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I recently put on a pair of Eargo invisible hearing aids for a dinner out with my wife. At the end of the meal, I asked if she noticed anything different. She hadn't.
When I pointed out that I was wearing a new pair of hearing aids, she came closer, looked directly at my ear, and saw my new devices for the first time.
As technology gets smarter and smaller, hearing aids are becoming less and less visible. Of course, not all invisible-style hearing aids are created equal. In this guide, we'll condense our research into a quick breakdown of the best invisible hearing aids on the market.
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Overview of "invisible" hearing aid styles
There are four common types of in-the-ear hearing aids that you will find online or at an audiologist.
Invisible In The Canal (IIC) - This tiny style sits inside your ear canal with only a pull tab visible to remove the device.
Completely In Canal (CIC) - The top of the hearing aid is visible to those looking from the side, but the device is very discreet.
In The Canal (ITC) - Comfortable but visible. More easily accessed to change the volume or mode.
ITE - This style is even more accessible and allows for more power and, in some cases, rechargeability and Bluetooth.
Most people who prefer invisible hearing aids will gravitate towards IIC or CIC styles.
Custom-Molded vs. ready-to-wear styles.
In addition to selection, hearing aid wearers will also choose between custom-molded devices and ready-to-wear invisible devices.
Custom-Molded
Custom-molded hearing aids are typically more expensive and may require an additional doctor's appointment. A hearing professional takes an impression of your ear and sends it to the manufacturer for an actual one-of-one design. Devices created with this method can be more comfortable and sit deeper in the ear canal.
Ready-To-Wear
Many brands now offer IIC devices that do not require a custom mold. These devices have various domes to fit a wide range of ear canals. This method is often less expensive and time-consuming than the custom-mold alternate. Ready-to-wear devices are also more likely to be rechargeable since they fit more uniformly in recharge cases.
Pros and cons of invisible (IIC) hearing aids
Invisible hearing aids come with some obvious benefits but they aren't for everyone. Here are a few pros and cons to consider:
Invisible hearing aid pros:
- Hard to Notice - Here's the obvious one. Invisible hearing aids are...well invisible. Most styles are unnoticeable unless someone looks in your ear.
- Masks and Glasses - Invisible hearing aids sit inside the ear and don't interfere with masks and glasses.
- Convenience - Lyric (listed #2 below) stays in your ear 24 hours a day and doesn't require battery changes or charging.
Invisible hearing aid cons:
- Limited Functionality - The smallest designs come with limited Bluetooth and charging functionality.
- Dexterity Challenges - Smaller devices can be frustrating for those with limited dexterity.
- Fewer products to choose from - There are fewer invisible hearing aid products to choose from, and typically they come at a slightly higher cost
One more thing...
I started my own search for hearing aids to find something invisible. Ultimately I discovered that my receiver-in-canal hearing aids were far more discreet than I had expected. Most people have no idea I'm wearing hearing aids.
The list below is made up of hearing aids that sit entirely in your ear, BUT if you don't find what you are looking for, remember that RIC hearing aids can be invisible in many ears. Here's a picture of me wearing my Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids.
Ok, let's get to the list. These are the best invisible hearing aids for 2024.
Custom-Molded Leaders - Starkey & Oticon
The first couple of brands on our list are custom-molded to your ear canal. Most leading prescription brands (Widex, Phonak, Oticon, Starkey, and ReSound) offer custom-molded products that can be virtually invisible in the ear. These are our two favorites:
Starkey Genesis AI - Starkey Genesis AI is broadly considered the leader among custom-molded products. Starkey's slightly larger CIC hearing aid comes with Bluetooth streaming (the smallest Bluetooth device in the category).
Oticon Own - Oticon Own comes with intelligent sound processing and an impressively compact IIC. If you've worn Oticon in the past, you'll recognize the open good quality that is the signature of this brand.
August 2022, Oticon released the latest operating system across a new line of custom styles called Oticon Own.
The most significant innovation in the new Own hearing aids is the use of deep learning to choose which sounds to amplify.
