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The Best Invisible Hearing Aids in 2025

Don’t want a bulky hearing aid? We tested invisible hearing aids for those who prefer a discreet option. Our top pick is the Eargo 8.

Product Resources
  • We chose the Eargo 8 as the Best Over-the-Counter Invisible Hearing Aid because of its discreet, snug fit and superior sound quality. 
  • The best invisible hearing aids on our list range in cost from $189–$2,699 per pair. Some brands offer discounts or financing options.
  • Invisible hearing aids usually need to sacrifice function (like Bluetooth or longer battery life) for their small size.

NCOA supports everyone’s right to age well. That’s why we test and recommend products we believe can help you live a healthier life. We’ve spent more than 5,000 hours researching hearing aids to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best invisible hearing aids, we:

  • Consulted with audiologists, hearing instrument specialists, and aging care experts
  • Put more than 50 hearing aids through a series of 21 different tests
  • Mystery shopped more than 20 brands
  • Surveyed hundreds of older adults who use hearing aids
  • Interviewed experts on hearing loss
  • Sent hearing aids to our friends and family with hearing loss to provide long-term testing notes
  • Read thousands of verified customer reviews

We’re constantly testing new hearing aids to give you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Read more about our hearing aid review methodology.

Our Top Pick

Eargo 8: Best OTC

The Eargo 8 hearing aid
  • Snug, discreet fit
  • Long battery life
  • Automatic sound adjustments

Audien Atom Pro 2: Best Battery Life

The Audien Atom 2 hearing aids
  • Discreet size and fit
  • Long battery life (48 hours with charging case)
  • Clear sound quality for the price

MDHearing Neo XS: Best Value

The MDHearing Neo XS hearing aid.
  • Low price
  • Small, discreet design
  • Comfortable and secure fit

Hearing aids aren’t exactly uncommon. Millions of Americans wear them, especially now that you can buy them without a prescription (see our review of the best OTC hearing aids). And the older you get, the more likely you are to benefit from hearing aids, according to research.1 Still, not everyone likes to advertise the fact that they wear these devices.

“Many people prefer a solution that doesn’t draw attention to their hearing loss,” said Leslie Peterson Soiles, AuD, chief audiologist at HearingLife in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, and someone who has hearing loss herself. 

Invisible hearing aids fit neatly inside the ear canal. They come in varying sizes and are much less prominent than traditional behind-the-ear (BTE) models. “Invisible hearing aids may be a good option for someone who doesn’t want their hearing aids noticed, and also anyone who does not want, or cannot have, a BTE-style device,” said Sarah Lundstrom, AuD, FAAA, a board certified audiologist at HearCare Audiology & Tinnitus Center, in Sarasota, Florida. 

Advances in miniaturized technology have improved the sound quality, comfort, and functionality of these discreet hearing aids. But with so many options, including over-the-counter invisible hearing aids, it can be tough to figure out which are the best invisible hearing aids to buy. We tested several of the top discreet models. Keep reading for the results and our picks for the best invisible hearing aids.

Best invisible hearing aids in 2025

Comparing the best invisible hearing aids

Comparison Features
Our rating (out of 10)*

9.5

9.7

9.2

9.4

9.6

Rx or OTC

OTC

OTC

OTC

OTC

Rx

Battery type

Rechargeable

Rechargeable

Rechargeable

Rechargeable

Disposable

Battery life (hours)

16

24

18

18

Varies

Bluetooth

No

No

No (only in the Volt Max)

No

No

Hearing aid type**

CIC

CIC

CIC

CIC

CIC

*Ratings reflect a brand's overall offering; the best overall pick doesn't necessarily have the highest score

**CIC: completely in the canal

Eargo 8: Best OTC Invisible

We chose the Eargo 8 as the Best Over-the-Counter Invisible Hearing Aid because it is almost entirely concealed in the ear canal and testers said it was extremely comfortable and secure. Users said the app for this discreet hearing aid was straightforward and easier to understand than many others we tried. The Eargo 8 is on the pricier end of the invisible hearing aids on this list but has solid sound quality and a two-year warranty (ties for the longest warranty on this list).

