Blake Cadwell is a hearing aid wearer and co-founder at Soundly. He regularly tests and reviews hearing technology to share his experience with Soundly’s readers. Blake's research and perspectives have been featured in the The New York Times, Washington Post, LA Times, AARP and FastCompany. Show
Reviewed by Amy Sarow, AuD, CCC-A Dr. Amy Sarow is a practicing clinical audiologist and serves as Audiology Lead for Soundly. Her expertise and experience span topics including tinnitus, cochlear implants, hearing aid technology, and hearing testing. She holds a doctoral degree in audiology from the University of Iowa. During her residency at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Sarow was inspired by the three-tiered, patient-centered approach, incorporating clinical work, teaching and research. To get to this list we underwent the following research: - 50+ Hours Research Conducted Each Month - 3 Licensed Audiologists Consulted - 50+ Products Reviewed - 1,000+ Customer Reviews Considered Our work is funded through reader support. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. I recently put on a pair of Eargo invisible hearing aids for a dinner out with my wife. At the end of the meal, I asked if she noticed anything different. She hadn't. When I pointed out that I was wearing a new pair of hearing aids, she came closer, looked directly at my ear, and saw my new devices for the first time. As technology gets smarter and smaller, hearing aids are becoming less and less visible. Of course, not all invisible-style hearing aids are created equal. In this guide, we'll condense our research into a quick breakdown of the best invisible hearing aids on the market. Prefer to watch?Click play below. Otherwise keep scrolling for the list! Overview of "invisible" hearing aid stylesThere are four common types of in-the-ear hearing aids that you will find online or at an audiologist. Invisible In The Canal (IIC) - This tiny style sits inside your ear canal with only a pull tab visible to remove the device. Completely In Canal (CIC) - The top of the hearing aid is visible to those looking from the side, but the device is very discreet. In The Canal (ITC) - Comfortable but visible. More easily accessed to change the volume or mode. ITE - This style is even more accessible and allows for more power and, in some cases, rechargeability and Bluetooth. Most people who prefer invisible hearing aids will gravitate towards IIC or CIC styles. Various hearing aid sizes inside the ear. Custom-Molded vs. ready-to-wear styles.In addition to selection, hearing aid wearers will also choose between custom-molded devices and ready-to-wear invisible devices. Custom-MoldedCustom-molded hearing aids are typically more expensive and may require an additional doctor's appointment. A hearing professional takes an impression of your ear and sends it to the manufacturer for an actual one-of-one design. Devices created with this method can be more comfortable and sit deeper in the ear canal. Ready-To-WearReady-to-wear hearing aids with alternate domes for various ear sizes. Many brands now offer IIC devices that do not require a custom mold. These devices have various domes to fit a wide range of ear canals. This method is often less expensive and time-consuming than the custom-mold alternate. Ready-to-wear devices are also more likely to be rechargeable since they fit more uniformly in recharge cases. Pros and cons of invisible (IIC) hearing aidsInvisible hearing aids come with some obvious benefits but they aren't for everyone. Here are a few pros and cons to consider: Invisible hearing aid pros:
Invisible hearing aid cons:
One more thing...I started my own search for hearing aids to find something invisible. Ultimately I discovered that my receiver-in-canal hearing aids were far more discreet than I had expected. Most people have no idea I'm wearing hearing aids. The list below is made up of hearing aids that sit entirely in your ear, BUT if you don't find what you are looking for, remember that RIC hearing aids can be invisible in many ears. Here's a picture of me wearing my Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids. Ok, let's get to the list. These are the best invisible hearing aids for 2024.Hearing AidPrice / Pair Style Bluetooth Batteries Warranty Care Type Starkey Genesis AI Custom $3,198 - $4,498 Custom-Molded Some sizes Disposable (IIC) 3 years Local Care Oticon Own $3,198 - $4,498 Custom-Molded Some sizes Disposable (IIC) 3 years Local Care Phonak Lyric $4,000 / year Disposable No Disposable Membership Local Care Signia Silk $3,198 - $3,998 Ready Wear No Rechargeable 3 years Local Care Eargo $1,450 - $2,998 Ready Wear No Rechargeable 1-2 years Over-The-Counter Sony CRE-C10 Hearing Aid $999 Ready Wear No Disposable 1 Year Over-The-Counter MDHearing Mini $497 Ready Wear No Rechargeable 1 Year Over-The-Counter Custom-Molded Leaders - Starkey & OticonThe first couple of brands on our list are custom-molded to your ear canal. Most leading prescription brands (Widex, Phonak, Oticon, Starkey, and ReSound) offer custom-molded products that can be virtually invisible in the ear. These are our two favorites: Starkey Genesis AI - Starkey Genesis AI is broadly considered the leader among custom-molded products. Starkey's slightly larger CIC hearing aid comes with Bluetooth streaming (the smallest Bluetooth device in the category). Oticon Own - Oticon Own comes with intelligent sound processing and an impressively compact IIC. If you've worn Oticon in the past, you'll recognize the open good quality that is the signature of this brand. Popular From Oticon Oticon OwnOticon Own$3,198 - $4,598 Listen to a demo August 2022, Oticon released the latest operating system across a new line of custom styles called Oticon Own. The most significant innovation in the new Own hearing aids is the use of deep learning to choose which sounds to amplify. Oticon built its new operating system by capturing over 12M sounds from everyday environments and using deep learning technology to create a sophisticated sound algorithm that sorts out background noise. Deep learning is the same technology that Google and other tech giants use to process millions of data points and get smarter over time. The result of all this technology is that new Oticon Own hearing aids require 30% less listening effort than previous generations.
