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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
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- Best rechargeable hearing aids: Eargo 7
- Best professionally inserted hearing aids: Phonak Lyric
- Best ready-to-wear hearing aids: Signia Silk X
- Best invisible hearing aids for clear sound: Starkey Picasso Invisible (IIC)
Invisible hearing aids are also referred to as invisible-in-canal hearing aids. As the name implies, this type of hearing aid is small, discreet, and unnoticeable to others.
Hearing loss is nothing to be embarrassed about. Even so, many people opt for invisible hearing aids.
Invisible hearing aids are custom-fitted by a hearing professional. They’re designed to sit comfortably and deep within your ear canal.
Over-the-counter (OTC) invisible hearing aids are for mild to moderate hearing loss. However, prescription invisible hearing aids may be used for severe hearing loss as well. Speak with a healthcare professional about the best option for you.
Most of the hearing aids on this list are priced per ear and can be used by people with one-sided hearing loss.
We took each manufacturer’s reputation for customer service and quality into account. We only included hearing aids that come from trusted, transparent manufacturers.
We looked for hearing aids that come with risk-free trials and warranties. Keep in mind that these vary significantly, based on the retailer or dealer you purchase your hearing aids from.
We analyzed customer reviews and only chose hearing aids that get more positive reviews than those with a large history of complaints.
Pricing guide
Invisible hearing aids are often more expensive than more visible types. Their costs also vary by retailer.
The pricing for most of the hearing aids on this list is per ear, not per pair. It’s typical for this type of hearing aid to be at least $1,000. We’ve noted cost as follows:
- $ = under $2,000
- $$ = $2,000–$3,000
- $$$ = over $3,000
Best rechargeable hearing aid
| Price | Type of hearing aid | Battery | Trial period | Warranty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eargo 7 | $$$ | invisible in the canal | rechargeable | 45 days | 2 years |
| Phonak Lyric | varies | invisible in the canal | disposable | 45 days | 1 year |
| Signia Silk X | varies | invisible in the canal | disposable | varies | depends on where you buy |
| Starkey Picasso Invisible (IIC) | varies | invisible in the canal | replaceable | 30 days | depends on where you buy |
Invisible hearing aids are designed to provide all the features of a hearing aid in a tiny package. You can’t see them unless you peer into someone’s ear. Because they’re so small, they often have replaceable batteries. Some brands, such as Eargo, offer rechargeable invisible hearing aids for added convenience.
Because they’re smaller than traditional hearing aids, you typically can’t control them with on-device buttons. Some people may also have trouble fitting them in their ears.
Additionally, OTC hearing aids (such as those from Eargo) and IIC hearing aids (such as the Phonak Lyric) are best for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Prescription hearing aids may benefit some with severe hearing loss as well.
You may be wondering if invisible hearing aids will work for you. Not everyone has an ear canal suited for this type of hearing aid. If your ear canal is small, narrow, or differently shaped, you may not be a good candidate. The type of hearing loss you have is another factor.
Also, keep your dexterity in mind. Since invisible hearing aids are very small, they may be hard to manipulate. Those that don’t use rechargeable batteries may be especially challenging to upkeep. If you have arthritis or another condition that impacts your hands, invisible hearing aids may not be for you.
Pros
- invisible design is hard to detect
- more natural sound due to placement in the ear canal
- comfortable for most people
- lightweight
Cons
- some people may have trouble getting them in
- many often have replaceable batteries with a short battery life
- some are not suitable for severe hearing loss
- expensive compared with other styles
Invisible hearing aids are the smallest and least obtrusive of all hearing aid types. There are two kinds:
- completely-in-canal (CIC), which sit completely in the ear canal
- invisible-in-canal (IIC), which sits deep in the ear canal
Both kinds are custom-made to accommodate the specific shape and size of your ear canal. To purchase this type of hearing aid, you’ll first need to visit a hearing aid professional.
If you’re shopping for an invisible hearing aid, you already know you want something discreet. What else should you consider? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Size tradeoff: The smaller the hearing aid, the more likely it’ll be challenging to fit in a rechargeable battery. If a rechargeable battery is a must-have for you, you may have to opt for a slightly larger model. The same goes for features like Bluetooth connectivity.
- Custom-fitted: While some hearing aids are available direct to consumers, you may prefer to buy a model from an audiologist because they can custom fit the device. But prescription hearing aids do tend to be pricier.
- Degree of hearing loss: It helps to see a hearing professional to find out the type and degree of hearing loss you have. They can recommend a device that specifically suits your needs. Not all devices are suitable for all degrees of hearing loss. For example, some cannot help with severe or profound hearing loss.
If invisible hearing aids aren’t appropriate for your needs or you’d like more pricing options, there are other types of hearing aids that can be hard to detect:
- In-the-ear hearing aids are practically invisible from behind, even though they sit inside the outer ear.
- Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids have a visible behind-the-ear casing. However, many RIC hearing aids have a transparent, discreet tube that connects the in-ear receiver to the outer part.
- For people who prefer behind-the-ear hearing aids, some come in hues designed to blend with most hair colors. They may not be invisible, but their color can make them harder to see.
It’s a good idea to see a doctor or hearing professional if you notice you’re having trouble hearing things or finding it difficult to follow conversations. If people around you tell you they often have to repeat themselves for you to hear, that’s another sign that you may be experiencing difficulties with your hearing.
Why is it important to see a doctor for potential hearing loss? Some causes of hearing loss are due to an underlying medical condition that may require medical treatment.
Invisible hearing aids may last as long as 5 years. If enjoying the latest technological advancements is important to you, you may wish to purchase a bundled hearing aid package that lets you upgrade every 18 months or so to a new pair.
CIC and IIC hearing aids can be prone to wax buildup. This can clog the speaker and inhibit sound quality. Cleaning your hearing aids often will help prolong their life, plus enhance their ability to help you hear optimally.
How you store your hearing aids can impact longevity. Make sure to store them in a dry, dust-free environment when they’re not in your ears.
If you live in a damp climate, your hearing aids may erode more quickly than they would in dryer areas.
Which type of hearing aid is most invisible?
When looking for an undetectable hearing aid, opt for one listed as invisible-in-canal or IIC. These types of hearing aids sit deep in the ear canal, making them invisible to those around you.
Can you shower with your hearing aids?
While most hearing aids are water-resistant and may survive if accidentally worn in the shower, it isn’t recommended to shower with your hearing aids.
How long does it take to get used to hearing aids?
Hearing aids can take a few days or weeks to get used to, but if they feel uncomfortable, you might need to readjust them. Discomfort can be a sign that you’ve inserted them incorrectly.
Can you wear just one hearing aid?
Yes, it’s possible to wear only one hearing aid. Many people experience single-sided hearing loss, so it’s not always necessary to wear two hearing aids.
Some devices are equipped with CROS tech. This allows people with poor hearing in one ear to hear sounds on their “good side.”
Invisible hearing aids may be a good choice for people who have mild to moderate hearing loss. In addition to hearing loss level, the shape and size of your ear canal will help determine if invisible hearing aids are right for you. If not, there are other types that may be nearly as discreet.