Eargo 8

Best OTC
The Eargo 8 hearing aid
  • Discreet, secure, and comfortable fit
  • Long battery life (16 hours)
  • Automatic sound adjustments
  • Type of hearing aid: CIC
  • Battery type: Rechargeable
  • Bluetooth compatible: No 
  • Trial period: 45 days

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Small, discreet, and comfortable
  • Secure fit
  • Simple app for setup and control
  • Wireless charger holds 14 days of power
  • Highly rated for dust and water resistance

Cons

  • Testers noticed occasional feedback
  • Removing the device or changing domes may be challenging for someone with dexterity issues
  • Can only adjust volume using app

Why we chose the Eargo 8 as Best OTC Invisible

The Eargo 8 is the latest OTC invisible hearing aid from the brand. It impressed us with its almost completely concealed and comfortable fit. You insert the Eargo 8 into your ear canal, with only a thin, nearly invisible wire sticking out for removal. The Eargo 8 appears virtually invisible and was among the most discreet models we tested. 

Our testers reported that they fit comfortably and stayed secure for hours, even during high-intensity movement. They also said the sound quality was better than devices of a similar size. The Eargo 8 has the highest rating for dust, sweat, and water resistance, and they are a durable choice backed by a two-year warranty. 

We also liked that using the Eargo 8 was not complicated. Our testers had no issues setting up or using the app or charging these invisible hearing aids. The rechargeable batteries have a 16-hour life, and the carrying case can hold up to 14 days of power. The case also sanitizes the hearing aids with UV light. 

The Eargo 8 is the most expensive OTC model on this list. But for the sound quality, comfort, and ease of use, it offers great value.

Our testing experience with the Eargo 8

Testers who tried the Eargo 8 hearing aids said that they felt comfortable almost immediately and stayed in place securely. “I wore these for several hours and did not have any issues with them hurting my ears,” said one tester. “The fit was great overall. They were snug, but not too tight. I moved around, jogged, and did jumping jacks and they did not budge.”

Woman with blue nail polish holds Eargo 8 hearing aids in their black portable charging case
Testers said the Eargo 8s had a snug, discreet fit. Note the tiny, clear wire sticking out, which you use to remove the hearing aids from your ears.

We also liked that there wasn’t a lot of prep work required to get the devices in and working. “The fit was great overall and I did not have to switch out domes,” said one tester. She used the link provided in the packaging to download the Eargo app. “The hearing aids connected seamlessly with my phone and I was able to get them working without issue,” she said. “The setup was instant and I did not have to tweak anything to customize my configuration. I did slightly change the volume and experiment with presets, but there wasn't much I had to do to get high-quality sound.”

A woman reads the Eargo 8 user manual
Testers said the Eargo 8 user manual was simple to use and had lots of great tips for securing a good fit.

The simplicity of the app helped with setup. We would recommend it for those who don’t like to fuss with technology too much. But our tester did say they would prefer more information about the settings and when to use them. “The sound settings were a little vague since they just had preset numbers and didn't mention how they were best used in which settings,” said a tester. They also noted that the volume can only be adjusted using the app, not manually. “One thing that is frustrating is the volume doesn't correspond with numbers,” she said. “While there is a noise in your ear to indicate a change in volume, it doesn't say whether it is going up or down or what number.” But testers liked the option to customize the noise reduction and volume outside of presets and felt the app worked well overall. 

If you’re looking for the best invisible hearing aid, these are a solid choice. But be aware that their small size may come with challenges, especially if you have dexterity or vision issues. “Sometimes I struggled to find the cord to pull them out of my ear, and since I have long nails it was a little challenging for me,” said one tester. Changing domes may also be difficult. But if you want a discreet hearing aid, our tester said, “The small and sleek design is great for hiding them in your ear.”

