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The 7 best invisible hearing aids of 2024, according to audiologist and testers
Gone are the days of big, bulky, beige hearing aids that can be easily spotted from across the room. Instead, hearing aid technology and design has come a long way since those days, which is great news for anyone who’s been apprehensive about wearing them. Many hearing aids today are actually smaller than a paperclip and offer exceptional sound quality, automatic environmental adjustments and even fall detection. Above all, use of a hearing aid can also help lower the risk of cognitive decline in older adults and lessen the odds of developing depression. But finding the best invisible hearing aid for your unique needs and lifestyle is no small task, especially when the healthcare system is involved.
Phonak Lyric
Best invisible in-ear hearing aid
Eargo 7
Best invisible OTC hearing aid
Starkey Genesis AI
The best invisible hearing aid with style options
Phonak Slim
Best invisible hearing aid with Bluetooth capabilities
Sony CRE-E10 hearing aid
Best earbud-style OTC hearing aid for Apple users
Jabra Enhance Select 300
The best OTC invisible hearing aid with remote support
Audien Atom Pro 2
Most affordable invisible hearing aid
Many types of invisible hearing aids today look nothing like the oversized hearing aids of your parents’ or grandparents’ generation, according to Dr. Michael Yong, an otolaryngologist and neurorhinologist at Pacific Neuroscience Institute. "There are many types of hearing aids, including completely-in-canal devices, that you have to look inside the ear to see,” he told AOL.
Even with all of these design and tech advancements, there are still limitations that may cause some components of the hearing aid not to be completely hidden. Overall, the size and shape of each individual's ear canal will determine the discreetness level they can achieve. In that case, a receiver-in-canal hearing aid might be a better solution, which uses a thin receiver wire that runs down the ear and attaches to a speaker inside the ear canal. This style of aid "can also look invisible, especially if you have hair around your ears," according to Taylor L. Wucinich, an audiologist at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Regardless of your ear canal shape or apprehension about the stigma or effectiveness, there’s a hearing aid out there for you and your specific needs. In fact, more accessible and affordable options became available in 2022 when the FDA passed a new regulation allowing hearing aids to be sold over the counter, bringing with it a new level of sound technology competition and design to allow for more discreet options. These days, you can find many different types of hearing aids with advanced features like water resistance and even background noise reduction to make living with one second nature.
To better understand what to look for when shopping for a hearing aid, we consulted a panel of audiology experts to get their expertise on which hearing aids offer top-notch sound, a comfortable fit and all the bells and whistles hearing aid technology has to offer. We then took their feedback and researched and tested both the best OTC hearing aids and prescription hearing aids available that offer a fully invisible or nearly invisible look, analyzing each for factors such as sound, ease of use, extra features, style and cost. We found seven that ranked among the best of the year.
The best invisible hearing aid overall
Cost: $3,000-$6,000 for annual subscription | OTC or Prescription: Prescription | Covered by insurance: Depends on provider | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style of fit: Invisible | Battery type: N/A | Remote/App customization: No | Colors available: Yellow
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids typically come in three forms: low profile (either full or half shell), in-the-canal (ITC) or completely-in-the-canal (CIC). Then there’s the Phonak Lyric: a 100% invisible hearing aid.
The Lyric hearing aid was designed to be an extended-wear hearing aid that’s placed near the eardrum by a trained hearing professional. It should have no impact on your daily life, leaving you without the worry or hassle of changing or charging the batteries. You will need to go back as needed to have the aid replaced, which should only take a few minutes. The Lyric is sold on a subscription basis in one- or two-year intervals that include as many replacements as needed during the timeframe.
There are seven sizes available, ranging from XXS to XXL. Since it’s worn 24/7 around the clock, you can shower, exercise and sleep without issue. However, it’s worth noting that it's not fully waterproof, so underwater swimming and diving should be avoided or you will need to wear an earplug that is watertight.
