aids a nearly invisible device at an affordable price. Traditionally, BTE hearing aids are more noticeable than ITC (in-the-canal) models since they rest on the outside of the ear. But, Lively’s FDA-approved devices are less than half an inch wide and come in seven colors designed to blend in with hair color, making them even more discreet. Keep in mind that Lively only offers two BTE hearing aid models, so if you prefer a different style, you’ll want to check out another brand.
We think the near-invisible design is just one of many perks of Lively hearing aids. Customers may choose from a rechargeable or battery-powered model, both of which are Bluetooth-enabled and come with a 100-day money-back guarantee. Lively prides itself on offering customers three years of follow-up care with an audiologist with every purchase. We know some seniors may be hesitant to purchase hearing aids online, but Lively offers professional audiology services to put your mind at ease. This is a service that many over-the-counter hearing aid manufacturers don’t offer.
Unfortunately, most health insurance plans don’t cover hearing aids. With some hearing aids costing well over $5,000 for a pair, the purchase can make a dent in your wallet. Lively offers a more cost-effective option by selling hearing aids directly to consumers online or over the phone. A pair of Lively rechargeable hearing aids will run you $2,400. That includes free shipping, three years of remote care with an audiologist, the Lively app, and more. The battery-powered model is $1,850 per pair.
Money-Saving Tip: Lively runs online sales throughout the year that could save you a few hundred dollars on your hearing aids. Be on the lookout for these deals as you shop!
Though Lively lacks a truly “invisible” hearing aid model, they come pretty close with their BTE devices. The petite design and clever color options allow Lively hearing aids to blend in behind the ear. Both hearing aid models are Bluetooth-enabled and come with follow-up care from a Lively audiologist, all while costing 50 percent less than the national average for hearing aids. Lively is difficult to top for older adults looking for a nearly-invisible BTE hearing aid they can buy online. Visit this year’s Lively review to learn more about this provider.
If you are in the market for a newer hearing aid brand, Eargo may be a great fit. Though Eargo is a newer hearing aid brand, they offer affordable devices that you can purchase online. Eargo boasts high-quality, natural sound and a sleek design. The company carries four hearing aid products as well as accessories. Eargo made the top of our list because invisibility, rechargeability, and affordability come standard with every pair of their hearing aids.
All four of Eargo’s hearing aid models fit snugly in the wearer’s ear canal, which reduces background noise and makes them invisible. If you want rechargeable invisible hearing aids that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, Eargo may be a great option. Since you can buy these invisible hearing aids online, you can forgo an appointment with an audiologist. Just remember, this also means they won’t be suitable for profound hearing loss. When selecting an Eargo hearing aid, pay attention to the audio and connection features, which set each model apart.
One great thing about this provider is that, unlike competing brands, Eargo is transparent with its pricing. You can easily find pricing information online. Currently, Eargo 5 costs $2,950, Eargo Neo HiFi costs $2,500, Eargo Neo costs $2,000, and Eargo Max costs $1,500. You can also split the cost into monthly payments over 12 or 24 months if that works better for your budget.
With Eargo’s small-yet-mighty hearing aids, reasonable prices, and rechargeable products, they are worth considering if you’re shopping for an invisible hearing aid. The technology used in their devices allows you to customize the hearing experience to suit individual needs. And, thanks to their monthly payment plans, more people can afford Eargo devices without stretching their budgets too far. However, if you’re experiencing profound hearing loss or would prefer hearing aids that are fitted by a hearing care professional, you may want to consider some of the other providers on our list. Visit our full review of Eargo for a closer look.
Similar to Lively, MDHearingAid only offers BTE hearing aids. Out of their three models, the AIR, is the smallest and most lightweight, giving you the closest thing to a nearly invisible hearing aid experience. The AIR hearing aid is half an inch wide, which is about the same width as a pencil. The clear tubing that runs from the hearing aid inside of your ear is thin and discreet as well. At $799.99 for a pair, the AIR model is highly affordable. The budget-friendly cost does result in a lack of features; the AIR model isn’t rechargeable, Bluetooth-enabled, or water-resistant like other MDHearingAid models.