The Eargo customer experience

  • Warranty and trial period: 45-day risk-free trial period for all Eargo devices; one- to two-year manufacturer’s warranty depending on model
  • Financing: Yes
  • Customer service:
    • By phone: 855-435-0174 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT; Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT.)
    • Online chat: Representatives are available during the same times as above

Audien Atom 2: Best Invisible Rechargeable

We chose the Audien Atom 2 as the Best Invisible Rechargeable Hearing Aid because it is discreet, comfortable, and has one of the longest battery lives (a full 24 hours) of any rechargeable hearing aid we tested. We tested the Atom 2, not the Audien Atom Pro 2. The Atom Pro 2 has similar features and is 20% smaller. These are both good, discreet, and lower-priced options.

Audien Atom 2

Best Rechargeable
The Audien Atom 2 hearing aids
  • Long battery life (24 hours)
  • Discreet size and fit
  • Clear sound quality and minimal background noise
  • Type of hearing aid: CIC
  • Battery type: Rechargeable
  • Bluetooth compatible: No 
  • Trial period: 45 days

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Small, discreet fit
  • Setup was simple and user-friendly
  • Comes with lifetime customer support
  • Filters out background noise 

Cons

  • Only comes in one color, which may not match skin tone
  • You can only adjust volume using buttons on the hearing aids
  • Limited one-year warranty
  • No app or Bluetooth 
  • Testers heard occasional whistling noises

Why we chose the Audien Atom 2 as Best Rechargeable

We chose the Audien Atom 2 as the Best Rechargeable Invisible Hearing Aid because it has one of the longest battery lives (24 hours) of any invisible hearing aid we tested. They are also comfortable and secure, and the Atom 2 is the lowest-priced hearing aid on this list (the Atom Pro 2 has the second-lowest price). 

Testers noted that you will compromise on sound quality, which is why we didn’t name this pair our best value. The Atom Pro 2, which we did not test, should have better background noise cancellation and is 20% smaller, so may be a good upgrade if you’re willing to spend $100 more. It also comes with a case that doubles the battery life to 48 hours and uses UV light to sanitize your hearing aids. 

Our testing experience with the Audien Atom 2

Our testers reported that these hearing aids fit comfortably and stay put securely. “I feel like the Audien Atom 2 fits really well in the ear and wasn’t difficult to place without a mirror or other assistance,” said one tester. “They're very comfortable, and I don't get a ‘plugged-up’ feeling. For a bargain hearing aid, I feel like they're easy to get started with and use.”

Woman wears the Audien Atom Pro beige colored hearing aid
Testers said the Audien Atom 2 hearing aid was discreet, snug, and comfortable.

The Atom 2 hearing aids sit at the entrance to the ear canal and are mostly concealed. But they are slightly visible from the side and front. Depending on your skin color, the tan color may be more noticeable. The Atom Pro 2 model is 20% smaller and may be less noticeable.

After the Audien Atom 2 hearing aids were placed, they stayed put and didn’t need a lot of extra adjustment, according to our testers. “At first I did get some feedback, so it just took a minute to get them in where they weren’t hitting my hair or incorrectly in position,” said one tester. After that, they said, “They felt very secure and did not wiggle at all. They felt snug but not tight. They are comfortable enough that I could forget I was wearing them.” This was the case even when testers attempted to knock the hearing aids loose by shaking their heads or doing jumping jacks.

Neither the Audien Atom 2 nor the Atom Pro 2 has an app. Testers referred to the manual for changing functions (done by holding a button on the hearing aid). They said that charging the hearing aids was “intuitive” and changing wax guards was easier than they expected. “The domes were very easy to switch out,” said one tester. “I have dexterity issues and I was still able to slip them off and on with ease.” This is not always the case with discreet hearing aids, which can be tiny. Testers had no problem removing these hearing aids by pulling the small plastic wire. 

