Hearing loss affects around 37.5 million people in the United States. Left untreated, hearing loss can lead to social isolation, depression, and an overall poorer quality of life. Yet only around 16 percent of adults who could benefit from hearing aids use them. Although there are a number of reasons people don’t get hearing aids, one major reason is that some don’t want the perceived social stigma of wearing them.
According to a Handbook Team survey of 600 hearing aid customers, one of the most important factors in deciding which hearing aid model to purchase is how they look in the ear. But the best invisible hearing aids are a discreet solution that may help if you’re self-conscious about wearing them. Many established brands produce in-the-ear (ITE) or completely-in-canal (CIC) options thanks to their popularity.
We’ve rounded up four of our favorite models so you can decide which one is right for you.
Best OTC Invisible Hearing Aid
The Eargo 7 is our top pick because it’s a comfortable in-the-ear hearing aid with advanced features in an over-the-counter package. The brand offers audiology support through email, chat, and video calls and customization with its different-size petal domes.
Our pick of the best invisible hearing aids
- Eargo 7: Best OTC invisible hearing aids
- MDHearing NEO XS: Best basic invisible hearing aids
- Audien Atom Pro 2: Best budget invisible hearing aids
- Phonak Lyric: Best prescription invisible hearing aids
Our testing experience
With FDA approval, the OTC hearing aid market has experienced rapid growth with an influx of new companies. While this improves accessibility and helps drive down prices, it also muddies the waters. How do you know which products are trustworthy?
By surveying the market, interviewing hearing health experts, and speaking to real hearing aid users, we have curated a list of 21 OTC models to test from nine brands: Audien, Audicus, Eargo, Go Hearing, Jabra Enhance, Lexie, Lucid, MDHearing, and Sony. We’ve chosen these brands because they have positive reputations and represent a range of affordable hearing aid prices, styles, and features.
We also test prescription models from Oticon, Phonak, and Starkey to experience the difference between OTC and Rx (prescription) hearing aids firsthand.
The process looks like this:
Purchase hearing aids as mystery shoppers.
Set up and adjust hearing aids.
Wear hearing aids and adjust volume.
Evaluate sound quality, comfort, and ease of use.
Charge them or remove and replace the batteries.
Remove and reinstall the domes and wax guards.
Clean hearing aid with provided tools and instructions.
Test all features, including Bluetooth streaming.
Download app and test features.
Our testers try multiple devices and answer 25 questions about each. We use these answers to look for outstanding performers. For example, the clarity of the Jabra Enhance Select 200 immediately catches our testers’ attention like no other OTC hearing aid.
From our tester
“Jabra Enhance Select 200 has great sound quality for different environments. I can really tell the difference between the listening programs.”
We also look for hearing aids that demonstrate consistent quality in fundamental features, like sound clarity, setup, comfort, and ease of use. Brands that don’t meet those standards don’t make it onto our best-of list.
No brand’s hearing aids perform flawlessly. For example, one of our testers runs into trouble right away with the MDHearing Volt: the Quick Start Guide doesn’t explain how to turn it on.
We also complete onboarding calls with brand audiologists and talk with customer service representatives over the phone and through chat modules to accurately replicate the buying process and evaluate post-purchase support options.
Finally, we continue our testing by interviewing independent audiologists, hearing instrument specialists, mental health experts, and hearing aid users to get additional perspectives on OTC hearing aids.
The case for OTC hearing aids is particularly compelling. Being able to reach a wider population by increasing accessibility, simplifying the ease of fitting, and reducing the cost barriers … opens the gateway to an array of possibilities [previously inaccessible] due to exorbitant costs and lack of insurance coverage.
Shelley Singh, AuD
HelpGuide Handbook for invisible hearing aids
Here are five things you should know about invisible hearing aids:
Both OTC brands and prescription-based brands offer invisible models.
The cost of invisible hearing aids can vary drastically, from a few hundred dollars per pair to up to $6,000 per year (for extended-wear subscriptions).