- 100% invisible due to placement
- Designed to be worn 24/7
- Provides clear, natural sound
- Not fully waterproof
- Must be replaced by professional every few months
- Not suitable for severe or profound hearing loss
Other top invisible hearing aids we recommend for 2024
Cost: $2,550 | OTC or prescription: OTC | Covered by insurance: Dependent on provider | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style of fit: Completely-in-canal (CIC) | Battery type: Rechargeable | Remote/App customization: Yes | Colors available: Black
While not nearly as invisible as the Phonak Lyric, The Eargo 7 hearing aid is an over-the-counter, completely-in-canal aid with a nearly invisible look and barely there feel. Where it does beat the Phonak Lyric is at the price point: it's half the cost.
At only 3/4 of an inch from tip to end, this is a tiny but mighty hearing aid. It uses a technology called Sound Adjust+ that automatically adjusts to the environment you're in — indoors, outdoors, restaurants — to reduce background noise so you can hear speech more clearly. This is also a rechargeable hearing aid that holds its charge for up to 16 hours, while the portable charging case holds up to two extra days' worth of power.
The Eargo 7's design is borrowed from nature, with a closed petal design to minimize sound leakage and reduce feedback and an open petal for a natural listening experience. To ensure you achieve a comfortable fit, multiple petal tips are included with your purchase.
With Eargo, you'll also get lifetime support, along with customer care availability Monday through Saturday.
- Discreet look
- Sound Adjust+ that automatically adjusts to the environment
- Rechargeable battery
- On the pricey side for an OTC hearing aid
- Only available in one color: black
Cost: $2,000-$6,000 | OTC or Prescription: Prescription | Covered by insurance: Depends on provider | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style of fit: Invisible-in-canal (IIC), Completely-in-canal (CIC), In-the-canal (ITC), In-the-ear (ITC), Receiver-in-canal (RIC) and Mini-receiver-in-canal (mRIC) | Battery Type: Disposable or Rechargeable | Colors available: Up to seven colors but varies by device
Starkey is an industry leader in custom-molded hearing aids, styles and color choices. The Genesis AI is available in eight different styles, including receiver-in-canal (RIC), in-the-ear (ITE), completely-in-canal (CIC) and invisible-in-canal (IIC) fit options.
RIC: There are three receiver-in-canal models in seven colors and four technology levels. They can be rechargeable or disposable battery-operated. All RIC options are Bluetooth-enabled. One of the RIC models also offers CROS for single-sided hearing loss.
ITE: Two in–the–ear models are available in six colors and four technology levels. These options are rechargeable, waterproof, and Bluetooth-enabled.
CIC: There are two completely-in-canal models that come in six colors and four technology levels. The CIC models use a disposable battery and can be either Bluetooth-enabled or non-wireless.
IIC: The invisible-in-canal model is the most limited version. It has a disposable battery, no wireless capabilities and is available in five colors and four technology levels.
Dave Fabry, the Chief Hearing Health Officer at Starkey told AOL, “These hearing aids were completely reimagined from the inside out." Featuring the all-new Neuro Processor, it “mimics the way the human brain functions to address the top drivers of hearing aid performance: natural sound quality, speech intelligibility in the presence of background noise, comfort for loud sounds and the ability to determine the direction of sound." he explains.
Another huge bonus, and something that sets Starkey apart from every hearing aid on this list, is the onboard sensors that can track physical activity and social engagement, as well as provide fall detection alerts.
- Eight styles and 13 colors to choose from
- Health sensors for tracking physical activity, social engagement and fall detection
- Fastest sound processing on market
- Depending on style, these can be very costly
Cost: $2,000-$4,500 | OTC or Prescription: Prescription | Covered by insurance: Depends on provider | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style of fit: Behind-the-ear (BTE) | Battery type: Rechargeable | Remote/App customization: Yes | Colors available: Sandalwood/black, copper/black, graphite/black, silver/black
For those looking for a high-quality, nearly invisible Bluetooth-enabled hearing aid, the Phonak Slim is worth a spot on your shortlist. You can pair it with any smartphone, tablet or TV. In fact, you can pair it with up to eight devices at a time.
