Invisible hearing aids costs: Best, models and pros
In this article we will discuss what invisible hearing aids are, how much they cost, best makes and models, and which ones are right for you. Like all hearing aids, the cost of invisible hearing aids varies widely. If you choose to buy invisible hearing aids, they can cost anywhere from $1,000 – $4,000 per ear, depending on which model, features, and audiologist you choose. There is even the option to “subscribe” to certain types for under $100 per month. That can be a great way to benefit from improved hearing without paying a lump sum or obtaining financing.
In terms of the best models of invisible hearing aids, it all depends on your situation. There is certainly no shortage of models available, and the vast majority are excellent. If Bluetooth connectivity is one of your prerequisites for choosing a hearing aid, some models will be better for you. However, if sound quality is your primary concern, some other models will meet your needs.
For many people, the biggest pro of invisible hearing aids is how inconspicuous and comfortable they are. Many models really are invisible since they are inserted into your ear canal by an audiologist. Being invisible, coupled with much better voice recognition and sound quality means that invisible hearing aids can work wonders for your self-confidence and quality of life.
What are invisible hearing aids?
Invisible hearing aids are hearing aids that fit entirely within your ear, or even your ear canal, making them virtually invisible to anyone. Even though they are incredibly small, they still contain the three core components common to a hearing aid: a microphone, an amplifier, and a speaker. Invisible hearing aids work without the need for Bluetooth connectivity, which means that you can use your phone and listen to music as you always have.
Also known as invisible-in-the-canal (IIC), invisible hearing aids are typically worn by people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Consult with an audiologist if you have more severe hearing loss, as they may be able to find an invisible hearing aid that is right for you. Sometimes pushing invisible hearing aids to their limits results in feedback, so completely-in-the-canal (CIC) models might be a better solution.
Being fitted for your invisible hearing aids
If you and your audiologist decide that invisible hearing aids are right for you, your audiologist will take an impression of your ear. Your ear impression is used to make a custom hearing aid that offers the best sound quality, voice recognition, and comfort possible. While invisible hearing aids are unnoticeable to most people, everyone has uniquely shaped ears, so for some people invisible hearing aids might be somewhat visible.
The sound of your own voice – or occlusion
Since invisible hearing aids fit directly inside the ear, some people who wear them notice that their own voice sounds different. This is because you are hearing sounds differently than you have previously. For most people this is a temporary situation, and they become accustomed to the “new” sound of their voice relatively soon. However, if you are still experiencing occlusion after a couple of weeks of wearing your invisible hearing aids, it is a good idea to contact your audiologist. They can adjust your hearing aids or find another solution that offers you the best sound quality and voice recognition possible.
Price of invisible hearing aids
Prices for invisible hearing aids vary widely, which is typical for all hearing aids. Depending on which model you choose, which features you want, and your audiologist, you can pay anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 for an invisible hearing aid. That sounds like a lot of money, and Medicare typically doesn’t offer financial assistance for hearing aids.
However, hearing aids generally last for several years, and if you break it down on a cost-per-month basis, then invisible hearing aids suddenly become much less out of reach. Entry-level hearing aids can be as affordable as about $5 per day, and that often includes remote and in-person support and tunings from your audiologist. Phonak also offers a subscription for their remarkable Lyric 3.0 invisible hearing aid, which might be another option for you if financing is a concern.
What are the best invisible hearing aids?
Like all hearing aids, the best invisible hearing aids are a very personal decision that is best made between you and your audiologist. The best hearing aids for you, no matter if you choose invisible, behind-the-ear, or other models, are the ones you will wear. Quality hearing aids are comfortable, come with features you want, and are easily adjustable in person or remotely through an app. They can improve your quality of life in ways you never imagined, and that alone can make them worth the investment.
Work with your audiologist to find the best invisible hearing aids for your needs
Your audiologist can work with you to determine which invisible hearing aids are most suitable for your level of hearing, lifestyle, and budget. Other factors that determine the best invisible hearing aids for you include things like ease of use, warranty, features, and sound quality. They can advise you about the newest models and often help you with financing for your hearing aids.
Invisible hearing aids models and brands
There’s no shortage of invisible hearing aids available, and it is next to impossible to go wrong when you choose one made by any of “The Big Six” brands. These include Phonak, Resound, Oticon, Sivantos, Widex, and Starkey. Each has its own areas where they excel, and it is best to check with your audiologist to determine which invisible hearing aid is right for you.