Invisible hearing aids are generally suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss and are not powerful enough to treat severe or profound hearing loss.
The “best” invisible hearing aid for you will depend on your budget, ear shape, type of hearing loss, power needs, and feature preferences.
Because invisible-style hearing aids are so small, they are limited in tech features.
Compare the best invisible hearing aids in 2024
| Price | $2,950 | $397 | $289 | Around $3,000–$6,000 per year |
| Type of hearing aid | In-the-ear (ITE) | Completely-in-canal (CIC) | In-the-ear (ITE) | Completely-in-canal (CIC) |
| Degree of hearing loss | Mild to moderate | Mild to moderate | Mild to moderate | Mild to moderate |
| Battery type | Rechargeable | Rechargeable | Rechargeable | Extended wear |
| Standout feature | Best OTC | Best basic features | Best budget | Best prescription |
Invisible hearing aids reviews
Eargo 7: Best OTC invisible hearing aids
Our final verdict on the Eargo 7
Eargo hearing aids come with open or closed petals (silicone comfort tips). Open petals allow for airflow and a more natural sound, which can help if you’re hearing an echo or your own voice too loudly. In comparison, closed petals minimize sound leakage and help reduce feedback. Petal choice really comes down to personal preference. During testing, we try the different petals and find the Eargo 7 comfortable to wear. According to our Handbook Team survey, 87 percent of respondents who use Eargo hearing aids say they are “comfortable” or “very comfortable” to wear.
From our tester
“These are comfortable, and my ears feel less plugged up compared to some of the other CIC or ITE hearing aids we’ve tried. I like the open petals, but that will vary by user.”
During testing, we find the sound quality somewhat “tinny and echoey.” You may be able to fix this by switching out petals, or you might get used to it over time. We especially like the features, including Sound Adjust, which automatically changes your listening mode depending on your location and environment. Although we have difficulty setting up the SoundMatch feature, which allows you to customize your hearing aids to your specific hearing loss, a call to Eargo support helps us get set up. Changing the listening mode is also intuitive and simple. To select a different listening setting, you just tap your ear. However, you have to use the app to adjust the volume.
The Eargo 7 has an IPX7 rating and can be safely submerged in up to one meter of water for up to 30 minutes, so you can wear them in the shower. However, Eargo doesn’t recommend wearing them while swimming. The rechargeable battery life is sufficient for up to 16 hours, and the hearing aids come with a portable charging case for on-the-go use.
MDHearing NEO XS: Best basic invisible hearing aids
Our final verdict on MDHearing NEO XS
The MDHearing NEO XS is a completely-in-the-canal hearing aid model that’s less than half the size of an Apple Airpod and smaller than an SD card. We think these lower-cost, basic hearing aids will work well if you have mild to moderate hearing loss and don’t want to fuss with downloading apps. Although small, this model offers nine volume levels and four listening modes, which you can adjust with a button located on the hearing aid. When changing volume and program settings, the hearing aids elicit a tonal beep, but we find them confusing to differentiate. We eventually realize that a low-tone beep indicates adjustments through the four listening programs (Quiet, Social, Noisy, and Restaurant), and a high-tone beep indicates volume adjustments. Three quick beeps indicate you are at the high or low end of the volume control.
From our tester
“The device is pretty intuitive, with one button to adjust volume and programs and no app.”
Although the NEO XS is a fairly basic device, it has more advanced noise reduction and feedback cancellation than models like Audien’s Atom Pro 2.
The rechargeable battery lasts up to 18 hours, and the portable charging case can provide over 100 hours of use when you’re on the go.
Audien Atom Pro 2: Best budget invisible hearing aids
Our final verdict on the Audien Atom Pro 2
If cost is a concern but you don’t want to sacrifice features like background noise reduction and long battery life, the Atom Pro 2 may be a good, basic option for you. It has the most advanced background noise cancellation and sound quality of all Audien Atom models and is also the smallest.