Despite these advantages, our testers found the sound quality to be inconsistent. “There was lots of feedback when initially placing in the ear and adjusting volume,” said one. Others commented that sound was at times muffled on one side. One tester who has auditory processing issues with low registers said, “These were picking up all the sounds in the room but it wasn’t distracting. When a person was speaking I did need them facing me to hear them clearly, but it would also pick up noises around the space as well. I don’t think these are the greatest for lower registers, but these could be a good affordable option for people needing a little extra boost of sound, especially for hearing speech.”

The Audien customer experience

  • Warranty and trial period: 45-day money-back guarantee for all Audien devices; limited one-year warranty unless you upgrade to a protection plan
  • Financing: Yes
  • Customer service:

MDHearing NEO XS: Best Value Invisible

We chose the MDHearing NEO XS as the Best Value Invisible Hearing Aid because it is the second-least expensive model on our list, one of the smallest and most discreet CIC options, and it has the second-longest battery life on this list. The Neo XS doesn’t have an app or other frills, but testers rated it highly for comfort and ease of use. 

MDHearing NEO XS

Best Value
The MDHearing Neo XS hearing aid.
  • Second-lowest price on this list
  • Long battery life (18 hours)
  • Small, discreet design
  • Comfortable and secure fit
  • Type of hearing aid: CIC
  • Type of hearing loss: Mild to moderate
  • Battery type: Rechargeable
  • Bluetooth compatible: No
  • Trial period: 45 days

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Very small and discreet
  • Secure, snug fit
  • Testers said wax guards were easier to change and clean 

Cons

  • Occasional static and beeping sounds 
  • No app or bluetooth capability
  • Volume button position is not ideal

Why we chose MDHearing Neo XS as Best Value Invisible Hearing Aid

We chose the MDHearing Neo XS as Best Value Invisible Hearing Aid because of its remarkably low price and small, discreet design. It is the smallest model from the brand and has similar functions as pricier OTC hearing aids we tested. The NEO XS has an 18-hour battery life (ties with Audicus for second-longest battery life on this list) and a portable charging case with indicator lights to show how charged the battery is. Testers said it felt comfortable and secure to wear. They did not come loose—even during strenuous exercise. 

The MDHearing Neo XS uses a single manual button for volume and setting control, so no app is required. Despite its small size, the button is prominent and controls are simple. People who aren’t especially tech-savvy may appreciate this invisible hearing aid’s design. One drawback of this button is that it’s easy to push by accident when putting in or adjusting the hearing aids. 

Our testing experience with MDHearing

Our testers were impressed with the performance and features of the Neo XS despite its affordable price. These discreet OTC hearing aids are MDHearing’s smallest CIC devices. Like the Eargo 8s, they insert into the ear with a small plastic wire sticking out for removal. Our testers did note that while very discreet, these weren’t completely concealed inside the ear. “You can see them from the front and side, both the device and the wire protruding,” said one tester. The tan color and high sheen on these may make them stand out more depending on your skin tone. One tester felt they could be concealed better if they had a matte finish. 

Once testers placed the NEO XS hearing aids into their ears, they enjoyed wearing them and gave them a perfect 5/5 rating for comfort. 

The end with the silicone dome (the black dome in the picture below) is inserted in the ear canal and keeps the Neo XS in place. These devices come with multiple domes for a more custom fit. After finding the right dome size, one tester said, “No adjustments needed. They fit great. They feel very secure, no movement at all.” Even exercise did not move the hearing aids. 

 The MDHearing Neo XS in its charging case with packaging and manual.
The Neo XS has an 18-hour battery life.

The Neo XS does not include an app but the manual has many graphics to guide setup, which testers found easy to follow. Our testers were able to charge the batteries in the provided case without even reviewing the manual. “Using the charger is very intuitive and it has lights on it that show whether it's charging, fully charged, or the battery is low,” said one tester. 