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Get the full Starkey Oticon Own breakdown 👉 Learn More %20(2).jpg) .jpg) Best Custom Invisible Hearing Aids Starkey Genesis AI CustomStarkey Genesis AI CustomAs Low As $2,998 / Pair Listen to a demo Starkey is a U.S.-based manufacturer with a full line of hearing aids that includes behind the ear and in-the-ear styles. They make the list for their elite status in custom molded (nearly invisible products). If you can afford to pay medical-grade prices and want an invisible style, you won’t be disappointed by Starkey. Starkey is known for intelligent features like fitness tracking, a virtual assistant, and the smallest Bluetooth hearing aid on the market.
Pros Smallest models are almost entirely invisible Starkey is a leader in comfortable custom molded products Larger sizes come with Bluetooth streaming and rechargeable batteries Cons This is a premium device which costs $3,000-$7,000 per pair Custom molds require additional lead time and replacement time The smallest version of Starkey Genesis AI customs are not Bluetooth enabled or rechargeable Get the full Starkey Genesis breakdown 👉 Learn More The Smallest (And Most Unique) Invisible Option - LyricLyric is a truly innovative product that you can think of as a "pair of contacts for your ears." The unique design sits deep inside the ear 24 hours a day and is entirely invisible even if someone looks right down your ear canal. The one downside is that Lyric requires doctor visits every 6-weeks to replace the devices. Most Invisible Hearing Aid Phonak LyricPhonak Lyric$4,000 annual membership The Phonak Lyric is a non-traditional option that is sold as an annual subscription. The devices are placed deep in your inner ear by a hearing professional every 8 weeks and stay in your ears all day instead of coming out at night. You can shower, work out, and even swim (without fully submerging) with the hearing aid in your ears. Lyric wearers receive a magnetic “magic wand” tool that turns the hearing aid up or down and remove the device if needed. Many people find this option more comfortable than traditional invisible hearing aids and enjoy hearing at night if they have kids.
Pros Totally invisible Wear 24 hours a day including workouts and water Clear sound that uses the shape of the ear Cons Expensive at $4,000 per year Includes in-person changes every 8 weeks Lack of background noise suppression technology Read An In-Depth Review of Phonak Lyric Read More The Smallest Rechargeable Device Available - EargoEargo makes the smallest rechargeable hearing aid on the market. It's not even that close. We love Eargo's innovative form-factor and impressive sound-quality. .jpg) Only Rechargeable and Invisible Product On The Market Eargo 7Eargo 7$1,650 - $2,950 / pair Eargo is the disruptor in hearing health. Their product is rechargeable, invisible, and designed with a patented tip that allows your ears to breathe. Eargo 7 was released in 2023 with new features that adapt to your environment as you move through your day. Eargo has raised hundreds of millions to design their product from scratch and what they've pulled off is impressive. Think of this product as the Tesla of hearing health. Eargo is best for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. If you want to try something new, this is a great option.