The four listening modes are Conversation, Noisy, Road Vehicle, and Outdoor. You can adjust both volume and listening mode with the same button, which may confuse some users. However, our testers find the series of beeps that sound as you change modes intuitive and helpful.
From our tester
“This would be a good device to start with if you have mild hearing loss and don’t want to spend a lot of money on a better, more advanced device.”
We find this model comfortable and secure. They are also easy to remove so we can try different ear domes for better customization. However, we don’t like that when we push the button to change modes, it pushes the device further into the ear.
One standout feature is the portable charging case, which is the size of an iPod case, and includes magnetic slots to hold the devices in place while charging. Lights indicating battery level are helpful, and we like the UV sterilization, which is a unique feature.
It’s important to note that Audien does not provide post-purchase audiology support, which means you won’t have help adjusting or fitting your hearing aids if you have any issues. Customer service answers promptly when we call but is not all that helpful. We also try the live chat on the website but have to wait a few hours for a response. We think these are good, basic hearing aids if you don’t want to spend a lot of money and aren’t concerned about audiology support.
Phonak Lyric: Best prescription invisible hearing aids
Our final verdict on the Phonak Lyric
If you want a discreet hearing aid, you can’t get more invisible than the Phonak Lyric. While we are unable to test the sound quality of the Lyric specifically, other Phonak models we test receive exceptionally high marks for quality, background noise reduction, and advanced tech.
To purchase this hearing aid, your audiologist must prescribe it, but it has a unique subscription system. The Lyric is worn 24/7 and utilizes an extended-wear battery that does not require charging or replacing. You generally pay a yearly fee (which will vary by supplier but can range from $3,000–$6,000 per year) and go in for replacement devices every time the battery is depleted, which generally takes about three to six months. They are meant to be worn and forgotten, so you don’t have to utilize any app or buttons for adjustments. They do come with a magnetic tool for volume adjustments.
The Lyric is loved by active people with mild to moderate hearing loss who are looking for wear-and-forget functionality.
Amanda LaVoy, audiology assistant at Sound Relief Hearing Centers
The Lyric comes in seven sizes, from XXS to XXL, requiring precise ear canal measurements by a professional. Those with very narrow (less than 24 millimeters) or short canals are not candidates for the Lyric. You may locate a Lyric provider near you using Phonak’s Find a Hearing Care Specialist search feature.
Other invisible hearing aids to consider
Although we haven’t tested the Signia Silk, the Handbook Team is highlighting it as an invisible prescription hearing aid alternative. This completely-in-canal option is a part of Signia’s X platform and treats mild to moderate hearing loss. While it doesn’t offer rechargeability or Bluetooth, the Twin Phone functionality through the app allows you to take a call with one ear and hear the conversation in both hearing aids. Additionally, if you’re not a fan of making volume or program adjustments through your phone, Signia has a remote control you can purchase and use instead.
We’ll update this article with more information as we test more invisible hearing aids.
What are invisible hearing aids?
Invisible hearing aids are in-the-canal (ITC) devices, with all parts of the device, including the microphone, sitting inside the hearing canal. These are small and discreet devices that can be removed using a tiny attached string. ITC devices are typically programmed to automatically adjust their hearing settings to suit the environment.
In addition to their invisibility, users who prefer invisible in-the-canal devices report reduced background noise from the wind since they’re protected in the ear. Additionally, since they are typically custom-fit, they are comfortable to wear and use. ITC devices may not be a good fit for everyone, as they don’t have two directional microphones and their small size may be harder to handle and adjust.
Bottom line
The Eargo 7 is our top pick for the best invisible hearing aids because it is a discreet and comfortable option available over-the-counter. We appreciate the Eargo 7’s0 lifetime audiology support and customization options that are less common in over-the-counter hearing aids. As an in-the-ear device, it is nearly invisible, making it a great choice for someone who prefers a discreet device.
