Month: August 2023

Invisible hearing aids have changed the game for those suffering from hearing loss. These tiny and discreet devices have been a huge technological breakthrough in recent years, and there are now more options than ever to choose from.

Invisible hearing aids, also known as invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) or completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids are designed to enhance the hearing abilities of those with hearing loss whilst being completely discreet and practically invisible to others.

Our ability to hear is paramount, but too many people suffer in silence with hearing loss as they simply don’t want to wear a hearing aid. Thankfully, hearing aids have come on leaps and bounds from what they were many years ago, and invisible hearing aids offer a great option for those who want to enhance their hearing abilities without compromising their appearance.

In this blog, we’ll discuss how invisible hearing aids work, the current models available on the market and the pros and cons that they may bring to the table.

How do invisible hearing aids work?

Invisible hearing aids sit inside the ear canal and use the natural autonomy of the ear to better detect and localise sounds. They are custom-made to fit comfortably within the ear canal and pack all of the technology into a tiny device with no need for external wires or tubes.

They are fitted with a small microphone within the hearing aid that picks up external sounds, and an amplifier which processes the sounds to match the users’ hearing requirements. The processed sound is then transmitted to a speaker positioned within the ear canal.

As they are positioned much closer to the eardrum and deeper within the ear canal than other hearing aids, they can provide a much clearer and more cohesive sound that doesn’t require as much sound output.

What invisible hearing aids are available?

As technology has developed, the list of invisible hearing aids available has expanded significantly as manufacturers such as Signia, Phonak and Oticon recognise the demand for small, discreet devices.

Having so many options can make it a challenge to know which one is right for you, so we’ll cover some of the best invisible hearing aids on the market right now.

Phonak Lyric

The Phonak Lyric hearing aid is the world’s first and only extended-wear hearing aid that is 100% invisible. It can be worn for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for up to 3 months.

The device is fitted just four millimetres from the eardrum and can only be inserted by an authorised Lyric provider to ensure complete precision. Harley Street Hearing was the first clinic to become an authorised Lyric provider in the UK and is the number 1 Lyric centre in Europe. Call us to book your free Lyric assessment.

Oticon Own

The Own hearing aid range is Oticon’s most discrete device to date. This IIC hearing aid is completely invisible in 9 out of 10 ears, custom-made to comfortably fit your ear shape and available in 5 different styles. Read more about Oticon Own.

Signia Silk X

Signia’s approach to an invisible hearing aid is slightly different to other manufacturers. Their most discreet device, Signia Silk X, isn’t a custom-fit device. Instead, it’s an instant-fit hearing aid that doesn’t require a mould of the ear but uses soft silicone Click Sleeves to accommodate the size and shape of your ear to allow a secure and comfortable fit.

Phonak Virto Paradise

Whilst not 100% invisible like their Lyric model, Phonak’s Virto Paradise hearing aid is a small discreet ITE device that comes in three different power levels, a range of different colours and can be custom-made from either acrylic or titanium.

How long do invisible hearing aids last?

The lifespan of invisible hearing aids will vary depending upon a range of factors such as the manufacturer, model, usage habits and maintenance.

Hearing aids on average have a lifespan of three to seven years, provided they are cared for properly. However, our hearing abilities can change over time so it’s important to schedule routine hearing tests to ensure that your hearing aids are still serving your current needs.

As invisible hearing aids fit deeper inside the ear canal than other devices, this gives them better protection from the elements and means you can typically wear them during most activities. Of course, this varies between models but taking the Lyric as an example, this can be worn whilst sleeping, showering and participating in sports activities with little risk of damage.

The pros and cons of invisible hearing aids

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to hearing aids, and whilst invisible hearing aids come with plenty of advantages for some, they also may not always be the most suitable choice for others.

In order to make the right investment, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons to make a well-informed decision.

Invisible hearing aid advantages

• Discreet appearance – Invisible hearing aids are perfect for those who don’t want their hearing loss to be visible. Their small, discreet style keeps them almost hidden from others which makes them the best choice for aesthetic-conscious wearers.
• Enhanced sound quality – Due to their positioning close to the eardrum, invisible hearing aids can offer improved sound quality and a more natural sound perception as they are able to capture and deliver sound signals more effectively.
• Comfortable to wear – As most invisible hearing aids are custom-fit, they are tailor-made to your specific ear shape and size ensuring optimal comfort.
• Reduced feedback – Their placement minimises the risk of wind noise and feedback or whistling sounds, offering a more comfortable listening experience.

Invisible hearing aid disadvantages

• Shorter battery life – Due to their compact size, invisible hearing aids typically use smaller batteries which may have a shorter lifespan and require more frequent replacements compared to those used in behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids.
• Not suitable for everyone – Not everyone is a suitable candidate for invisible hearing aids depending on the size and shape of the ear, as they require enough space within the ear canal for proper placement.
• Smaller controls – As they are smaller in size, the controls can be smaller to see and feel which can be a challenge if manual adjustments are needed, particularly for those with limited dexterity.

How do I choose an invisible hearing aid?

Selecting the right invisible hearing aid for you involves careful consideration of various factors to ensure the device meets your hearing needs and lifestyle. This process should always start with a hearing test conducted by a qualified audiologist.

From there, your hearing loss and the severity of it will be detected and analysed in order to guide the decision-making process. It’s incredibly important that your hearing aid is designed to suit your individual hearing needs in order to get the most from it, so this is a crucial step.

Harley Street Hearing’s team of clinical audiologists offers professional hearing tests in London and Greater Manchester. Click here to find your nearest hearing clinic.

