While one out of three adults over 65 experience heating difficulties, 80% of this population still refuse to wear hearing aids. Seniors find these devices uncomfortable to wear. Bulky hearing aids are pretty obvious, so most patients feel embarrassed to be seen wearing them. Fortunately, not everyone needs large behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids for seniors.
Those with mild to moderate difficulties can opt for more discreet alternatives. The best invisible hearing aid devices on the market include invisible-in-canal (IIC) and completely-in-canal (CIC) models. Most options fit snugly around the ear canal. Nobody would even notice you wearing CIC and IIC hearing aids unless they closely examine your ears.
With dozens of options on the market, first-timers might not even know where to start looking. We narrowed down the top eight most functional hearing aids on the market, which include:
While tiny CIC and IIC devices have subtle designs, not everyone can use them. Seniors with severe hearing lossThe partial or total inability to hear sound in one or both ears, common in the elderly. or excessive wax production need BTE models. Unfortunately, hearing aids worn outside the ears are pretty noticeable.
Contrary to popular belief, however, invisible hearing aids are not limited to IIC and CIC devices. If you need bigger yet discreet options, try Lively. They carry the tiniest FDA-approved BTE hearing aids — measuring less than 0.5 inches wide. Just tuck these near-invisible devices behind the ears.
Most hearing aids come with a steep price tag — costing upward of $2,000. Sadly, fixed-income retirees only receive around $3,000 from Social Security. If you want a more cost-efficient hearing aid without compromising quality, opt for MDHearingAid’s Air.
It’s a standard invisible hearing aid that offers quality sound transmission and a super-compact design for less than $800. Moreover, MDHearingAid holds multiple sales throughout the year. Wait for their promos to shave off as much as 50% off their already competitive prices!
For those who want a super compact and subtle invisible hearing aid, try the Eargo Neo HiFi. They’re nearly impossible to notice since they sit inside the ear canals. Properly inserted IIC hearing aids also eliminate background noise, transmitting clearer, more audible speech sounds.
Moreover, Eargo offers excellent customer support. The company willA legal document that states how a person's property should be managed and distributed after death. assign a respective hearing professional to attend to all your questions and inquiries.
Do you think hearing aids sound weird? The time it takes for your device to process sounds and project the signals to your eardrums is crucial to sound quality. Even a few milliseconds of delay leaves a strange sensation.
If you want a more natural-sounding hearing aid, opt for the Widex Moment. It uses state-of-the-art technology to process sound signals as soon as the device picks them up. Its speedy processing creates smooth, lifelike sounds.
Seniors looking for well-fitting hearings sure to match their ears can try Signia Silk X. Unlike other fitted IIC and CIC hearing aids, these require zero customization. Signia guarantees that their devices always fit at least 8 out of 10 customers. Silk X best suits those who want comfortable, perfectly sized hearing aids without tedious, time-consuming customization.
Tinnitus patients who require specialized hearing aids can opt for the Picasso IIC from Starkey. This device not just improves your hearing but also blocks ringing. Ask your audiologist to customize your piece to match the severity of your tinnitus.
The Phonak Lyric ranks as the best non-traditional hearing aid for its convenience, reliability, and durability. You wear this device 24/7. Whether you’re heading out for a run or hitting the sack, you won’t have to worry about removing these pieces. A professional audiologist replaces your pair for you every one to two months. Even better, each pair comes with a small remote that controls the position of your Phonak Lyric hearing aid.
Invisible hearing aids have poor speech-in-noise detection features since they only have one microphone. They don’t work well in noisy outdoor settings. Patients only use CIC and IIC models indoors for this reason. Older devices even malfunction when jammed with multiple sound elements.
To enjoy clear transmission even in noisy settings, opt for the Starkey Livio Edge AI. Instead of relying solely on its microphone, it uses AI technology to receive and transmit sound waves. This feature allows it to separate speech from noise. Whether you’re having a conversation outdoors or calling over a scratchy line, the Livio Edge AI has you covered.
Are you having trouble listening to music while wearing your hearing aids? Senior Strong has you covered! Read our in-depth piece on hearing aids and music for more information.
The costs of your hearing aid device will not be covered by Medicare. It only covers some surgical procedures that may be required to use a hearing aid, but the device itself will not be covered.
Hearing aids can help alleviate the effects of tinnitus as these devices can mask the internal ringing in your ears. Hearing aids that are geared towards helping tinnitus do so by amplifying background noise.
If your hearing aid isn’t placed correctly, it can irritate your ear and eventually cause pain. Some users may be tempted to pull their device out if it feels a little tight, but this can then hamper its ability to work well. If you’re really finding it difficult to insert your hearing aid, you can either put a few drops of baby oil in your ear or see a health professional.
The plastic tube inside your hearing aid should be replaced approximately every six to nine months. Regularly replacing this tube helps maintain good sound quality and comfort; if the tube becomes too hard, it can eventually snap.
When you aren’t wearing your hearing aid at night, you should either turn it off or leave the battery door open to minimize battery drain. Leaving the battery compartment open at night can also help moisture escape, which will keep the battery from corroding or damaging the hearing aid.
If the best invisible hearing aid doesn’t suit your needs, feel free to explore BTE and ITE hearing aids. Remember: IIC and CIC units suit patients suffering from mild to moderate hearing loss. If you have severe hearing difficulties but wish to use discreet hearing aids, you’ll have to request specially prescribed ITC models. However, those experiencing profound difficulty identifying sounds might require larger ITE options.
However, you don’t have to worry about bulky hearings too much. Modern-day ITE models come in compact, discreet designs that fit snugly along the outer portions of your ears. Either way, not many people notice hearing aids. You can even hide ITE devices with your hair if you don’t feel comfortable using technology aids for the elderly yet.
If you want wireless hearing aids instead, check out our article about the best bluetooth hearing aids for seniors to learn more.
Do you find yourself on the fence between the most widely used hearing aids on the market? Senior Strong can help you reach a decision! Check out our comprehensive guide to finding a hearing aid that suits your needs.
