Most people don’t like to show off their hearing aids. Because of this, several companies have worked to create invisible hearing aids. Here are our top picks for the best invisible hearing aids in 2022.
The Top Invisible Hearing Aids Pick: Phonak Lyric
The best invisible hearing aid in 2022 is the Phonak Lyric. The Lyric sits deep inside the ear canal and requires professional fitting for maximum comfort. The Lyric is unique in that it can stay in the ear canal for 24 hours a day for up to two months at a time before it needs to be removed. This differs radically from traditional aids, which need to be removed every night in order to be recharged. Because of the Lyric’s unique functionality, you can do many things that you otherwise can’t do with more traditional hearing aids, such as take a shower or sleep in bed, all without the worry of damaging the unit (note: swimming and full submersion in water requires special earplugs).
Most importantly, the Lyric offers excellent sound quality and a comfortable fit that makes you forget that you’re even wearing a hearing aid. The Lyric doesn’t suffer from the same occlusion as other traditional aids that partially block the ear canal. And, above all, the device is simplified: there’s no Bluetooth streaming or rechargeable battery, nor is there any other maintenance that patients need to do. Simply keep the aids in your ears and alert your audiologist if there’s any trouble with them, or if the battery signal gets low after six to eight weeks.
The Lyric can be purchased on an annual subscription through your local audiology clinic. They are one of the most expensive hearing aids on the market, typically costing between $3,500 to $4,000 annually. That said, many patients find the ease of use and sound quality worth it.
Honorable Mentions
The following four hearing aids are all honorable mentions, based on the experience and knowledge of the Treble Health audiology team. As always, if you have individual questions pertaining to these selections, feel free to check out our telehealth service, which offers you the opportunity to consult with an expert audiologist via Zoom.
Starkey Picasso IIC
The Picasso IIC (Invisible In the Canal) hearing aid comes from Starkey, a company with an excellent track record of making custom in-the-ear hearing aids. The Picasso IIC comes equipped with powerful technology and a comfortable and accessible form factor. They require an audiologist-ordered custom ear impression. A pair of these devices costs between $6,800 to $7,200.
Phonak Titanium IIC
The Titanium IIC hearing aids, like their name implies, are encased in a shell of titanium, making them lightweight and durable. They require an audiologist-ordered custom ear impression. Like other IIC aids, they fit deep inside the ear canal and can be taken out when needed. A pair of these costs between $6,800 and $7,200.
Signia Silk 7X
The Silk 7X hearing aids are the premium entry in the Signia Silk line. These hearing aids also fit deep inside the ear canal but, unlike the previous recommendations, they do not require a custom ear impression. Instead, they come fitted with rubber tips (also called domes).
A pair of these hearing aids costs between $6,000 to $7,000.
Eargo 5
The Eargo 5 is another hearing aid that sits deep inside the ear canal, and thus is not noticeable to someone looking at your ear. These hearing aids also do not completely block or occlude the ear, meaning that you can still hear natural ambient sound.
That said, the drawback to this feature is that the fitting range is more limited. Additionally, these hearing aids have limited gain, resulting in diminished sound quality compared to the above recommendations. A pair of these hearing aids costs around $3,000. They are completely operable via remote care, saving you an in-person visit to the audiologist. Ultimately, the Eargo 5 may be best for those with milder hearing loss or a preference for remote fitting.
One more consideration to keep in mind is that, in 2021, Eargo was indicted by the Department of Justice for some concerns around insurance billing. If you have a federal health insurance plan, you may want to conduct further research before buying.
What To Do Next For Hearing Loss
Finding the right hearing aids can be a process. At Treble Health, we have compiled a consumer guide that explains the pros and cons of the best hearing aids on the market. Click here to get the free Hearing Aids in 2022: Consumer Guide.
Want to speak with an expert audiologist about hearing aids instead? At the tap of a finger, you can schedule a free Hear From Home™ telehealth consultation today! You’ll be connected with a real audiologist, not a salesperson, and there is no obligation or commitment.