What sets Phonak's Slim apart from many other Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids is the universal compatibility with Apple iOS and Android devices. This allows for hands-free calls directly to your hearing aid with a simple tap on the ear. Its onboard tap control motion sensor lets you use Bluetooth features by double-tapping on your ear.
We were able to work with a reviewer to have this model tested, and she said she was impressed by hearing aid's usability and features. The first day she was fitted for the hearing aid by an audiologist, she wore it without issue, saying, "By the first hour, I forgot it was there."
Our reviewer also noted that the device's color blended easily with her skin tone and was easily covered by her hair. It also seemed to do a good job of adjusting to different environments on its own (including restaurants, work settings or the outdoors) as she never had any trouble going from one situation to another wearing the device.
- Ergonomic comfortable contoured fit
- Bluetooth connectivity with iOs and Android
- More affordable than other Rx models
- Only four color options
- Not completely invisible
Cost: $1,000 | | OTC or Prescription: OTC | Covered by insurance: No | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style of fit: Ear bud | Battery type: Rechargeable | Remote/App customization: Yes | Colors available: Black
If you do not want a hearing aid that sits in your ear canal, but also don't want to look like you are wearing a hearing aid, the Sony CRE-E10 hearing aid offers a modern earbud-like style that will leave people thinking you are listening to music or talking on the phone. That is an actual reality for these aids because of the Bluetooth connectivity capability.
The sound quality is exceptional and the hearing aids automatically analyze and adjust sound levels as you go about your day, which is not always available in OTC hearing aids. Additionally, you can customize the sound levels and settings via the Sony hearing app, to accommodate where you are — restaurant, indoors, or outdoors. Apple iOS users can stream music, take calls, and watch TV and movies on their devices with connectivity to their aids.
The CRE-E10 hearing aids come with four sizes of silicone tips to accommodate many different shaped and sized ears, plus a charging case and cleaning accessories. Sony estimates the batteries last up to 26 hours on a single charge, which is more than most. Another bonus, you can use your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) toward this purchase.
The only downside is the lack of Android connectivity, and all adjustments must be made via the Sony Hearing control app rather than a tap on the ear.
- 26-hour battery life
- Earbud style
- No manual control buttons
Cost: $1,495-$1,695 | OTC or prescription: OTC | Covered by insurance: Reimbursement available dependent on provider and policy | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style of fit: Over the ear | Battery type: Rechargeable | Remote/app customization: Yes | Colors available: Grey
The Jabra Enhance Select 300's discreet, almost invisible design will last 24 hours on a single charge. Smaller than a paperclip, it sits behind the ear and is attached to a nearly invisible wire connected to a receiver and speaker that sits in your ear canal. Thanks to its tiny design, it is easily concealed by hair or just your ear.
When it comes to sound, Jabra's SoundScape technology, coupled with smart microphones, delivers a natural, crisp and clear sound compared to many competitors. Also, its true depth of sound spatial and noise-canceling technologies help you recognize where sounds are coming from around you while also minimizing unnecessary background noises. Like many other of our top picks, the hearing aids offer Bluetooth capabilities for hands-free calls and streaming your favorite music, podcasts and TV shows right to your hearing aid (iPhone 11 or newer required for calling).
Jabra offers two packages for its Select 300 hearing aids: the basic package ($1,595), which comes as a preprogrammed device with three hearing profiles to choose from; and the premium package ($1,795), fully customizable and offering remote adjustments and support from an audiology team.
- 24-hour battery life
- 100-day trial period
- Access to audiologists with premium package
- Smartphone or tablet required
- iPhone 11 or newer required for hands-free calling
Cost: $289 | OTC or prescription: OTC | Covered by Insurance: No | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style: In-the-canal (ITC) | Battery Type: Rechargeable | Remote/app customization: No | Colors available: Beige
The Audien Atom Pro 2, our top pick for the best budget-friendly invisible hearing aid, comes in at just under $300. While it may not be as robust as others on this list, nor offer Bluetooth connectivity, it does shine in other areas.