Pros Eargo is a tiny device that sits entirely inside the ear Eargo is more affordable then custom mold hearing aids Eargo is self fit using an app Cons Only appropriate for those with mild to moderate hearing loss Requires some tinkering to fine tune the product Eargo is not Bluetooth enabled due to the tiny size Get a free (non-working) Eargo sample 👉 Learn More Prescription-Grade & Ready to Wear - Signia SilkWS Audiology (one of the biggest global manufacturers) makes the only ready-to-wear, IIC hearing aid with full prescription controls - Signia Silk. Think of this option as a middle ground between fully custom-molded devices and self-fitting OTC options. Premium Invisible Device With no Custom Mold Signia SilkSignia Silk$3,198 - $3,998 / pair Signia Silk was the hearing aid choice of the late Queen Elizabeth and has been one of the top invisible hearing aids on the market for years. In October 2023, Signia Silk became the market's smallest rechargeable, prescription-programmed hearing aid. Signia Silk is a tiny, fully customizable hearing aid with a robust set of technologies, including wireless controls via the Signia App, remote programming after your first office visit, and intelligent sound algorithms that sort out background noise. Signia Silk originally made a name for itself by using what they call Click Sleeves to match the size of your ear canal and make their hearing aids ready to wear. The majority of invisible-style hearing aids require a custom ear imprint. Signia's approach cuts down on prices and wait times. Now, Signia is back with a complete renovation of their popular Signia Silk. The new Silk Charge&Go IX features a brand-new operating system and, most notably, a rechargeable battery.
Pros Nearly invisible Professionally programmed No custom-mold required Rechargeable batteries Cons Premium price point $2,998 - $5,000 for a pair Requires an in person office visit No Bluetooth features due to the size Get the full Signia Silk breakdown 👉 Learn More Most Affordable Invisible Hearing Aids - MDHearing & SonyIf you want to spend under $1,000 on a pair of hearing aids, MDHearing and Sony CRE-C10 should be on your shortlist. Sony CRE-C10 ($999) uses a smartphone app for customization, while MDHearing ($497) relies on pre-sets in their simpler devices. Both devices are impressively small and hard to notice in the ear. Best Budget Invisible Style Sony CRE-C10 Hearing AidSony CRE-C10 Hearing Aid$999 / pair Sony teamed up with WS Audiology (the second-largest hearing company in the world) to co-create its products. Sony's CRE-C10 devices are nearly invisible and offer prescription-grade sound quality controlled through your smartphone. CRE-C10 does not offer Bluetooth streaming or rechargeable batteries. CRE-C10 uses a size 10 disposable battery that offers over 70 hours of continuous wear. Size 10 batteries are widely available and commonly used in small devices. Sony's hearing aids were released in mid-October, so there are few reviews of the product, but it's safe to say this will be a leading consideration for those who want an in-the-ear style device.
Pros Nearly invisible High quality sound for a lower price Self-fit at home Cons Not as small as OTC competitors like Eargo Not rechargeable Does not allow Bluetooth streaming Purchase On Amazon 👉 See Price .jpg) Most Affordable and Rechargeable MDHearing Volt MaxMDHearing Volt Max$297 - $699 / pair MDHearing is a Chicago-based brand that has sold over 500,000 pairs of affordable hearing aids since 2009. The brand's most advanced product (Volt Max) has directional microphones and respectable noise reduction. MDHearing's latest in-the-ear product is impressively small and nearly invisible in many ears. Importantly, MDHearing devices are significantly less expensive than traditional products. Prices range from $297 - $699, depending on the model and promotion period. MDHearing offers four models of hearing aids ranging from their in-canal, NEO XS to their budget-friendly, Air model. MDHearing offers four pre-set listening configurations based on expected hearing losses. This approach makes MDHearing less advanced than traditional competitors, but many customers feel the price is worth the tradeoff. MDHearing sells exclusively online and does not require a trip to a local audiologist. The brand has recently invested in a remote care team that includes audiologists and hearing aid dispensers. Customers who need further tune-ups or care can set up a telecare appointment with a professional for free. All four MDHearing products are rechargeable with 12-20 hours of battery life (depending on the model). MDHearing comes with a one-year warranty and a 45-day trial period for each purchase of the MDHearing Volt. These hearing aids have manual controls, allowing for volume adjustment and program changes.