As a completely independent hearing clinic, we offer a comprehensive range of invisible hearing aids from various leading manufacturers and completely unbiased advice on choosing the most suitable device for you. Through our free no-obligation hearing aid trials, you can make sure that the chosen model is suitable for your needs and lifestyle before making a purchase.

If an invisible hearing aid doesn’t suit your preferences, we have an extensive portfolio of other hearing aids to choose from, and we’ll work with you to find your ideal device.

Enjoy this article? You might be interested in some of our others:

• Best hearing aids available in the UK for 2023
• Phonak Lumity NEW hearing aid models added to their platform
• Common hearing aid problems and how to fix them

It can be easy to take our hearing for granted and overlook our ear health, particularly if we’re not experiencing any concerning symptoms.

Hearing loss can happen so gradually that you might not notice until the symptoms have deteriorated significantly.

Anyone can develop hearing loss at any stage in their life, which is why it’s crucial to undergo regular and routine hearing tests. It’s a common misconception that hearing loss only affects the elderly, but that’s not the case.

Ignoring potential hearing loss can impact our physical health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. In this blog, we’ll discuss the key reasons why hearing tests are so important, and what they can help to detect.

Why is a hearing test important?

Many people know they should attend their routine eye tests or annual dental check-ups, and hearing tests shouldn’t be any different. Hearing tests help to keep our ear health in check, and can effectively detect any early signs of hearing loss or any abnormalities in our ears.

Our hearing health impacts us across all areas of our day-to-day life, including:

Safety and awareness

Hearing is our only sense that is constantly active. It allows us to recognise danger, even when we’re asleep. Our ears remain receptive to unusual or important sounds, whether it’s a fire alarm or a crying child, they allow us to react immediately from even the deepest sleep.

Similarly, when we’re awake we’ll usually hear any potential threat before we see it such as oncoming traffic whilst crossing the road. We need good, balanced hearing to be able to detect where sounds like this are coming from and how far away they are, which is just one of the many reasons why we need to take care of our hearing.

Communication

Communication forms the foundation of our social interactions, and the quality of our hearing has a huge part to play in that. Undiagnosed hearing loss can create communication barriers, making it difficult to keep up with conversations and hear what others are saying.

This can lead to misunderstandings, frustration, and social isolation. The more challenging social situations become, the more likely people are to avoid them altogether and start to become reluctant to participate in conversations and social events.

Through routine hearing tests, any hearing loss can be recognised promptly and if needed, hearing aids can be used to enhance communication and restore the ability to socialise without struggling.

Cognitive health and memory

Hearing loss and cognitive decline have long been associated with one another, and reports have shown that unmanaged hearing loss can increase the risk of developing dementia.

Regular hearing tests can help to detect any hearing loss early, and hearing aids can potentially slow down cognitive decline and promote healthy brain function.

Emotional well-being

It goes without saying that we rely on our ears to get us through everyday situations. The sense of hearing helps us to achieve many things that our other senses can’t, and as our hearing diminishes this can have huge consequences on our emotional well-being.

Hearing loss has a major impact on our professional and personal lives, and the effect of untreated hearing loss shouldn’t be underestimated. Once we’re unable to communicate the way we used to or do the things we love, this can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety.

A recent study reported that 65% of people in the UK have never had a routine hearing test. This is a worrying statistic to say the least, and highlights the need for spreading awareness about the importance of hearing health check-ups.

What can a hearing test detect?

Hearing tests are a lot more comprehensive than you may think. Conducted by a professional audiologist, they can detect various aspects of hearing health including:

1. Hearing loss

The primary purpose of a hearing test is to identify the presence and degree of hearing loss. It can determine whether the hearing loss is mild, moderate, severe or profound, and whether it affects one or both ears.

2. Type of hearing loss

There are three main types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed. The type of hearing loss you are experiencing will dictate the most suitable treatment for you, and a hearing test can effectively identify which one you have.

3. Speech understanding

Some hearing assessments include speech discrimination testing where necessary, which evaluates your ability to understand speech at various volume levels and can determine how well you can comprehend language.

4. Frequency and pitch

If you’re found to have a hearing loss, a hearing test can identify the frequencies and pitches that you might have difficulty hearing in order to tailor your treatment options.

5. Tinnitus evaluation

Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing or other sounds in the ears, and a hearing test is the first step to understanding why the tinnitus might be present.

6. Middle ear function

Through an examination of the ear and auditory canal, a hearing test can assess the function of the middle ear and identify any abnormalities or issues such as fluid in the ear or problems with the eardrum.

7. Auditory Processing Disorder

Hearing tests can be used to assess the central auditory system’s function, which is responsible for processing sound signals from the ears to the brain. Auditory Processing Disorder can affect how the brain interprets sounds, even when the ears are functioning as they should.

Can a hearing test damage your hearing?

No, a properly conducted hearing test by a trained professional doesn’t pose any risk of damaging your hearing.

Whilst you may have concerns about having to listen to intense, loud or high-pitched sounds, these sounds are delivered at safe levels which are calibrated below the threshold that could potentially damage your hearing.

Of course, it’s essential to choose a reputable and qualified audiologist to conduct your hearing test to ensure best practices that prioritise your safety and well-being. Harley Street Hearing is London’s leading independent hearing clinic and our team of clinical audiologists are dedicated to providing an exceptionally high standard of service.

Our private hearing tests include a thorough hearing assessment and impartial, independent advice on the most suitable treatment for you. Contact us online or call us on 020 7486 1053 to find out more or book an appointment.

Enjoy this article? You might be interested in some of our others:

• What happens at a hearing test?
• What are the causes of hearing loss?
• Tips for keeping your ears healthy