This hearing aid is an in-the-canal design that's nearly invisible and has an impressive battery life holding a charge for up to 24 hours. This is an option that will mostly only amplify sound, which is great for watching TV, talking on the phone and having conversations. The only customization feature is volume control — you just pop the hearing aid out to change the volume, before placing it back in.
The hearing aids come with a UV charging case that's designed to wipe out bacteria and keep your devices clean. It also comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
- Inexpensive
- Discreet
- 24-hour battery life
- No app customization
- Needs to be adjusted manually
Factors to consider when choosing an invisible hearing aid
Invisible hearing aids are available by prescription or over the counter. That said, we recommend that you have a professional audiologist evaluate your hearing before investing in a hearing aid. "An Audiologist can assess you for any underlying conditions and get a better sense of what you need," says Yong.
Style of hearing aid: There are a few main styles of hearing aids, each with its own potential benefits and drawbacks: Behind-the-ear (BTE), Receiver-in-canal (RIC), In-the-ear (ITE), In-the-canal (ITC) and Completely-in-canal (CIC). Read more about the pros and cons of each style in the FAQs, below.
Cost: Over-the-counter hearing aids are traditionally less expensive than prescription aids — some will only set you back a few hundred dollars. However, you get what you pay for in that high-tech hearing aids can set you back thousands of dollars. Though you will, in return, get exceptional sound quality, bells and whistles like Bluetooth connectivity and fall detection. Some insurance providers may reimburse you, but health insurance coverage varies. That is why we recommend discussions with your provider before making a purchase. Many OTC and prescription hearing aids are an FSA/HSA-approved expense.
Prescription or OTC: Thanks to the 2022 FDA ruling allowing OTC hearing aids to be sold online and in stores, there is a vast selection of hearing aids available in both OTC and prescription. The good news is that there are a few OTC options out there that rival their Rx counterparts, such as the Eargo 7 or Jabra Enhance. While prescription hearing aids tend to have a higher level of customization and power, they do require a medical evaluation and fitting with an audiologist. Also, OTC hearing aids often come as a set, while prescription devices may be sold individually.
Setup: Prescription hearing aids are fitted and calibrated by a professional, while OTC models require set-up and customization to be completed by you. Some over-the-counter models offer customer support for setup and even have remote programming to get you up and running. If you're comfortable using your smartphone and apps, setting up your hearing aid on your own should not be too much trouble. If not, it's best to go with a prescription pick or invest in an OTC with a company that has a high level of support.
App pairing: Some hearing aids pair with an app; others don't. This isn't a required feature, but if you have an OTC model, it can be helpful for fine-tuning your device. Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids will also often come with an app to give you greater control.
Bluetooth capabilities: The Bluetooth hearing aids allow you to take and make calls from a smartphone, stream music, listen to the TV and hear audiobooks. Yong says this is beneficial because you don't have to worry about potential sound interference. Just read the fine print: Some models will only work with certain phones — you'll want to make sure the type you're considering pairs well with your current technology.
Extra features: There's a range of potential extra features to consider. Those include noise-cancellation features, directional microphones, rechargeable batteries, fall detection and stream soothing sounds. Ongoing professional support and long trial periods are helpful too.
How we chose
To find the best invisible hearing aids, we consulted with audiologists, otolaryngologists, physicians and hearing aid specialists to learn more about the important elements to consider when evaluating a hearing aid. We also researched the potential benefits and drawbacks of smaller, invisible, or nearly invisible aids. We then tested and evaluated the top-rated invisible hearing aids available and narrowed the field based on expert recommendations around setup, sound quality, features and value.
FAQs
How do hearing aids work?
