If you need a hearing aid to better engage with the world around you, but don’t want to wear a larger, clearly visible device, an invisible hearing aid might be a great fit for you.
At Hearing & Balance Services in Reston, Virginia, a team of professionals helps you find the hearing aid that best suits your specific set of needs.
What is an invisible hearing aid?
Invisible hearing aids (IHAs) are worn deep in your ear canal, where they’re virtually invisible. Advancements in technology have led to hearing aid options that deliver astounding amplification through extremely small units.
IHAs are a good option if you want a less obvious hearing aid. According to recent research, consumers reported that an invisible option would increase their likelihood of getting a hearing aid by 30-40%. When respondents who need hearing assistance, but don’t use hearing aids, were asked why, 48% said that the stigma of wearing a hearing aid was part of their decision.
What are some benefits of invisible hearing aids?
Aside from the aesthetic appeal, these devices offer several other benefits. Because IHAs are worn deeper in your ear canal, the interaction between sounds and the specific shape of your anatomy is preserved. Sound enters your ear naturally because there are no tubes or wires present.
Some wearers report an increased ability to detect the direction from which sounds are coming when wearing IHAs. Others say that their devices deliver a more natural sound quality. These factors can make it easier for you to adjust to wearing hearing aids and incorporating them into your daily life.
Another benefit involves how you hear your own voice. When a hearing aid blocks much of your ear canal, it can interfere with how you hear both your own voice and external sounds. IHAs can cut down on distortion and internal vibration.
Efficiency is another benefit. Because IHAs are placed closer to your eardrum, they don’t need as much power. That reduces residual sound energy and feedback when using a phone or other listening devices.
Are there disadvantages with invisible hearing aids?
Every hearing aid option has pros and cons. With invisible hearing aids, a shorter battery life is one thing to consider. These devices are also not powerful enough to address severe hearing loss.
Because invisible hearing aids are so small, they don’t have multiple microphones and therefore lack the directional features found in some larger devices. Sounds are collected from all directions, which can pose a challenge when having conversations in crowded environments.
Invisible hearing aids may not be a good fit for your particular ear anatomy. Fortunately, if the fit is an issue, many other great options are available.
To learn more about invisible hearing aids, book a consultation today, either online or by phone.