An estimated 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from hearing aids. When you start your hearing aid journey, it’s normal to be overwhelmed by the choices. Hearing aids differ in shape, color and features. Invisible hearing aids are one popular option. They’re small, discreet and sit deep inside the ear canal, making them practically undetectable. This appeals to many people who don’t want the visible bulk of traditional hearing aids. But they aren’t perfect for everyone.
Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of invisible hearing aids and how to determine if they’re right for you.
The Benefits of Invisible Hearing Aids
A few benefits of invisible hearing aids include:
- Discreet appearance. As the name implies, invisible hearing aids are entirely hidden from view, making them a great option for people who want clearer hearing with a discreet appearance.
- Less wind noise. Because they sit deep in the ear canal, invisible hearing aids get less wind noise than their behind-the-ear counterparts.
- Easy use with your phone. When you talk on the phone, it’s easy to press against or knock into behind-the-ear hearing aids, especially if you’re in the habit of holding your phone between your ear and shoulder. Invisible hearing aids sit deep enough in the ear canal to comfortably use a phone without bumping your devices.
- Less likely to catch on things. Invisible hearing aids are less likely to catch on hats, masks, glasses or head wraps.
- Less likely to produce the occlusion effect. The occlusion effect is the sensation of hearing your voice or chewing at an uncomfortable volume. Invisible hearing aids help prevent this, allowing you to enjoy your favorite Geaghan’s Pub meal without unpleasant sounds.
The Cons of Invisible Hearing Aids
As great as invisible hearing aids are, they’re not perfect for everyone. A few cons to think about include:
- Not ideal for severe hearing loss. Invisible hearing aids work best for mild to moderate hearing loss but may not provide enough amplification for more pronounced cases.
- They’re tricky to adjust. Because they sit deep in the ear, invisible hearing aids can be more challenging to insert, remove and clean. Smaller hearing aids may also be difficult for people with dexterity issues.
- Vulnerable to earwax buildup. Because they sit deeply in the ear canal, invisible models may accumulate more earwax, potentially interfering with sound quality.
Who is a Good Candidate for Invisible Hearing Aids?
Invisible hearing aids are great for those who:
- Have mild to moderate hearing loss
- Want a discreet hearing aid option
- Have ear canals that can accommodate a deep-fit device
- Don’t have dexterity issues
They may not be the best fit if you:
- Have severe or profound hearing loss
- Have frequent ear infections or excessive earwax buildup
- Have difficulty handling small objects
For more information on your hearing treatment options, contact Bangor Audiology today.