Invisible hearing aids are typically preferred for someone who doesn’t want their device to be obvious to the people around them. We found the ITC hearing aid style comfortable to wear, and less likely to pick up distracting noises like wind as much as other devices. Invisible hearing aids are best for someone with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Someone with severe hearing loss should visit their health care professional about what is best for them. These devices are small and might not work well for someone with dexterity limitations, as making adjustments may be more challenging. The in-the-canal style of hearing aid is available as an over-the-counter or prescription device.
Frequently asked questions
Pricing for invisible hearing aids varies, ranging from a few hundred dollars to upwards of $6,000 per year for a subscription option like the Phonak Lyric.
The “best” invisible hearing aid for you will depend on your budget, ear shape, level of hearing loss, power needs, and feature preferences. If you’re unsure where to start, we recommend visiting an audiologist or hearing care center in your area.
Invisible hearing aids generally fall under the category of in-the-ear (ITE) styles and sit inside your ear canal with only a small wire barely sticking out for ease of insertion and removal. But there are variations of ITEs, including half-shell and full-shell hearing aids that also fit inside your external ear and are partially visible. The Phonak Lyric is a completely-in-canal (CIC) style, which is inserted deeply inside the ear canal, so it can’t be seen at all.
Given their small size and inability to pack in as much technology, invisible hearing aids have some limitations to consider. For example, they usually don’t have Bluetooth capabilities beyond connection to an app, so you can’t stream sound directly from the devices. The small size also makes them less powerful, so they’re usually not a good option for more severe cases of hearing loss. Additionally, invisible hearing aids do not fit all ear canal shapes and sizes. They can be difficult to handle, especially for those with dexterity limitations. Finally, these hearing aids tend to be expensive and don’t last as long as others (five years versus seven), which might not fit into your budget.
In-the-ear or completely-in-canal styles function by amplifying sounds directly within the ear canal, offering a discreet solution for individuals with hearing loss. These devices utilize advanced digital technology to capture sound, amplify it, and then direct the amplified sound deeper into the ear canal. The main components include a microphone, amplifier, and speaker. Sound enters through the microphone, which converts acoustic signals into electrical signals. The amplifier then increases the strength of these signals, and the speaker (or receiver) converts the amplified electrical signals back into sound waves, delivering them into the ear canal for the user to hear.
Differences between in-the-ear (ITE)/completely-in-canal (CIC) and traditional behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are notable in terms of design, placement, and functionality:
- Design and visibility: ITE and CIC hearing aids sit inside the wearer’s ear canal, making them nearly or entirely invisible to others. BTE hearing aids, on the other hand, rest behind the ear, with a thin tube or wire leading to an earpiece or dome in the ear canal. This design makes BTE aids more visible compared with ITE and CIC models.
- Size and power: Due to their compact size, ITE and CIC hearing aids are less conspicuous but might offer fewer features and less power than BTE models. This makes ITE and CIC aids suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss, while BTE aids can accommodate a wider range of hearing loss, including severe to profound cases, due to the larger size and ability to house more powerful amplification hardware.
- Battery life: Smaller ITE and CIC hearing aids typically have smaller batteries, which may result in shorter battery life compared to the larger batteries used in BTE aids.
- Features: BTE hearing aids often include more advanced features, such as directional microphones, wireless connectivity, and the ability to connect to external devices. Their larger size allows for these features, which may be limited or absent in smaller ITE and CIC models due to space constraints. Invisible hearing aid models may not need directional microphones because they sit within the ear and mimic the natural function of the ear, compared to a larger BTE hearing aid.
- Ease of use: Due to their larger size, BTE hearing aids might be easier to handle and maintain for people with dexterity issues. The smaller components in ITE and CIC hearing aids can be more challenging to manipulate for battery changes or cleaning.
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- Wallhagen, M. (2009). The stigma of hearing loss. The Gerontologist. 50(1), 66–75. Link
- Research and Markets. (2023). Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids market size, market share, application analysis, regional outlook, growth trends, key players, competitive strategies and forecasts- 2023 to 2031. Link