If those features are important to you, you may want to look at MDHearingAid’s Volt or Core hearing aid models. They are bulkier than the AIR but have more features and advanced hearing settings for wearers who need extra hearing support.
Savings Alert: MDHearingAid 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!
By offering limited features, models, colors, and technology, MDHearingAid can price their hearing aids very low. Plus, by cutting out the middleman and selling directly to customers via their website or phone, customers get to keep even more money in their wallets. A pair of hearing aids from MDHearingAid could cost you $799.99 to $1,919.98, which is thousands of dollars less than what you would pay for a pair of custom-fit, invisible hearing aids from a hearing clinic.
MDHearingAid offers value to seniors who want a basic, nearly invisible hearing aid. Though these BTE-style hearing aids aren’t as discreet as some others we’ve seen, they come pretty close, not to mention at an affordable price. Keep in mind if you’re looking for hearing aids that blend in, MDHearingAid only offers beige devices. Their hearing aids will be more noticeable on someone with darker hair or complexion. Head to this year’s MDHearingAid review for a closer look at the brand.
Widex, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of hearing aids, is known for its stellar sound quality and technology. The company’s completely-in-canal (CIC) models are a great choice for those looking for a hearing aid that cannot be seen. All Widex CIC hearing aids have a custom-made shell designed to fit deep in your ear canals, making them invisible, and comfy too! The Widex Moment, Evoke, and UNIQUE hearing aid lines all feature multiple CIC models.
Widex hearing aid prices aren’t available online. To find out more about the cost, visit your local hearing center to speak with a professional or audiologist. They should also be able to address any questions you may have about Widex CIC models and show you other invisible hearing aid options that may best suit your needs.
Widex offers multiple CIC hearing aid options. The sound quality across all of their models is excellent, and the company also offers a plethora of apps to help customize your hearing aid experience. Last but not least, Widex is always happy to help customers whenever needed. To learn more, check out our Widex hearing aid review.
Signia hearing devices are applauded for their phenomenal sound quality, comfort, and ease of use. The company offers a variety of innovative features to help enhance people’s hearing experiences. As far as invisible hearing aids go, Signia carries a couple different models to choose from: Insio Nx IIC, and Insio Silk X.
Insio Nx IIC is extremely small, so unlike the rest of the Nx range that offers Bluetooth connectivity, this model doesn’t have that feature. It does, however, pair with a small remote control that you can carry in your purse or pocket, on your keys, or on a lanyard.
Last but not least, Insio Silk X is another small hearing aid that can be invisible depending on your ear canal size. This model is designed to fit up to 80 percent of all ear canals. It is a modular type of hearing aid that utilizes a flexible Click Sleeve to provide an immediate, snug, and comfortable fit. If you are looking to walk into your hearing test and walk out with hearing aids perfectly fitted into your ears, then this would be a solid choice!
Signia’s pricing varies greatly depending on where you shop and purchase their hearing aids, as well as the specific features and design you choose. To find out whether any of these Signia models fit within your invisible hearing aid budget, visit your local hearing aid center to learn more.
Signia is continually integrating new technology into their hearing aids to meet the needs of people who are hearing-impaired. It can often be difficult for someone with severe hearing loss to find a reliable invisible hearing aid, but Signia does take into consideration all hearing loss levels. The company website is filled with useful information which can be helpful for those who are keen on possibly getting their questions and concerns addressed without needing to call and talk to someone.
You can also check out our review of Signia hearing aids to learn more about their full product line.
Phonak is the manufacturer of the world’s first and only 100 percent invisible extended wear hearing device that delivers natural sound, called Lyric. Its unique placement in the ear canal allows it to stay fully hidden, while users are able to capture sound from the outside world naturally and experience exceptional sound quality, even in very noisy listening environments. Since it is 100 percent invisible, wearers essentially can forget about their hearing loss and start focusing on enjoying life. Those who purchase this invisible hearing aid will also get a Lyric subscription free for one year, which covers servicing on the device and technology updates when they become available.
