Are Invisible Hearing Aids for You?
Have you ever heard of invisible hearing aids? Sounds like magic, right? Invisible hearing aids aren’t just made up – they really exist, and you can have them!
The question is – are they the best type of hearing aid for you? In truth, it all depends on what you need from a hearing aid. Let’s examine some of the benefits and drawbacks of invisible hearing aids to help you make a more informed decision.
What to Expect
When you think of hearing aids, your mind might automatically go back 50 years to when you were a kid looking at your great grandparents’ hearing aid devices. You couldn’t help but notice them in their ears. In fact, it was often the first thing you saw when you looked at them. This may be one of the biggest things that keep you from seeking out any hearing support in the first place.
Invisible hearing aids have their name because they are near impossible to see. While they have many great features, there are some drawbacks too. The hearing device that’s right for you will depend on things like your ear anatomy, lifestyle, desired features, look, and budget. We want to make sure you know about it all!
Advantages of Invisible Hearing Aids
It can be tough to struggle with hearing loss. It’s not always the most comfortable or ideal situation to let everyone (even your friends) know that you have hearing problems. Maybe you’ve decided to just try dealing with it on your own and not make a big deal of it in an effort to keep your hearing impairment a secret. If the look of traditional hearing aids has been stopping you from seeking help with your hearing loss, invisible hearing aids may be just what you’ve been waiting for!
Some of the best advantages of invisible hearing aids include:
- The look (or lack thereof) of invisible hearing aids is incredible! This may be the biggest reason people request this type of hearing aid. The hearing aid completely fits inside the ear canal and there are no weird wires or other bulky equipment either, allowing you to feel comfortable and hearing better.
- The comfort of invisible hearing aids takes care of one of the top complaints we get about other types of hearing aids. Many people say how uncomfortable traditional hearing aids can be, especially when you need to wear them every day. Using a phone or wearing glasses/sunglasses can be frustrating and even cause extra pain. These typical issues are not problematic when wearing invisible hearing aids.
- Invisible hearing aids foster a sound that is even more natural sounding. Because of where these hearing aids are placed – extremely close to the tympanic membrane – they sound very natural, especially when compared to other hearing aid devices.
- Because of the placement of invisible hearing aids, they are much less likely to pick up unwanted sounds like wind noise.
Disadvantages of Invisible Hearing Aids
There are a few disadvantages to invisible hearing aids that you should consider as well. Some of these may include:
- The size – funny enough one of the drawbacks of invisible hearing aids is also one of the benefits as well. While the small size of hearing aids is great as far as aesthetics, they can also be hard to handle manually. Their size also makes it challenging to fit on-device controls on invisible hearing aids. If this is a feature you desire, invisible hearing aids might not be for you.
- The size of these devices is so small that they might not work for everyone’s ear size or ear canal shape. Depending on the model, some cannot be utilized by everyone who would like to use them. Your hearing specialist will make sure to work with you to find the hearing aid that will work best.
- Since invisible hearing aids are put down into the ear canal, they are more prone to earwax and moisture buildup.
- Shorter battery life can also be a drawback of invisible hearing aids. They will need regular battery changes, which can be difficult since they are so small. Depending on the device model you may or may not have Bluetooth capabilities as well.
- Invisible hearing aids may not be suitable for those with severe hearing loss. Hearing aid technology has improved tremendously in the last few years, but small invisible hearing aids haven’t quite come to the point of being as powerful as some of the bigger, full-sized hearing aids on the market. This means that if you’re dealing with a profound amount of hearing loss, these smaller hearing aids may be inadequate. For those with mild to moderate hearing loss, invisible hearing aids should work just great.
- Cost is another big concern with invisible hearing aids. When comparing apples to apples with invisible hearing aid capabilities and traditional hearing aid capabilities, you will be paying much more to get all the same bells and whistles on the smaller invisible hearing aids. Think of the complex roles that hearing devices have. Putting that into such a tiny device is complex, hence the hefty price.
How to Get Invisible Hearing Aids for Yourself
Invisible hearing aids are a fantastic choice for those who want a great natural sound without the uncomfortable bulkiness of traditional hearing devices. Weighing the benefits with the drawbacks is a big part of choosing this or any type of hearing aid. Each person has different features that are important to them. Discussing your individual needs with your hearing specialist will help you make the best decision for you and your lifestyle.
The team at Fairfax Hearing Center will assist you in finding just the right hearing aid device for you, whether they’re invisible hearing aids or not. We want what is best for you and the unique person you are. Contact the hearing specialists at Fairfax Hearing Center to learn more and to schedule an appointment. We look forward to working with you!
