For general questions, please send us a message and we’ll get right back to you. You can also call us directly to speak with a member of our service team.
Hearing loss is common among Americans. At the same time, age-related changes are not the main causes of the problem. Young people also lose their hearing, for example, when they regularly listen to music at high volume through headphones. The problem is relevant for millions of families across the country!
Fortunately, if the disorder is corrected in time with the help of hearing aids, it is possible to restore the previous quality of life and significantly improve the current situation. These electronic devices become a real help for people with hearing impairments of varying severity.
Modern people are accustomed to an active lifestyle, paying great attention to their appearance, so classic BTE hearing aids might not be their first choice. What to do in such a situation? Invisible hearing aids are the right solution to the problem! These small devices can hide problems from people and will not interfere with vigorous activity. Are they suitable for daily use?
What is an invisible hearing aid?
For years, many Americans have been waiting for truly invisible hearing aids. Even the smallest hearing aids (CIC devices) might be somewhat visible when you look at the ear from the side. For many people, their devices must remain unnoticed from any angle. For such demanding people, invisible or the so-called Invisible-In-Canal (IIC) hearing aids are perfect.
These are miniature devices for personal use that fit completely in the ear canal. Unlike other in-the-ear models, they are located quite deep in the canal, therefore, they are invisible to others. The IIC device’s shell is made from the impression of the client’s ear canal. The hidden model is removed using a transparent thread.
Invisible in the canal hearing aid consists of:
Tiny outdoor microphone
Speaker
Built-in amplifier
Mini-processor
Supply system
Due to its simple structure, this device has the smallest size among analogs. At the same time, a hidden hearing aid does not have the additional functions that larger models have.
Dr. Stella Fulman recommends using invisible hearing aids only for mild to moderate hearing loss. For more severe problems, other devices are needed.
Our extensive experience at Audiology Island shows that when choosing a hearing aid, you should pay particular attention to the type, style, as well as the manufacturer. It determines not only the capabilities of the device but also it’s quality and usability.
Do you or your loved ones have a hearing problem? Are you having problems with speech perception? It may seem to you that during a conversation, the speaker pronounces sounds indistinctly, as if “swallowing” the words. Have most of the previously familiar sounds disappeared from your life? Then there is no time to waste! Take the free hearing test. The results will show the presence/absence of the problem so that you can easily get get help.
Why do people choose invisible hearing aids?
Americans opt for IIC models due to the following unique advantages.
Compact and invisible
This is the main advantage of the model. Using the smallest invisible hearing aid is simple and convenient at the same time. IIC devices do not interfere with your active lifestyle at all, you can easily play sports and travel. The person you are talking to will not know that you have a hearing loss unless you disclose this information yourself.
Comfortable to use
Users do not experience any discomfort when using invisible hearing aids daily. The devices are practically intangible due to their low weight, the absence of external devices, receivers, and wires.
Natural sound quality
The shapre of the IIC device is made individually according to the impression of the client’s ear canal. This allows the hearing aid to fit securely in the canal without blocking it. Thus, the user avoids the occlusion effect, which is typical for other models, for example, CIC devices.
The latest technology and miniature size make hidden hearing aids so comfortable that sometimes you will forget that you are using it. No wonder Audiology Island customers prefer this particular model!
It should be noted that Signia Silk X hearing aids are especially popular on the market today. These electronic assistants meet all modern requirements and have a very reasonable price compared to similar models from other well-known manufacturers.
Do IIC devices have disadvantages?
The miniature size is both an advantage and a disadvantage, which should also be considered when choosing a particular device. What can you face with invisible hearing aids?
Low battery life
For obvious reasons, the smallest hearing aid does not allow installing a rechargeable battery or a large-capacity battery in the case. Therefore, with daily use, you will have to change the power source quite often.
Limited power
An invisible hearing aid is suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss but does not compensate for more significant hearing impairments.
Lack of additional features
Hidden hearing aid lacks external controls or additional features to help isolate a person’s voice, reduce background noise, and more. These devices will not be able to adapt to different sound environments as well as larger devices or RITE hearing aids.
Operational problems may arise
If you have any sensory problems, such as arthritis, you may have trouble inserting the tiny hearing aid in your ear canal. The problem is due to the small size of the device. It is not as critical as others, but it can nevertheless cause the hearing aid to malfunction and cause discomfort.
Daily cleaning
Manufacturers recommend cleaning invisible hearing aids every time after use. What for? The devices are located deep in the ear canal, so they are highly susceptible to sweat (moisture) and earwax. Do you want to maximize the life of your devices? Clean them as often as possible using special tools.
Can I use invisible hearing aids?
Choosing a hearing aid is an important step in regaining your hearing and returning to a happy life. This must be approached with great responsibility. Don’t make uneducated decisions!
All modern hearing aids are small, but they differ significantly in their capabilities. Therefore, it is very important to discuss with the hearing care professional what options you would like to have. It is also very important to determine the extent and type of your hearing loss, as this will significantly affect the size of the device that will fit you. Do not forget that you will be wearing your device every day. If it turns out to be uncomfortable or inconvenient, make sure to let your hearing healthcare provider know so that they could fix this issue.
Despite all the advantages and popularity, invisible hearing aids have some limitations in their use. For example, this model is not suitable for people with a short or narrow ear canal. Therefore, in order not to get into an unpleasant situation, we recommend that you consult with an experienced specialist.
Audiology Island has extensive experience in the field of hearing aids. We have already helped many people by restoring their hearing to be able to enjoy the sounds of the outside world! Audiology Island will certainly help you, just make the right choice!
About Dr Stella Fulman
Dr. Stella Fulman, AU.D., CCC-A received her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Audiology from Brooklyn College in 2004 and her Doctorate of Audiology from Salus University in 2008. [ Learn More ]
