Are Invisible Hearing Aids Worth The Cost?

Are invisible hearing aids worth the cost? Although hearing loss and by extension, hearing aids, are nothing to be ashamed of, many people prefer the discreet nature of invisible hearing aids. Of course, this tiny technology comes at a price far higher than its more visible cousins. So, are invisible hearing aids worth the cost? In this article, we will answer the question, “Are invisible hearing aids worth the cost?” by going through the pros and cons of the product compared to visible, less expensive options.

Invisible Hearing Aids

Before we decide if invisible hearing aids are worth the cost, you should understand what an invisible hearing aid is. The tiniest, most invisible hearing aids available are called invisible-in-the-canal hearing aids. These hearing aids are specially molded to fit perfectly in a patient’s ear canal. Unless someone was looking for it, odds are they wouldn’t even notice the hearing aid. 

Invisible Hearing Aid Benefits

The main benefits of the invisible hearing aid  come from its location in the ear canal. Beyond the invisibility benefits, invisible-in-the-canal hearing aids are less likely to pick up on wind noise and generally offer a more natural sound. They also do not get in the way when making phone calls or using headsets. Masks, as were necessary due to COVID, hats, glasses, and other clothing are unlikely to get caught on an invisible hearing aid. 

Invisible Hearing Aid Drawbacks

As mentioned before, invisible hearing aids are not cheap. That is one of the biggest disadvantages. A single invisible hearing aid will cost you upwards of $1,500. Some cost as much as $7,000. On top of cost, invisible hearing aids are not suited for all levels of hearing loss. This type of hearing aid will not do much for someone with severe hearing loss. People with dexterity issues are likely to find them difficult to put in and remove. The smaller the device the harder it is to see the controls.

In comparison to external devices, invisible hearing aid wearers are more likely to struggle with earwax and moisture buildup. Batteries are less convenient. They die faster and there is no option for rechargeable batteries. On top of this, invisible hearing aids do not offer Bluetooth connectivity. If these characteristics are important to you, you might want to consider another hearing aid option.

Are Invisible Hearing Aids Worth the Cost?

So, are invisible hearing aids worth the cost? The answer depends on your lifestyle, your hearing issues, and ultimately what you want from your hearing aids. If you want something very discreet, practically invisible because you like the look or you are sick of catching your mask and glasses on your hearing aid and you have the money, an invisible-in-the-canal hearing aid might be worth it. 

If you need something with more features because your hearing loss is severe, you have shakey hands, or you don’t have the money for invisible-in-the-canal hearing aids, you should be glad to know that there are other hearing aid options that while they may not be invisible are very discreet.

Discreet Hearing Aids

Discreet hearing aids are a bit of the best of both worlds. They are not as expensive as invisible-in-the-canal hearing aids, but they offer a variety of features not available for invisible hearing aids. Discreet hearing aids, while not invisible, are designed in a way that does not draw attention.

A great example of a discreet hearing aid is Sontro® Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids. It is small, comfortable, and hides right behind your ear. For $749, Model AI,  you get a device that adapts to your needs. With machine learning, Sontro Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids identify the areas where your hearing most needs improvement. 

Directional microphones and advanced signal processing help you follow conversations even when noise is coming from every direction. A technology called Wide Dynamic Range Compression makes soft sounds louder while also making loud sounds more comfortable. Use the otoTune® app to customize your hearing experience and to take a three-minute hearing test so you can get the best experience you can with the Sontro Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids. 

The right hearing aids will make all the difference. If your main concern is blending in, you have a lot of options. Just because invisible-in-the-ear-canal hearing aids are the most discrete does not mean that other options will not be discrete enough for you. Something like the Sontro Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids is not likely to be noticed unless you choose to point it out or someone spends a while looking at your ears. Otherwise, they may not even notice it. 

So, are invisible hearing aids worth the cost? If you need something that goes inside your ear canal rather than behind your ear, it might be worth it. Otherwise, it might be worth it to look into discreet hearing aids like Sontro Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids and small hearing aids.

Small Hearing Aids

At the end of the day, no matter how small or how seemingly invisible your hearing aids are, the most important thing is that you can hear. As conversations become harder to understand and your daughter’s voice fades out of the frequencies you can hear, you might find yourself feeling isolated and lonely. Nothing matters more than getting you into a place where you can enjoy the sounds of life. 

Consider visiting an audiologist or taking an online hearing test. These evaluations can give you an idea of how great your hearing loss is and what kinds of features you need to improve your hearing experience. If an invisible-in-the-canal hearing aid has features that fit your needs and is in your budget, the answer to the question, “Are invisible hearing aids worth the cost?” could be yes. Otherwise small hearing aids that sit behind the ear might be the better option. You’ll find yourself spending less money and maybe even with more features. 

Are invisible hearing aids worth the cost? No one can give you a definitive answer. You need to evaluate your needs, your lifestyle, and what you are willing to pay. Only then can you make an informed decision.