They did not encounter any issues with operating the Neo XS hearing aids either. “Setting the devices up was very simple,” one tester said. There was very little to get the hearing aids ready to go. They turn on automatically. You hold the button for three seconds to change the program.” The volume is controlled the same way, and the hearing aid beeps to indicate each increasing level of volume, which testers liked. Each hearing aid has its own volume and setting control button, so you do have to adjust the right and left hearing aids individually. 

The MDHearing Neo XS hearing aid in a woman’s ear.
Testers felt the volume button was easy to access, but often found themselves hitting it accidentally.

Our testers did note that, although controls were simple, because the hearing aids and buttons are so small they kept accidentally adjusting the volume. “The devices are small and the location of the button makes it hard to put them in without changing the volume.” If you have hand dexterity issues, it may be more difficult to adjust volume or change programs. 

The MDHearing customer experience

  • Warranty and trial period: MDHearing offers a one-year warranty on the Air, NEO, NEO XS, and Volt, a two-year warranty on the VOLT MAX, and a 45-day trial period on all models.
  • Financing: Yes, Affirm
  • Customer service:

Audicus Mini 2: Most Comfortable Invisible

We chose the Audicus Mini 2 as the Most Comfortable Invisible Hearing Aid because it got perfect scores in our tests for fit and comfort. These invisible hearing aids stayed securely in place even with hard use, and testers routinely described how lightweight they felt. The brand also has lifetime audiology support. Unlike other OTC hearing aids brands that you need to fit yourself, you can make a tele-audiology appointment to get expert support in finding your perfect fit. Audicus also offers the longest trial period (100 days) of any of the models we tested.

Audicus Mini 2

Most Comfortable
The Audicus Mini 2 hearing aids
  • Comfortable, snug fit
  • Lifetime audiology support
  • Good battery life (18 hours)
  • Longest trial period on this list (100 days)
  • Type of hearing aid: CIC
  • Type of hearing loss: Mild to moderate 
  • Battery type: Rechargeable
  • Bluetooth compatible: No
  • Trial period: 100 days

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Very small and discreet
  • Comfortable and lightweight
  • Lifetime audiology support/tele-audiology appointments on demand
  • Stays in place even during intense movement

Cons

  • No Bluetooth
  • Volume control requires use of the app
  • Higher cost

Why we chose Audicus Mini 2 as the Most Comfortable Invisible

We chose Audicus Mini 2 as the Most Comfortable Invisible Hearing Aid because it received perfect scores (5/5) from our testers for comfort and fit, and they raved about how lightweight it was. Our testers didn’t experience any major pain points using and adjusting the Mini 2. And they found the app and charger to be fairly easy to understand.  

The Audicus Mini 2 OTC invisible hearing aids are one of the more expensive models on this list. But they deliver superior sound quality, including speech in noise performance. And they offer lifetime audiology support. Only Audicus and Jabra, another high-end OTC hearing aid brand, offer this. 

They can be controlled by remote or an app and have a 18-hour battery life (ties for second-longest rechargeable battery life on this list). They are highly rated for water resistance and backed by a two-year manufacturer warranty. Plus, they have the longest trial period of any hearing aid on this list at 100 days. 

Our testing experience with Audicus 

We were impressed with how well these invisible hearing aids fit, and how little we noticed them once they were in place. “It was very easy to place the hearing aids in my ears,” said one tester. “These are very comfortable and lightweight.” 

The small size and CIC design of the Audicus Mini 2s kept them pretty well concealed, although one tester noted that the black color was very visible from the side. “They are small so you do kind of have to dig in there, but I would say it was pretty easy considering how tiny they are. You can use the receiver to pull it out which makes it much easier,” said one tester. Like others on this list, the Mini 2s have a small, flexible wire you pull to remove the hearing aids from your ear.

The Audicus Mini 2 in a male tester’s ear.
Testers found the Mini 2 simple to place and comfortable to wear due to its small size and light weight.

These invisible hearing aids come with extra domes for a more custom fit, and testers did not struggle with replacing them. “The dome popped off and on easily,” said one tester. “I heard a little bit of whistling while putting it in, but the first dome was a bit too small. The original dome fit the best and there was no whistling.”

