A hearing aid is a tool used to help hearing loss sufferers hear better by amplifying sound. In the majority of nations, hearing aids are categorised as medical devices and are subject to the corresponding legislation. According to audio metrical and cognitive criteria, modern technologies are programmed electroacoustic systems that modify surrounding sound to make it audible.
Modern systems also make use of advanced digital signal processing techniques to try and enhance user comfort and speech understanding. These signal processing techniques include frequency lowering, directionality, feedback control, extended frequency range compression, and noise reduction.
The days of large hearing aids are long gone thanks to advancements in technology. Due to their size or discomfort, hearing aids have turned off a lot of individuals. But those times are over since modern technology makes it possible for hearing aids to get smaller over time.
Confused about what are the different variations under the category of invisible hearing aids? Puzzled as to what sort of hearing aid you should apply? Worry not, as we here at Hear Expert have compiled this article for you to give you a basic idea about the various kinds of invisible hearing aids, and throw light on the amazing features of the same.
What are invisible hearing aids?
The in-the-canal (ITC), completely-in-canal (CIC), and invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aid styles are the most popular types of invisible hearing aids. Hearing aids that are invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) are nearly undetectable.
Many people worry that their hearing aids will be noticeable or that they may interfere with their eyeglasses or face mask. Transparent hearing aids may be useful. These in-ear hearing aids are hardly noticeable because they are worn inside the ear. With the exception of a tiny wire to assist you effortlessly insert and remove them, these are the tiniest personalised hearing aids currently on the market and are created and moulded to fit nicely inside your ear canal.
What are invisible-in-the-canal hearing aids?
IICs are made up of three fundamental components: a microphone to capture all the noises you require hearing, an amplifier to amplify those sounds, and a speaker to transmit the sounds to your ears. The amplifier receives electrical signals from the microphone after it picks up the sound. These signals are subsequently sent to the speaker by the amplifier.
Small and covert, invisible hearing aids typically nestle deep within the ear canal rather than behind the ear. Due to their size, the majority of models are only suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. A person’s ear canal might not always be shaped properly to accept these unseen devices.
Some other types of invisible hearing aids
Mid-sized In-the-Canal (ITC) hearing aids are larger than tiny (CIC) devices and offer more features. ITCs, for instance, have wireless capabilities that allow them to link with cell phones and deliver music and phone calls right to the hearing aids.
The largest of the specially built devices that fit inside the ear are the in-the-ear (ITE) invisible hearing aids. Advanced capabilities including wireless connectivity and ear-to-ear communication are available in ITE, which is simple to insert. Because the hearing aid battery is greater than in smaller devices, the battery life is increased.
You will be able to find more information about different types of hearing aids and their features at our site, Hear Expert.
Beneficiary features of invisible hearing aids
Hearing devices that go in the canal are virtually unnoticeable and helpful for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. For most users, IIC hearing aids’ compact size and understated appearance represent their biggest benefit. IICs make it more difficult for the hearing aid to operate in concert with the ear to provide a more excellent noise experience since they are buried so deeply in the ear canal.
IIC hearing aids are the most discreet and are virtually unnoticeable by others since they fit the farthest down in the ear canal. IIC invisible hearing aids offer a more natural sound for many users and, thanks to their deep fit, are also less likely to detect wind noise.
Due to their diminutive size, IIC hearing aid batteries might be more challenging to handle and require replacement more frequently than those in bulkier hearing aids. The Completely-in-Canal (CIC) invisible hearing aids are favoured by individuals who desire a little bit more control over their hearing aids than what is offered with IIC hearing aids. These features include buttons that change environmental programmes and volume control.
Advantages of invisible hearing aids
Invisible hearing aids consist of a number of advantages over other kinds of hearing aids. Most of these advantages arise in lieu of the position and size of said hearing aid. Some such advantages are
- Less likely to pick up wind noises– Invisible hearing aids are less likely to pick up wind noises, even if they are placed outside the ear. This helps reduce the amount of extraneous noise picked up from the environment, and makes the process of hearing smoother and more efficient.
- Easily applicable with telephones and headsets- Invisible hearing aids can also be used easily with telephones and headsets. Such hearing aids are made in such a way that application of them to various devices does not result in any unnecessary hurdle.
- Reduction of “occlusion effect”– Occlusion effect refers to the booming or vibrating sound generated by your own speech or chewing that you occasionally hear when using hearing aids. Many invisible hearing aids have programmes incorporated in them to reduce this effect for the help of the user.
- Customization to fit ear canal– Another extremely crucial advantage of invisible hearing aids is the fact that they are almost always customised and specially built to fit precisely into the ear canal of the user. This avoids the hearing aid from falling off during your day-to-day life.
- Comfort of the ear– Invisible hearing aids are made in a way that enables them to sit securely and comfortably inside the ear. This will help you to avoid unnecessary ear pain and make the process of using a hearing aid much easier and smoother.
- No external wires– Invisible hearing aids do not come with any external wires or tubes. This prevents the device from getting caught on or tangled with clothes, hats, eyeglasses, masks, etc. This helps in a trouble-free usage of the device.
If you wish to start using an invisible hearing aid, along with all these advantages, you also need to keep in mind a few other factors. Always get a professional medical referral before using hearing aids. Also, keep in mind the budget factor of invisible hearing aids, as the cost of the same usually tends to be a little on the higher side.In this article, we have thrown light upon invisible hearing aids, and the numerous advantages and spectacular features of the same. For further information about invisible hearing aids, visit Hear Expert for access to resource databases carrying information about invisible hearing aids.