Best invisible hearing aids
Compare cost, design, and fit
Hearing loss is a natural development in some children and most adults. Hearing aids often help, but bulky, over-the-ear styles might not be the right choice for everyone. If traditional hearing aids don't fit your style, invisible hearing aids let you get the assistance you need without changing your look.
Invisible hearing aids let people with hearing loss receive a discreet and comfortable solution with almost all of the technology available in behind-the-ear and receiver-in-canal hearing aids.
Our favorite invisible hearing aids models
We compiled a list of 20 well-known hearing aid brands and considered features, design and cost to choose our favorite invisible hearing aids. Each of these models comes with tinnitus solutions, adjustable channels for different environment settings and wireless compatibility.
- Our favorite invisible hearing aid design:
Eargo Neo HiFi - Our favorite budget invisible hearing aid:
Embrace C-Series - Our favorite custom-fit invisible hearing aid:
Starkey Picasso
What are invisible hearing aids?
Invisible hearing aids are small devices that go completely inside your ear canal and amplify important sounds. Of all the in-the-ear hearing aid models, invisible-in-canal hearing aids are the most compact and least visible. There are other types of less noticeable hearing aids, including in-the-canal, completely-in-canal and customizable shell models.
As hearing aid technology advances, companies are adding features and customization options to these tiny devices. The best models offer tinnitus solutions, environment channels and wireless compatibility.
How much do invisible hearing aids cost?
Invisible hearing aids typically cost between $1,000 and $3,000 for both ears, though they may cost more if they have advanced features. Hearing aids with dozens of environment channels, Bluetooth capability and a long battery life may cost more than $3,000 for both ears.
You are typically required to visit an audiologist for a hearing test or a fitting when purchasing an invisible hearing aid. Unless it has rechargeable batteries, invisible hearing aids require frequent battery changes. Be sure to consider recurring costs, including office visits and new batteries, when looking at the price of your invisible hearing aid.
Our favorite invisible hearing aid design
Eargo Neo HiFi
Eargo’s Neo HiFi is designed with Flexi TetraPalms that are made to fit securely and comfortably in your ear canal. The snug fit is designed to block background noise while the device enhances vocal sounds. The Eargo Neo HiFi recharges in its case and can be customized through the Eargo mobile app. This device comes with a two-year warranty and a 45-day return policy. You don’t need to have a hearing test to purchase the Eargo Neo HiFi.
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Our favorite budget invisible hearing aid
Embrace C-660
Embrace’s C-660 is priced at $949 for one hearing aid, making it a great low-cost option for consumers. It sits completely inside the ear canal and comes with color-coded devices so you can easily see which device goes in which ear. The Embrace C-660 comes with a three-year warranty and up to 32 programmable channels, each of which can be customized with Embrace’s app. Customers can purchase a standard remote and an overnight drying unit to go with their invisible hearing aids.
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Our favorite custom-fit invisible hearing aid
Starkey Picasso IIC
Starkey’s Picasso IIC comes in two invisible-in-canal models: the 2400 and the i2400. Both require custom fitting by a local audiologist. The Picasso IIC comes in five colors and has a typical battery life of four to seven days. Starkey offers a 30-day trial and manufacturer’s warranty with all Picasso products. The Picasso is available as a CROS System, which provides an advanced solution for people with single-sided hearing loss.
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Pros and cons of invisible hearing aids
Invisible hearing aids have a lot of great benefits, but they also have some drawbacks.
Pros
- Discreet design
- Multiple size options for a comfortable fit
- Allows for active movements and exercise
Cons
- Short battery life
- Not available for profound hearing loss
- More cleaning required than behind-the-ear and receiver-in-canal models
Bottom line: Are invisible hearing aids suitable for everyone?
Invisible hearing aids are best for people with mild to moderate hearing loss who want a subtle design. Most brands include tinnitus solutions, and you can choose from a variety of models with rechargeable batteries and customizable programming. However, those with profound hearing loss or uncommon technology requirements often have trouble finding an invisible hearing aid that suits their needs.