Invisible Hearing Aids
Hearing aids come in all shapes and sizes but there has been a lot of media attention recently on “invisible hearing aids” or small hearing aids.
So the purpose of this article is to discuss what the major manufacturers offer in the “small hearing aids” range.
Starkey came out with the OtoLens a few years ago. They changed the name about 12 months ago to the SoundLens. They define it as an Invisible-In-The-Canal (IIC) device. It fits deep in the canal past the second bend.
Phonak have the Lyric and the Nano which are both extra small CIC aids. The Lyric is unique in that it is a disposable aid. It is placed deep in the ear canal by an Audiologist. It stays in the ear(s) of the wearer for ~3months at a time before needing to be replaced.
Phonak also have the Nano CIC range. They define the Nano as a Micro-In-The-Canal device. This is also a deep-fitting hearing aid.
Oticon have the Intiga i that they define as an Invisible-In-The-Canal (IIC) device. Again this is a very small CIC hearing aid.
Siemens have the Eclipse as their small hearing aid. This aid is unique as it has a specially designed soft dome that sits on the end of the device.
Widex have the Invisible-in-canal (IIC) device as their smallest hearing aid.
Unitron’s smallest hearing aid is called the microCIC.
Sonic’s smallest hearing aid is called the Groove.