For many, there is one exception to "the bigger the better": hearing aids. If you can hear and understand speech in noisy places with a pair of discrete invisible hearing aids, why bother with bigger ones?! In this article, I share the best invisible hearing aids of 2024 based on the feedback I have received from my patients over 2023 and the first 3 months of 2024. Also, I have presented a list of frequent questions and answers about invisible IIC and CIC hearing aids. I hope that you enjoy it.
For a start, I need to emphasize that this article is about invisible IIC (in the canal) and also CIC (complete in the canal) hearing aids. To be more specific the two most left-hand side products in the above picture (image: courtesy of Oticon).
What are the best invisible hearing aids of 2024?
Here is my list of the best invisible IIC and CIC hearing aids of 2024 (not in particular order). Also please note the little £ sign that is intended to show the relative price of each product.
Oticon Own (£££) - The Oticon Own platform was released in 2023 and still is one of the best technologies for invisible hearing aids. The high-frequency response range of Oticon hearing aids does not need any introduction, simply it is one of the best in the market.
Rexton Reach inoX CIC (£-££) - Rexton Reach inoX CIC is a rechargeable CIC hearing aid that can connect to your smartphone for remote hearing care. Rexton Reach inoX CIC uses the same cutting-edge technology as Signia SILK IX rechargeable CIC so it is one of the best CIC hearing aids that after the evolution of NX, X and now IX technologies the market has seen. The bonus with Rexton Reach inoX CIC is that this CIC hearing aid is considerably cheaper than any other high-end IIC or CIC in the market.
Widex Moment 440 IIC and CIC micro (££-£££) - Widex didn't update their Moment technology platform in 2024 but still in terms of the sound quality and distortion level Widex MOment invisible hearing aids are among the best in the market. Patients who start with Widex Moment IIC and Widex MOment CIC Micro hearing aids cannot switch to any other brand, simply because of the sound quality they have experienced. Widex Moment CIC Micro can connect to your smartphone and receive audio streaming through Widex Com-DEX.
Starkey Genesis Ai 24 IIC, and CIC 312 (£-££) - Starkey Genesis Ai IIC and CIC are unique, for being the latest technology platform that Starkey has brought to the market, and the Starkey Genesis Ai CIC Wireless 312 is the only custom-made CIC hearing aid in the market that can connect to your smartphone and stream audio right away without the need of any intermediary gadget. The sound quality of Starkey Genesis has been massively improved compared to the Starteky Evolve platform.
Phonak Titanium Paradise P90 (££-£££) - The fact that Phonak can use titanium to build the shell of an invisible hearing aid allows the IIC and CIC to be made more discrete, especially for people with medium-sized ear canals which may be marginally suitable for invisible hearing aids. Other than that there is no need for further introduction of the Phonak Paradise technology platform for its superior sound quality and auto-sense adjustment to the soundscape.
Frequently asked questions about invisible hearing aids
Here are some frequently asked questions I have received from my patients about invisible hearing aids:
What are the limitations of invisible hearing aids?
What range of hearing loss can invisible hearing aids cover?
Are invisible hearing aids more expensive than RIC and BHE hearing aids?
My audiologist is not a fan of invisible hearing aids, why?
What is the most affordable invisible hearing aid?
What are the best free invisible hearing aids by NHS?
What are the limitations of invisible hearing aids?
Invisible IIC and CIC hearing aids have come a long way in terms of technology development. The gap is getting closer and closer between CIC hearing aids and RIC/RITE hearing aids as you can find rechargeable and streaming CIC hearing aids in 2024. A few gaps still stand are:
Streaming - There is no invisible IIC hearing aid that can do streaming. The only best next option will be Starkey Genesis Ai CIC WL 312.
Remote telecare - Again, linked to the connectivity there is no invisible IIC in the market that you can receive remote care for. They need to be reprogrammed and adjusted in the clinic. The only next best option is Starkey Genesis Ai CIC WL 312 which can connect to your smartphone through Bluetooth and would allow remote real-time reprogramming. Also All easy click Signia and Rexton hearing aids including the latest Rexton Reach inoX CIC can receive programming updates sent by your hearing care professional on your mobile app.
Fitting range - The IIC and CIC hearing aids are best for mild to moderate to severe hearing loss. I have to warn you that they struggle at the lower range of severe hearing loss.
What range of hearing loss can invisible hearing aids cover?
The invisible IIC hearing aids use a size 10 battery which is the smallest size battery commonly used in audiology. Since they are fitted completely in the ear canal there is a limit to utilise a bigger battery or a bigger speaker unit and electronics in an IIC hearing aid. For that reason, their ability to give high decibel amplification is limited to mild to moderate to severe, and still struggle to the lower end of the severe hearing loss band. The CIC hearing aids often use 312 battery size that allows more power and overall room for a bigger speaker unit and electronics, so their range again is mild to moderate to severe but often can cover comfortably the severe range of hearing loss. I need to emphasize that the size of the ear canal plays a critical role in if the lab technician is able to fit in a super-power (SP), or high-power (HP) speaker unit in a CIC or IIC hearing aid.
Are invisible hearing aids more expensive than RIC and BHE hearing aids?
No, the price of invisible IIC and CIC hearing aids depends on their technology level and they are about the same range of price compared to the same technology level of receiver in the canal or behind the ear versions.
My audiologist is not a fan of invisible hearing aids, why?
As an audiologist, I can say that the invisible IIC and CIC take more work from the start by taking the impressions and sending them to the lab. It can happen that for different reasons one of the hearing aids doesn't feel right in the ear canal hence a second impression needs to be taken and sent to the lab. Except for Starkey Genesis CIC the rest of the custom-made IIC and CIC are not remotely adjustable which limits the flexibility to support the patient. Nevertheless, invisible and custom-made IIC and CIC are part of the offering and quite popular, so I am up to make one for you!
What is the most affordable invisible hearing aid?
Rexton M-Core easyclick CIC is the most affordable hearing aid in the UK market. They use size 10 batteries and they can be programmed remotely. They can be programmed for tinnitus masking too. Their price starts from around $495 per unit.
What are the best free invisible hearing aids by NHS?
Unfortunately, NHS in the UK rarely offers invisible custom-made IIC or CIC hearing aids to the patient. Such an option is more costly to a national scheme and only reserved for those with unusual pinna and ear share whose ears cannot hold BTE hearing aids.
I have a pair of hearing aids, how can I insure them?
Please learn more about hearing aid insurance here.