Pros Less than $500 for a pair Rechargeable Multiple styles available Cons No Bluetooth streaming Slightly larger size Only one color available Less advanced than prescription devices Compare MDHearing Products Learn More That's the list, friends.We hope you enjoyed this guide to the best invisible hearing aids available. We update this page regularly and will be back with new models as they come. We created this site to make finding hearing products and care more accessible. Use the compare tab to compare all the leading products on the market (with prices), or check your hearing with our 5-minute hearing test. If you have questions, you can email our team at any time [email protected]. Frequently asked questionsHow do invisible hearing aids work? Invisible hearing aids work much like traditional hearing aids. Most devices have a pair of microphones that pick up sounds, and the onboard processor then customizes the sound to match your hearing loss, and a speaker plays an amplified sound. How are invisible hearing aids made? Invisible hearing aids are typically custom-molded to match your ear canal. To create a custom earmold, an audiologist will fill your ear with a silicone paste and let it set. They will then remove the dried mold and ship that mold to the manufacturer. The manufacturer then builds a one-of-one hearing aid to match your ears and fits the components into that mold. The result is a comfortable device that sits deep inside your ear. How much do invisible hearing aids cost? Prices for invisible hearing aids vary fairly widely, and Prescription-level devices are typically 5K-7K per pair. You can find lower-cost care on this site by following the “find care” button on any page. Invisible OTC devices start at $999 (Sony CRE-C10) and go up to around $2,600 (Eargo 7). How long do invisible hearing aids last? Most hearing aids last around 3-5 years. Warranties typically last for three years. Do any invisible hearing aids come with Bluetooth? Most do not. Starkey’s completely-in-canal hearing aid (one size bigger than their smallest) does come with Bluetooth, and Starkey currently makes the smallest Bluetooth hearing aid on the market. Do I need an earmold for invisible hearing aids? Most invisible hearing aids require a custom earmold, but there are some newer designs that push back on this trend. Eargo, Signia Silk, and Sony all use read-to-wear styles with various tips or domes to match your ear canal. Some users report that ready-to-wear invisible hearing aids are less comfortable or don’t sit as far inside the ear canal. Are invisible hearing aids comfortable? Generally yes. Custom-molded devices should sit comfortably in your ear and will stay out of the way of glasses and masks. What’s the best invisible hearing aid? Starkey is the leader in custom-molded products and Eargo is a clear favorite for ready-to-wear products. Full invisible hearing aid guide here. Are there any invisible OTC hearing aids? Yes. Eargo and Sony are the leading invisible OTC hearing aid makers. What are the best invisible hearing aids for seniors? Invisible hearing aids can be challenging if you struggle to handle small pieces and batteries. Phonak Lyric can be a good option for seniors who want to set it and forget it until their regular appointments. What are the best invisible hearing aids for small ear canals? If you have small ear canals and want invisible hearing aids, you’ll likely want to get a custom-molded device like Starkey. We’ve found that Eargo can also work well in some small ear canals. Are invisible hearing aids appropriate for high-frequency hearing loss? Yes. A quality pair of invisible hearing aids can be fitted to most hearing loss types. Some people with great hearing in low frequencies prefer open-fit hearing aids (these sit behind the ear) because that style allows natural low-frequency sound into the ear instead of blocking it. Are there actually invisible hearing aids? Good question. A lot of hearing aids call themselves invisible, but the reality is that every ear canal is different. Phonak Lyric is truly invisible. Most of the others on this list are so discreet that they would rarely be noticed in most ears. Where can I find more invisible hearing aid reviews? Click the “compare” section of this site. Each invisible-style hearing aid we’ve reviewed has numerous verified customer reviews. Are inNot as powerful. A CIC hearing aid must be very small to fit completely inside the ear canal. Because of this, it's not able to amplify sound as powerfully as a larger hearing aid could. This is why CIC hearing aids are only recommended for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. What are the disadvantages of inA few cons of in-the-ear hearing aids. They may require a bit more maintenance as moisture and ear wax can more readily enter the hearing aid. ... . If you have mild hearing loss, you may notice that you hear your own voice more than you are used to because you are placing an object in the ear many hours per day.. Are in ear canal hearing aids better?Owing to their discreteness, in-canal hearing aids might seem like the right choice, but behind the ear hearing aids offer a wider range of hearing amplification, are usually more flexible, and offer many more choices to hear better in noise, connect to your smartphone, or stream the sound from your television directly ... Are in ear hearing aids any good?Generic advantages of in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids: They tend to be easy to insert for most people – but it is important to note that those with limiting dexterity may struggle. ITE models are less likely to pick up wind noise, as they sit inside the ear and are not as exposed as hearing aids outside the ear. |