For the purpose of this article, we will discuss three invisible hearing aids as a way to give you an introduction or guide into what to look for when choosing your hearing aids. Features, price, and even level of invisibility vary by model and brand. The three hearing aids we will look at include:
- Phonak Lyric
- Starkey Picasso
- Signia Silk X
Phonak Lyric
The Phonak Lyric is a remarkable hearing aid that is inserted into your ear canal by an audiologist, making it truly invisible. It can be worn 24/7 for months at a time, making it ideal for people on the go. And since it can be worn while sleeping, it can often help people who suffer from tinnitus get a better night’s sleep.
Many people also prefer the Phonak Lyric to other invisible hearing aids because they can be worn in the shower. Also, phones, headphones, and helmets can be used as normal while wearing them.
People who choose the Lyric won’t need to have an impression of their ear taken. Instead, Phonak offers seven sizes, ranging from XXS to XXL.
Another big pro of the Phonak Lyric is that it offers analog sound processing. This offers a more natural sound that most people suffering from hearing loss enjoy. After all, who wouldn’t love hearing their loved ones’ voices as they have always remembered them?
One possible con of Lyric hearing aids is that they must be inserted by an audiologist. Another is that they need to be replaced every few months or so. However, Phonak recommends that users replace their Lyric themselves every-other time, and the replacement procedure only takes about 10 minutes.
Phonak offers their Lyric invisible hearing aids through a subscription service which is offered in 1,2, and 3-year terms. Subscriptions include free replacements and adjustments of your hearing aid for the length of your subscription.
That means you will constantly have the most current hearing aid technology, and your audiologist will be kept up to date on your hearing condition since you will be seeing them every few months. And since you are replacing your entire hearing aid, you can forget about replacing or charging batteries for as long as you wear Phonak Lyrics.
Starkey Picasso
Starkey’s award-winning invisible hearing aids offer great things in a small package. In addition to being Bluetooth enabled, they are custom fitted to your ear, and available in several skin tone colors, offering maximum discretion. What’s more, as invisible hearing aids, they push the technology envelope for all it is worth. As a result, people who wear them tend to enjoy tremendous comfort and excellent sound. Unwanted sounds like wind whistling and feedback are practically non-existent, and the sounds you want to hear are crystal clear.
Starkey Picasso hearing aids are renowned for offering excellent tinnitus relief that is customizable to your hearing needs. There’s no shortage of positive testimonials for these invisible hearing aids, and many people say that their tinnitus is “totally gone” when wearing them.
In addition to an excellent hearing experience and great voice recognition, Picasso hearing aids are jam-packed with creature comforts. They can stream TV, phone, music, and other audio. Starkey also offers a health monitoring app known as Thrive. Thrive works in concert with Picasso hearing aids and can monitor everything from falls to your physical activity and more. It is possible to schedule reminders using Thrive, so no doubt you will soon be wondering how you lived without it.
In addition to invisible-in-canal (IIC), Starkey offers Picasso hearing aids such as in-the-canal (ITC), and completely-in-canal (CIC) models.
Signia Silk X
Signia is the main brand belonging to Sivantos, a Big Six hearing aid company. Signia calls their Silk X model a “nearly invisible ready-to-wear hearing experience”, and they certainly give you another option when looking for a pair of invisible hearing aids.
Signia Silk X hearing aids are similar to Phonak’s Lyric in that you don’t need an impression of your ear taken to enjoy a tailor-made fit. That could mean less waiting time to receive your hearing aids. The Silk X is available in 4 sizes, whereas the Phonak Lyric is available in 7.
Silk X models do not need to be inserted by an audiologist, but they do pick up sounds inside your ear canal, allowing you to listen to music and use your phone as you are accustomed to.
It is possible to control the volume and other settings of your Silk X hearing aids with an app. Sound quality is excellent, whether you are at the office, enjoying dinner in a busy restaurant, or spending quality time at home. While streaming is not available, and the Silk X is technically not an invisible hearing aid, it might be a good solution for your hearing needs. As always, check with your audiologist.
The pros and cons of invisible hearing aids
Like all hearing aids, invisible hearing aids have pros and cons. Different models also have advantages and disadvantages, so it is always best to check with your audiologist to make sure you choose the best models for your needs.
The most significant advantage of invisible hearing aids is that they are amazingly discreet. For people who are always on the go, or who are still in the workforce and going into the office regularly, this can be a huge selling point.
Some models can be comfortably worn 24/7 for months without interruption. The ability to wear them overnight could help people suffering from tinnitus enjoy a better night’s sleep, and we all know how important that can be.