Once in place, the Mini 2s stayed secure. “They didn’t move at all when I was running, jumping, and picking things up off the floor,” said one tester. “They are very light weight and I could barely feel them in my ear.”

TeleCare screen of Rexton app showing how to contact remote assistance with hearing aid adjustments
Audicus is one of the only OTC hearing aid brands to offer lifetime remote audiology support.

These hearing aids are controlled with either the included remote or an app you download. Our testers note that the app is called Rexton, not Audicus, which they found slightly confusing. 

Audicus is unique in that it’s one of the only OTC hearing aid brands (the other is Jabra) that offers lifetime remote audiology support. That means you can schedule 1:1 virtual appointments with audiologists or hearing instrument specialists. The hearing expert will adjust your hearing aids remotely and help you troubleshoot issues with fit or comfort. You can even mail it back and have Audicus make the adjustments for you.

Overall, testers said the process of setting up, adjusting, and charging these invisible hearing aids was straightforward and they didn’t encounter any issues. “The app was very intuitive and simple and the preset options helped me understand how to adjust the hearing aids for me,” one tester said. “I would rather have it connect to my phone via Bluetooth, as I’m more familiar with that connection. But overall, I think this is a fantastic option for someone looking for a small, lightweight, discreet, and comfortable hearing aid.” 

The Audicus customer experience

  • Warranty and trial period: 100-day risk-free trial, two-year warranty, and free lifetime support with next-day appointments
  • Financing: Yes, CareCredit and Allegro
  • Customer service:

Phonak Lyric: Best Invisible Prescription

We chose the Phonak Lyric as the Best Invisible Prescription Hearing Aid because its unique design lets it stay completely concealed inside the ear canal. It must be placed there by an audiologist and replaced every six to eight weeks. Because it is available by prescription only and must be inserted by an audiologist or other hearing expert, we did not test the Phonak Lyric ourselves.

Phonak Lyric

Best Prescription
The Phonak Lyric hearing aid
  • Completely invisible hearing aid
  • Is worn 24/7 (but has a sleep mode)
  • No need to remove—audiologist replaces it every two months
  • May help tinnitus
  • Type of hearing aid: CIC
  • Type of hearing loss: Mild to moderately severe
  • Battery type: Disposable
  • Bluetooth compatible: No
  • Trial period: Depends on retailer

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Completely concealed inside ear canal
  • No batteries to charge
  • No need to remove (can be worn in the shower or around water as long as not submerged)
  • Simulates natural hearing

Cons

  • Need a prescription and ongoing audiology support
  • Needs to be replaced regularly by trained expert
  • Highest cost on this list

Why we chose Phonak as Best Invisible Prescription

We chose the Phonak Lyric as the Best Invisible Prescription Hearing Aid because it has a one-of-a-kind design that allows it to be completely concealed inside the ear canal. It is placed there by an audiologist during an office visit. This makes it totally invisible and also replicates the natural hearing anatomy. The device is worn 24/7, although it does have a sleep mode. Every few months, you must go back to your hearing specialist so they can replace the Lyric when its disposable batteries run out.

Phonak does offer the option of “self-replacement” every other month for users who prefer that. They will be given a tool and shown how to replace their device.  Because it is available by prescription only, we did not test the Phonak Lyric ourselves but researched the product and interviewed hearing specialists to get their opinion. We think this could be a good option for people who want a more natural hearing experience, don’t like dealing with equipment, or have health challenges that may make using traditional hearing aids more difficult, such as dementia. 

The Phonak customer experience

  • Warranty and trial period: Many hearing aid companies offer three-year warranties, but Phonak only provides a one-year international warranty, beginning the day you purchase your hearing aids. An additional two years of repair, loss, and damage coverage is available for an extra fee at the time of purchase.
  • Financing: Depends on retailer
  • Customer service:

Types of invisible hearing aids

There are several types of so-called invisible hearing aids. “‘Invisible hearing aids’ typically refer to Completely-in-Canal (CIC) devices, which are custom-made to sit deep inside the ear canal,” said Leslie Soiles, the audiologist in Massachusetts. 

