Advancements in technology underpin many of the developments we have seen in the health sector over the years. Hearing aids in particular have experienced a major technological revolution over the last decade, from improvements to sound quality, to durability and customisations.
One of the biggest advancements we have seen in the hearing aid is the introduction of invisible hearing aids. Invisible hearing aids, also known as invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) are designed to ameliorate hearing quality whilst remaining discreet.
In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about invisible hearing aids, who they are suitable for and what models are available from Sutton Hearing Centre’s partners.
How do IIC’s work?
Invisible hearing aids are tiny devices that fit into the ear canal, making them completely hidden from sight. Many types of invisible hearing aids are customisable and adjusted to your preference, whether that be the colour of the shell exterior to match skin tone or buttons for volume adjustments.
Like any model of hearing aid, IIC’s are made up of three components; a microphone, an amplifier and a speaker. Sounds are picked up through the device’s microphone, which then converts those sound waves into electrical signals that get sent to the amplifier.
The stigma of hearing loss
The appeal of invisible hearing aids is understandable, especially when you consider the stigma that comes with wearing hearing aids. A recent survey conducted by Forbes Health proposes that of all those who took part in the survey, nearly half (48%) with hearing loss believed that there is still a stigma attached to wearing hearing aids. But why is this?
There is no question that our culture today glorifies youth and health. For that reason, it’s no wonder that people struggling with hearing loss are hesitant to admit it, for fear of appearing aged, especially if the hearing aid is visible. One of the main appeals of invisible hearing aids is the ability to diminish these stigmas, meaning that anyone grappling to come to terms with their hearing loss can stay engaged whilst feeling comfortable and confident.
Who is a good candidate for invisible hearing aids?
Invisible hearing aids can tick a lot of boxes for many people. It is important to research into the many hearing aids available, to find out the best fit for you and your lifestyle. You might find that IIC’s are best suited to you if you:
- Have mild to moderate hearing loss– this means that you can only hear sound when they are at 30 dB if you have mild hearing loss and 50 dB if you have moderate hearing loss.
- Prioritise cosmetic appearance– invisible hearing aids are a brilliant choice for those who don’t want their hearing loss to be seen by others, with their small size and discreet style.
- Lead a physically active lifestyle– most IIC’s are custom moulded to the shape of your ear, fitting securely. This is a huge benefit if you don’t want to remove or risk damage to the hearing aid whilst taking part in sports or other physical activities.
- Prefer a more ‘natural’ sound– whilst this is slightly subjective, IIC’s don’t interfere with the sound shaping contours of your outer ear and continue to allow your ear to identify which direction sound is coming from, the quality of sound they produce is often described as natural.
Who shouldn’t get invisible hearing aids?
It is important to do your research before choosing invisible hearing aids. If any of the following apply to you, you might want to look into more appropriate options to suit your hearing needs:
- Severe or profound hearing loss– those with more critical hearing loss will need a greater sound amplification than what invisible hearing aids can provide.
- Children– IIC’s are custom-made to fit the ear perfectly and as children’s ears are constantly evolving and changing in size, IIC’s wouldn’t be a viable option.
- Dexterity or issues to the vision– anyone that suffers from dexterity or visionary issues will find the small size of IIC’s hard to adjust, i.e battery changes.
What models are available from Sutton Hearing Centre’s partners?
As technology develops, the demand for hearing aids that comply with technology growth has risen. Subsequently, manufacturers such as Starkey and Phonak provide some outstanding devices that conquer sound quality whilst remaining small and discreet.
With so many options available, it’s a challenge to know which one will suit you the best. To make deciding easier, here are some of the best devices our hearing specialists at Sutton Hearing Centre recommend:
Starkey Genesis AI
The Genesis AI hearing aid mimics the cerebral cortex in the brain, processing sound to come as close to a natural auditory system as possible. This design is custom-made from a mould of your ear taken by an audiologist.
Phonak Lyric
Made to be 100% invisible, the Lyric hearing aid is the only completely invisible hearing aid that can be worn for all 24 hours of the day for months at a time. Lyrics benefits go beyond this, giving you the ability to shower, exercise and sleep all whilst wearing this hearing aid.
Oticon Own
The Oticon Own hearing aid is custom-made to fit your ear and skin tone. Oticon’s technology doesn’t stop there, with this hearing aid being carefully crafted to access full sound scenes, creating a clear contrast between speech and background noise, making it all the more easier to follow conversations.
Signia Silk X
Whilst IIC’s are usually custom fit to the ear, Signia Silk X is an instant fit hearing aid. Signia Silk X cuts down the waiting time, with a highly adaptable soft silicone sleeve to securely fit the device to the inside of the ear. Accompanying the hearing aid, Signia’s app lets you control the volume and other settings discreetly from your phone.
Choosing the right hearing aid for you can be overwhelming. This process requires careful consideration of many factors including your hearing needs and lifestyle. It is always advisable to start this process by consulting a qualified audiologist for a hearing test. Results from this test will let you know the severity of your hearing loss and the best options available to contend with your needs.
If you have any queries regarding hearing aid options, consult Sutton Hearing Centre.