THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ALMOST INVISIBLE HEARING AIDS 

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21 February 2022

Several types of nearly invisible hearing aids are now available in different shapes and colours to suit the hearing needs of each person and be as aesthetically pleasing as possible. These high-performance hearing aids are now also very discreet thanks to the technological advances that allow electronic components to be miniaturized.

Extended-wear devices

Much like contact lenses have revolutionized vision correction, extended-wear hearing aids are the sophisticated next generation of hearing correction devices. This device therefore stands out from the others, since it can be worn continuously, day and night, without interruption, because it’s positioned completely inside the ear canal. Once inserted very precisely into the ear (4 mm from the eardrum), it becomes totally fixed, invisible, and doesn’t require any particular maintenance, since it’s not battery-powered. This device is therefore revolutionary, since it offers great freedom to the user, who can practice their favourite activities with their hearing aid, and even take a shower and go to sleep with it. It’s also comfortable, flexible, and available in different formats to fit different shapes of ears. This device is suitable for most people suffering from mild to moderate hearing problems, but only a consultation with a hearing care professional will let you determine whether the device can be inserted without discomfort into your ear canal.

Peritympanic devices

Almost completely invisible, peritympanic hearing aids are discreet, since they’re the smallest type of hearing aid currently in existence. They’re also comfortable for the user, since they’re placed almost entirely within the ear canal, which doesn’t cause any discomfort while wearing glasses, moving your hair, or taking off your clothes. In addition, their placement within the ear canal makes them very powerful, since this lets them offer excellent sound quality and protection against wind noise. Made to measure based on the shape of the patient’s ears, this type of device can usually only be seen when looking inside the ears, and its aesthetic qualities are generally appreciated by users. This device, which can work with a Bluetooth remote, is very well suited to mild to moderate hearing loss; however, it should only be chosen if the user is prepared to regularly change the little battery that allows it to function.

In-the-canal devices

The in-the-canal hearing aid is placed in the ear canal, which allows it to be very discreet and nearly invisible. Its shell barely emerges from the ear canal. Another major advantage is that it’s suitable for all types of hearing loss, even the most serious forms, which makes it the most commonly used hearing aid, followed closely by the mini behind-the-ear hearing aid. This device also comes with comfort accessories such as a Bluetooth remote control that lets you control the volume, access the personalized program, or answer the phone to talk quietly while keeping your hands free. The only downside is that it requires delicate and precise manipulation while changing the little battery.

These three types of hearing aids are therefore the most invisible hearing aids currently on the market. You should know that a hearing care professional will always try to find the best compromise between a discreet or almost invisible and attractive device and a powerful device that’s comfortable for the user. However, the most severe cases of deafness sometimes require the use of more visible hearing aids. In any case, a trial and adjustment period for the hearing aids will be necessary to choose the ones that fit each person the best.

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