An overall con of invisible hearing aids is that they can have a shorter battery life. They can also be challenging to handle for people with dexterity issues.
Pros of invisible hearing aids
In addition to being small and discreet, invisible hearing aids can offer a more natural sound experience. There are no external tubes or wires, and that makes them less likely to pick up wind noise.
Another advantage of invisible hearing aids is that people who wear them can use their phones, over-the-ear headphones, and other devices as they always have. Also, since there are no external wires or cases, it is easier to wear glasses or even a mask.
Cons of invisible hearing aids
While invisible hearing aids have many benefits, they are unfortunately not a panacea for people suffering from hearing loss. One of their disadvantages is that they may lack the power of larger hearing aid models, such as behind-the-ear, so people with severe hearing loss might not benefit from wearing them.
Another drawback of invisible hearing aids is that they usually don’t have physical controls to adjust their volume and other settings. As a result, you will need to use an app on your phone or consult your audiologist.
Conclusion
Invisible hearing aids can be an excellent option for people with mild to moderate hearing loss or suffer from tinnitus. Most people find them comfortable to wear and experience less wind noise with invisible models than other models. There are models that can be worn 24/7, including in the shower or in a gentle rain.
Most allow people who wear them to use their phone as they always have, and there are innovative payment plans available from Phonak.
Prices for invisible hearing aids range from $1000 – $4000 per ear. Like all hearing devices, it is best to consult with an audiologist to determine which invisible hearing aids are best for you.
FAQ
What are invisible hearing aids?
Invisible hearing aids are tiny devices that are placed inside your ear canal. They share the main components of all hearing aids, namely the microphone, amplifier, and speaker.
Invisible hearing aids offer improved voice recognition and sound quality for people experiencing hearing loss. They generally have less wind noise and feedback compared to other hearing aids.
There is a tremendous variety of invisible hearing aids available, with features, benefits, and costs varying considerably. For instance, some offer Bluetooth connectivity while others do not.
It is generally agreed upon that invisible hearing aids are not suitable for people with severe hearing loss but check with your audiologist to be sure.
How much do invisible hearing aids cost?
The cost of invisible hearing aids varies according to the models, features, and audiologist you choose. Overall, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1000 to $4000 per ear. Some manufacturers offer subscription services, which allow you to pay a monthly fee on par with your internet bill rather than paying or financing thousands.
Check with your audiologist to determine the best price and financing options for your invisible hearing aids.
What are the best invisible hearing aids
Only you and your audiologist can truly determine what the best invisible hearing aids for you are. Not only does everyone have unique ears and hearing needs, but there are plenty of models, options, and features to choose from.
Some invisible hearing aids may not have Bluetooth connectivity, something you consider a must. Other people may not need streaming, especially since most invisible hearing aids allow you to use your phone, over-the-ear headphones, and other devices as you always have.
If you suffer from tinnitus, hearing aids that can be left in your ear overnight can help you sleep more soundly. That alone can be a major reason for choosing invisible hearing aids.
Again, the best hearing aids for you is a decision that can only be made by you and a hearing professional, so check with your audiologist.
What are some invisible hearing aids models and brands
The Big Six hearing aid companies – Phonak, Resound, Oticon, Sivantos, Widex, and Starkey all offer invisible hearing aids. They offer various levels of features. Some models are available in several predetermined sizes, while many more are custom fit to your ear for maximum comfort and sound quality.
Phonak Lyric and Starkey Picasso offer invisible hearing aids that do wonders to combat tinnitus. In fact, many people who wear Picasso models say their tinnitus is “totally gone” when wearing them. The Phonak lyric can also be left in your ear for months at a time, which allows many tinnitus sufferers a chance to get a good night’s sleep.
What are the pros and cons of invisible hearing aids
Perhaps the biggest and most obvious pro of invisible hearing aids is their tiny size. Most really are invisible to people other than yourself, and only you and the people you tell know you are wearing them. Invisible hearing aids also tend to have less wind noise than other hearing aids.
Since invisible hearing aids fit directly in your ear canal, it is easier to wear glasses, and people who wear them can use their phones and other devices as they always have.
Some reasons why invisible hearing aids might not be right for you are the same features that make them desirable for many. For example, being so small means that they may be difficult to handle for people with dexterity issues. Also, they don’t have volume controls, so adjusting them must be done through an app.
Another con of invisible hearing aids is that their small size means a smaller battery, which results in the need to replace the battery more often in some models.