“Because of their placement, they are nearly impossible for others to see when worn. Some brands may also market Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) devices, which fit even deeper in the canal and are the smallest style available.” These terms, CIC and IIC, are often used interchangeably with “invisible hearing aids.” But there are some key differences:

  • In-the-Canal (ITC): This refers to a hearing aid designed to fit in the ear canal, similar to earbud-style headphones. They are visible but generally more powerful than smaller models, so they are able to address mild to severe hearing loss.
  • Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC): These hearing aids are a size down from ITC, and mostly sit inside the ear canal, although some parts may be visible in the outer ear. They can usually address mild to moderate hearing loss. In general, the smaller the hearing aid, the less severe hearing loss it’ll be able to address.
  • Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC): This is the smallest and most discreet style. They sit back in the ear canal and may only be noticeable by a plastic wire that sticks out to help with removal. They can usually support mild to moderate hearing loss. While they can have great sound quality, Lundstrom, the audiologist in Florida, says, “They do not typically have directional microphones which means they do not provide as much support in background noise.” Because of their small size, these devices can be more challenging for people with dexterity or vision issues when it comes to changing the batteries or other parts.

Compare hearing aid styles

"While in-the-ear styles of hearing aids are more discreet, they are not well-suited to everyone," said Lundstrom. Here are some of the ways they stack up to other kinds of hearing aids.

Comparison Features

Invisible-in-canal (IIC)

Behind-the-ear (BTE)

In-the-ear (ITE)

Receiver-in-canal (RIC)

Degree of hearing loss

Mild to moderate

Mild to severe

Mild to severe

Mild to severe

Pros

Discreet; does a good job of simulating natural hearing

More powerful amplification and features

More features than IIC; designed for better background noise reduction

More power and features than ITE; less noticeable than BTE

Cons

Small components can be challenging; often has limited power and features

May be more difficult to wear if you are active

More visible than IIC; may be less comfortable or secure than other types

More potential maintenance needs

Benefits and limitations of invisible hearing aids

Whether you prefer invisible hearing aids or another kind is largely personal preference, but it is good to know some of the advantages and potential limitations of the discreet devices. 

Benefits of invisible hearing aids

While a lot of people are interested in invisible hearing aids because of their discreet appearance, there are other reasons you may want to consider them. Some of the benefits of invisible hearing aids include:

  • Discretion: Visually, invisible hearing aids are the least noticeable option. Some people don’t like the look or feel of a behind-the-ear model, and some don’t like others to know they are wearing a hearing aid. This research found almost half (48%) of older adult participants said their decision to not wear hearing aids was due to the stigma of being perceived as old and disabled.2 And only about 16% of adults ages 20–69 who could benefit from hearing aids have ever used them.1
  • Natural sound experience: Devices that sit outside the ear may feel foreign, like an extra component. Hearing aids that go inside the ear canal may feel more familiar. “Their deep placement in the ear canal allows the outer ear to naturally funnel sound, which can create a more natural listening experience,” said Soiles. 
  • Reduced wind noise: Because the microphone and receiver are all in one package inside the ear canal, invisible hearing aids tend to reduce the noise and sound interference from wind. That can make them a good option for outdoor activities, said Soiles. 
  • No external components: Having to deal with ear hooks, battery packs behind your ear, or ear molds to keep devices in place can be uncomfortable or impractical if you lead an active lifestyle. People who wear glasses or have long hair may also prefer the ease and comfort of an invisible hearing aid.