There are different styles of hearing aids, but they all work in a similar way. "Hearing aids collect sound through small microphones, before converting them into electrical signals and amplifying them," Yong explains. Those sounds are also analyzed and manipulated to ensure things like unwanted background noises are reduced and speech is enhanced.
What is the best style of hearing aid?
There is no one "best" style of hearing aid, and some are better for certain types of hearing loss than others. Completely-in-canal hearing aids, for example, are typically best for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, while behind-the-ear devices are often a better pick for someone with profound hearing loss. If you're unsure of the best hearing aid style for you, consult with an audiologist or your doctor for guidance. That said, there are five main styles of hearing aids. Each comes with its own potential benefits and drawbacks.
Behind-the-ear (BTE): Typically the most visible of all hearing aid styles because all the components are housed on one single unit that sits on and behind your ear — these are hearing aids you likely think of when you think of the original large and clunky hearing aids, though they have gotten much more discreet.
Receiver-in-canal (RIC): RICs are similar to BTEs in that they sit behind your ear, but are often less visible since the speaker and receiver are not housed in the same unit. There is a thin wire attached to the receiver and speaker that sits inside the ear canal. Some of these can look invisible or nearly so.
In-the-ear (ITE): These hearing aids are usually custom-fitted. Even so, they may still be visible sitting at the top of the ear canal.
In-the-canal (ITC): These are discreet and often custom-molded to your ear. They fit partly in the ear canal and tend to be less visible than ITEs.
Completely-in-canal (CIC): CICs are the hardest to spot. They can be nearly invisible, but they're typically only designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC): Iic hearing aids have an invisible design that is ideal for those seeking a discreet hearing aid. It’s worn deep within the ear canal, allowing you to hear more of the sounds around you with a device that is hardly visible in and around your ear. Because of this, it’s best for those with mild to moderate hearing loss and usually isn’t a good option for those with more severe hearing loss.
Do inexpensive OTC hearing aids work?
Typically, inexpensive hearing aids have a lower price point because they forgo extra bells and whistles: directional microphones, Bluetooth and customizable settings. If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, an inexpensive hearing aid could be a great option for you. But it's ultimately best to talk to an audiologist to learn more about your personal hearing profile and what will best complement it.
What is the best invisible hearing aid for seniors?
The best invisible hearing aid for seniors, or anyone for that matter, comes down to the one that meets your needs, Yong says. But completely-in-canal hearing aids can be helpful if you wear glasses. "The hearing aid can come into contact with the glasses otherwise and make it difficult to hear," he explains. An in-the-canal hearing aid can also be more convenient. "I've seen a number of patients who prefer to just leave it in for months at a time, and they find it's easier," Yong says.
Are invisible hearing aids comfortable to wear?
They can be. "They are comfortable, but it can take some time to get used to wearing the device in your ear," Wucinich says. Ultimately, "it really depends on the patient," Yong says. "Some people say they're really comfortable, while others who have small ear canals or produce a lot of wax aren't as comfortable," he adds.
Are there any disadvantages to invisible hearing aids?
If you have an in-the-ear invisible hearing aid, these usually don't have room for on-device controls like volume control or program buttons, Wucinich says. "They also lack Bluetooth/streaming connectivity options," she says, adding that some of these may be more expensive than other styles. Another potential risk, per Yong, is that earwax can get impacted around the hearing aids. "These patients will need to come back to get their ear formally cleaned," he says.
Meet our experts
Dr. Michael Yong, otolaryngologist and neurorhinologist, Pacific Neuroscience Institute
Taylor L. Wucinich, an audiologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Dr. Sreek Cherukuri, MD, board-certified ear, nose and throat physician and founder of ClearCast
Amanda Cooper, licensed hearing aid specialist
Dave Fabry, PhD, chief hearing health officer, Starkey
Amy Sarow, Au.D., clinical audiologist and audiology lead at Soundly
Leigh Smith, Au.D., audiologist and owner of Florida Audiology Associates
Anish Thakkar, Au.D., director of audiology at Los Angeles Center for Ear, Nose, Throat and Allergy