The cost of Phonak hearing aids, including their Lyric model, varies with location. If you are interested in finding out whether or not this device is within your budget, visit your local hearing provider for more information.
Looking for a 100 percent invisible hearing aid that can operate for months at a time without removal? Phonak’s Lyric may be worth considering, if the pricing is right with your budget over time. Since it is only sold under a subscription model, just know that in the long run, this option might be on the pricier end compared to the other invisible hearing aid models we’ve discussed so far.
To learn more about Phonak and their other hearing aid options, take a look at our 2021 Phonak hearing aid review.
Many independent audiologists recommend Starkey‘s Picasso IIC when it comes to invisible hearing aids. This model is a small device that sits deep within the ear canal to support the way our ears naturally pick up sounds, and to let the wearer use most standard earpieces with no problem. It is packed with advanced features for speech understanding in noise. Sit back and watch Starkey Picasso automatically adjust to the world around you!
Picasso is compatible with the full line of Surflink wireless accessories, including remote controls, Bluetooth streamers, and remote microphones.
Starkey does not sell any hearing aids through the company website directly. Starkey products are available for purchase through a network of distributors and audiology centers. Those interested in pricing and other details should contact their local hearing facility to learn more. Be sure to ask about financing plans available, and check to see if your healthcare insurance covers any part of a hearing aid purchase.
Starkey is an independent and family-owned hearing aid business. They have a long history of innovation and success in the hearing aid industry, making their invisible hearing aids a smart choice for those looking to improve their hearing and enjoy the sounds of the world clearly. Read more about this brand in our 2021 Starkey hearing aid review.
FYI: Not 100 percent set on invisible hearing aids? Review our list of the best hearing aids for seniors to learn about some other highly rated hearing aid manufacturers.
Invisibility is important to many people who have hearing loss, simply because it’s nice to have hearing aids that enhance hearing without getting in the way, especially if you wear glasses. Of course, that doesn’t mean just any invisible hearing aid will do. Below are some other functions to look out for in an invisible hearing aid:
Most hearing aids today offer background noise reduction and speech enhancement as standard features that go hand-in-hand. They’re especially crucial when you find yourself in noisy situations, having a hard time focusing on hearing the people or sounds that you need to hear. Verify with your hearing provider that the model(s) you are interested in come with these features.
Caveat: Because all invisible hearing aids only have one microphone, there will be limitations to 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.
No hearing aid will completely eliminate feedback, but the good ones will significantly suppress it to make it more comfortable for you to hear. When shopping for an invisible hearing aid that’s right for you, it’s important to ask your hearing provider for hearing aids that have advanced feedback cancellation if you are sensitive to feedback.
Pro Tip: Want to learn more about how hearing aids technology? Visit our guide on how hearing aids work for a closer look.
Your doctor will ultimately determine whether your level of hearing loss will require multiple hearing channels for best hearing results, but it’s good to consider this. A multi-channel hearing aid isn’t necessarily better, but it helps the hearing aid divide sounds into more frequency sections for separate analysis. Having more channels may be beneficial if you have complex hearing loss.
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 set-up options out there.
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 be practical for users to fine-tune their hearing experience, and provide audiologists a way to identify and resolve certain types of hearing issues experienced.
If you experience ringing in the ears, you will need an invisible hearing aid that boasts 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, and definitely worth looking into if it’s a concern for your individual lifestyle! 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.
With so many different hearing aid brands and models out there, and endless features to consider, it may be a daunting task to decide which invisible hearing aid is best for you and your lifestyle. Consult with a hearing professional or audiologist who can better analyze your listening needs and help you evaluate which features are essential.
As a practicing audiologist since the 1990’s, Brad Ingrao, AuD has fitted thousands of hearing aids to seniors and people of all ages. Brad is the Official Audiologist for the International Committee on Sports for the Deaf and a well-known speaker. Dr…. Learn More About Brad Ingrao