Limitations of invisible hearing aids

No hearing device is perfect. Invisible hearing aids may be discreet, but their small size and placement in the ear canal come with challenges. Some of the drawbacks of invisible hearing aids include:

  • Shorter battery life: Many invisible hearing aids now have rechargeable batteries, but the battery life tends to be limited. The longest battery life on this list is 24 hours. Cases that charge the hearing aids can help extend battery life.
  • Power limitations: Invisible hearing aids are generally best suited for mild to moderate hearing loss and may not be effective for more severe cases, said Soiles. They also have limited room for advanced features like Bluetooth streaming or directional microphones. 
  • Fit requirements: Ear canals come in different sizes and shapes. People who have very narrow or curved ear canals may have difficulty keeping ITC devices in place. Invisible hearing aids may also not be a good option for anyone prone to frequent ear infections or who has excessive wax buildup. Most invisible hearing aids come with different domes you can change to get a more custom fit. “A proper hearing aid fit isn’t just about comfort. It directly impacts how well you hear,” said Soiles. “The right fit allows people to remain physically active…without worrying about your hearing aids falling out or failing to keep up.”
  • Maintenance challenges: “Because of their placement, they require more frequent cleaning and professional maintenance, and their tiny size can make them difficult to handle for people with dexterity or vision challenges,” said Soiles.

The cost of invisible hearing aids

In our 2025 hearing aid user survey, 41% of people said price was their top concern when considering over-the-counter hearing aids (behind only sound quality).3 

The price of invisible hearing aids can vary a lot depending on quality, design, features, and other factors. You can expect to pay between a few hundred to several thousand dollars for invisible hearing aids. Often, prescription models cost much more. That’s because prescription hearing aids may include the cost of office appointments before and after you buy, as well as regular professional cleanings, adjustments, and upgrades.

Comparing the cost of the best invisible hearing aid

Comparison Features

Eargo 8

The Eargo 8 hearing aid

Audien Atom Pro 2

The Audien Atom 2 hearing aids

MDHearing Neo XS

The MDHearing Neo XS hearing aid.

Audicus Mini 2

The Audicus Mini 2 hearing aid in the case

Phonak Lyric

The Phonak Lyric hearing aid
Cost (per pair)

$2,699

$289

$297

$2,4984

Around $4,000

Trail period (days)

45

45

45

100

Depends on retailer

Warranty (years)

2

1

1

2

1

Caring for invisible hearing aids

Their placement inside the ear canal makes invisible hearing aids less noticeable, but it also means you need to clean them more. “Caring for invisible hearing aids requires extra attention because of their small size and deeper placement in the ear canal,” said Soiles. Here are some of her recommendations:

  • Clean every day. “Daily cleaning is essential,” she said. “Use a soft, dry cloth or the provided cleaning tool to gently remove earwax and moisture.”
  • Store properly. Always store the devices in a dry, protective case overnight, away from moisture, hairspray, or heat.
  • Get professional cleanings. “Unlike larger devices, invisible aids are especially prone to wax buildup,” Soiles said. Regular professional cleanings every three to five months are strongly recommended.

Frequently asked questions

How much do invisible hearing aids cost?

Invisible hearing aids can range in cost from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on their quality, design, features, and other factors. 

Do invisible hearing aids have Bluetooth capability?

Some invisible hearing aids have Bluetooth capability, but most do not because of their smaller size. 

How often do invisible hearing aid batteries need to be changed?

The battery life for invisible hearing aids can vary depending on use, the specific hearing aid model, and other factors. In general, disposable batteries need to be changed every 4-8 days, and rechargeable batteries last between 16 and 24 hours on a single charge.

How long do invisible hearing aids last?

The lifespan of invisible hearing aids varies depending on use, care, and durability, but most will need to be replaced every 3-5 years. 

Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Sources

  1. Quick Statistics About Hearing, Balance, & Dizziness. National Center for Deafness and other Communication Issues. Sept. 20, 2024. Found on the Internet at: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing#12
  2. Madara, E., et al. Toward Alleviating the Stigma of Hearing Aids: A Review. Audiology Research. Dec. 4, 2024. Found on the internet at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11673210/
  3. NCOA. Hearing Aids Survey. 300 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched February 2025

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