When many of us picture hearing aids, we think of those unsightly behind the ear contraptions that announce to the world that you're an octogenarian or better. Fortunately, these types of hearing aids aren't your only choice, regardless of your age. Just like other forms of digital technology, hearing aids have come a long way in the past decade, which are bringing small, technically innovative devices into the lives of a much broader market - those who have resisted hearing aids for a variety of reasons.
Why We Don't Seek Help for Hearing Loss
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) details that as many as 15% of U.S. adults have difficulty hearing and upwards of 28 million could benefit from hearing aids. However, just a tiny percentage of people who need hearing aids have ever tried them. Why is this? There are a myriad of reasons why we resist help with hearing issues.
One of the main reason that people with hearing loss stay away from hearing aids is the perceived stigma attached to the devices. Many see them as either a sign of weakness or a blow to their sense of vanity. Fortunately, technology is enabling hearing professionals to counter some of these arguments with small hearing aids that are virtually undetectable and in a wide variety of styles.
Completely-in-Canal Invisible Hearing Aids
This tiny hearing aid is called a Completely-in-Canal (CIC) style and is one of the most popular models of hearing aid devices used today. The CIC hearing aid sits within your ear canal and comes in several skin-tone faceplate colors, making it virtually undetectable. The hearing aid is custom-fitted to your ear and work for nearly all levels of hearing loss.
Invisible-in-the-Canal Hearing Aids
The Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aid is the latest advancement in hearing aid technology. These hearing aids are the smallest hearing aid devices available on the market. They are worn deep inside the ear canal and are completely invisible to anyone else.
An IIC hearing aid, such as the popular Lyric hearing aid, is 100% invisible, delivers natural sound, and is designed to work for months at a time. These devices provide amazingly clear sound, are comfortable to wear, and eliminate the fear of any stigma attached to wearing hearing aids at any age.
Superior Performance
Not only are hearing aids today smaller than ever, but their performance and features continue to amaze. Many of the latest hearing aids offer digital noise and feedback reduction, personal programming, tinnitus masking, remote controls, and smartphone connectivity.
Whether you're worried about the bulky size of traditional hearing aids and are ashamed of asking for help, or think that the technology is dated, your fears can now be put to rest. Contact your hearing professional for a hearing consultation and to learn about how these tiny hearing aids can help with your hearing loss issues.