Invisible hearing aids are one of the many different types of hearing aids available on the market. They are typically characterized by how discreet they are, and advancements in technology mean they can be quite powerful, despite their compact size. Invisible hearing aids are popular among those who prioritize the visibility of their hearing aid over added features and benefits. Let’s explore more about invisible hearing aids, their benefits and drawbacks, and whether or not invisible hearing aids would be the right fit for you.

Types of hearing aids

As we mentioned, invisible hearing aids are one of many types of hearing aids on offer. It’s important to consider all aspects of form and function to make sure you get the most suitable hearing aids for your lifestyle and needs. Our hearing is unique, and so are the expectations we have from hearing aids, which is why it’s essential to understand the full range of hearing aids available.

Invisible hearing aids

As the name suggests, invisible hearing aids, also known as invisible-in-canal (IIC) or completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids, sit deeply inside your ear canal so that they are practically invisible to the naked eye. Invisible hearing aids are often custom-fitted to your ear canal because the shape of our ear canals differs from person to person. They do not contain any external bodies, tubes, or wires, meaning the entire device sits entirely inside your ear. While it is still amazing to see how advanced these discreet hearing aids are, they do have some limitations. Mostly, invisible hearing aids cannot offer the same number of enhanced or convenient features as a behind-the-ear (BTE) device, such as Bluetooth or streaming.

Unfortunately, because of their compact size, invisible hearing aids also suffer from short battery life. They are typically not able to offer binaural coordination between the two hearing aids, meaning any changes made to one hearing aid are not automatically applied to the other. That being said, invisible hearing aids offer plenty of benefits. The biggest is that they provide a discreet style, with some people never even knowing you have a hearing aid in your ear. Due to the position of the device, it also offers a “more natural sound experience,” amplified by the fact that there are no tubes or wires coming out of your ear. Lastly, invisible hearing aids are less likely to pick up wind noise, which may cause feedback in other hearing aids.

Behind-the-ear hearing aids

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, as the name suggests, are hearing aids whose main body sits behind the ear, comprising a hard plastic shell to house all the components, a thin flexible tube that extends from the hard shell, and connects to a dome (or receiver in some cases) that sits inside your ear. This shape is most commonly associated with the stereotypical aesthetic of a hearing aid - the beige shell behind the ear with a tube into the ear.

BTE devices are still one of the most popular types of hearing aids, especially devices that place their receiver in the canal (RIC hearing aids). The main drawback is that they are visible on the outside of the ear, although they are much more compact and discreet than they used to be. BTE devices have advanced to be much more compact and discreet while still offering a multitude of features and benefits. The main advantage of BTE devices is that they offer some of the most comprehensive lists of features out of all hearing aid types. Commonly, BTE devices offer Bluetooth connectivity, music, media, and phone call streaming, as well as prolonged battery life and excellent sound quality.

In-the-ear hearing aids

In-the-ear hearing aids (ITE), or inside-the-ear, are hearing aids that sit inside the ear, similar to invisible hearing aids. However, ITE devices are not necessarily as discreet as their invisible counterparts, and could still be visible, though not as obvious. They comprise a small body that typically houses all the internal parts of the hearing aids, which are then inserted directly into your ear, without external tubes or wires.

A disadvantage of ITE hearing aids is that they are not as discreet as their invisible counterparts. While they are not as obvious as BTE devices, they are still more visible than CIC or IIC devices. Their small size can also make them easier to lose if not handled carefully. However, the advantage of ITE hearing aids is that they are typically more feature-rich than IIC or CIC devices, thanks to their slightly larger size. They generally offer better and longer battery life compared to CIC or IIC devices. ITE hearing aids also support features like Bluetooth connectivity, media and phone call streaming, and rechargeable batteries, such as those found in Go Hearing devices.

Should I choose invisible hearing aids?

Invisible hearing aids are perfect for wearers whose priority is discretion and invisibility. Since invisible hearing aids are so small, they unfortunately have to forgo some beneficial features, such as Bluetooth connectivity, streaming, and even rechargeable batteries. Invisible hearing aids are suited for those who simply want a device that helps them hear better in various environments, without any added frills or features.

If this sounds like you, then invisible hearing aids may be the perfect choice. They will provide the discretion you are looking for, and there’s little chance anyone will even know you're wearing a hearing aid. However, if you want better features with more customization, convenience, and rechargeability, then invisible hearing aids might not be right for you. Instead, you may want to consider a BTE device (if features are your priority) or an ITE device (a great “meet-in-the-middle” alternative).

Go hearing aids

Go hearing aids are excellent, feature-rich in-the-ear devices that arrive ready to wear. Go Hearing devices are fully rechargeable, providing up to 30 hours of usage with each 3-hour charge. The included charging case can recharge your hearing aids up to six times before needing to be recharged.

Get your Go Lite or Go Prime hearing aids here, or call (302) 754-3190 to speak with a Go Hearing product expert.