Oticon built its new operating system by capturing over 12M sounds from everyday environments and using deep learning technology to create a sophisticated sound algorithm that sorts out background noise. Deep learning is the same technology that Google and other tech giants use to process millions of data points and get smarter over time.
The result of all this technology is that new Oticon Own hearing aids require 30% less listening effort than previous generations.
- Overall Notes: Oticon Own is an excellent option if you don't mind changing batteries and want the latest sound processing technology. People love the "open" sound quality, and the smallest sizes are truly invisible in most ears.
- Price: The national average price for Oticon Own custom hearing aids is $7,500 per pair. Our research indicates that you can get Oticon Custom devices for as low as $3,198 for a pair. Click here for more on prices.
- Features: Full range of styles and features including Bluetooth and rechargeability (depending on selected size)
- Oticon Own hearing aids are designed for mild to severe hearing loss, making them a versatile option for many users.
- They are available in IIC and CIC sizes, which are discreet and comfortable to wear.
- They include an optional push button or volume wheel, as well as binaural connection between hearing aids to improve directionality, giving users more control over their hearing aids.
- ITC and Full-Shell sizes allow for Bluetooth connection and telehealth programming after an initial appointment.
- Oticon Own hearing aids are only available through prescription channels, so you'll need to purchase them locally instead of over-the-counter or through telehealth.
- They are a premium-priced product, which may not be affordable for all users.
- Oticon Own does not offer a rechargeable option.
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Starkey Genesis AI Custom
Starkey Genesis AI Custom
Starkey is a U.S.-based manufacturer with a full line of hearing aids that includes behind the ear and in-the-ear styles. They make the list for their elite status in custom molded (nearly invisible products). If you can afford to pay medical-grade prices and want an invisible style, you won’t be disappointed by Starkey.
Starkey is known for intelligent features like fitness tracking, a virtual assistant, and the smallest Bluetooth hearing aid on the market.
- Overall Notes: Starkey Genesis AI is broadly considered the best for custom mold hearing aids. If you want a custom mold, and lead an active lifestyle, this product is a great choice.
- Price: The national average price for Starkey Genesis Custom hearing aids is $6,443 per pair. Our research indicates that you can get Starkey Custom devices for as low as $3,198 for a pair. Click here for more on prices.
- Features: Full range of styles and features including Bluetooth, rechargeability, and fitness tracking for larger devices.
- What audiologists say: “Starkey has been making the smallest and best custom hearing aids for decades. Genesis AI is currently the smallest custom device on the market with Bluetooth streaming capabilities.” - Ramsay Poindexter, AuD
Smallest models are almost entirely invisible
Starkey is a leader in comfortable custom molded products
Larger sizes come with Bluetooth streaming and rechargeable batteries
This is a premium device which costs $3,000-$7,000 per pair
Custom molds require additional lead time and replacement time
The smallest version of Starkey Genesis AI customs are not Bluetooth enabled or rechargeable
The Smallest (And Most Unique) Invisible Option - Lyric
Lyric is a truly innovative product that you can think of as a "pair of contacts for your ears." The unique design sits deep inside the ear 24 hours a day and is entirely invisible even if someone looks right down your ear canal. The one downside is that Lyric requires doctor visits every 6-weeks to replace the devices.
The Phonak Lyric is a non-traditional option that is sold as an annual subscription. The devices are placed deep in your inner ear by a hearing professional every 8 weeks and stay in your ears all day instead of coming out at night.
You can shower, work out, and even swim (without fully submerging) with the hearing aid in your ears. Lyric wearers receive a magnetic “magic wand” tool that turns the hearing aid up or down and remove the device if needed.
Many people find this option more comfortable than traditional invisible hearing aids and enjoy hearing at night if they have kids.
- Overall Notes: Lyric can be thought of as contact lenses for the ears. Patients who are successfully fit with Lyric often never go back and share that they forget they are wearing hearing aids.
- Price: Lyric hearing aids are sold on a membership that averages around $4,000 per year
- Features: Lyric hearing aids use analog technology and boast an impressively small size
Totally invisible
Wear 24 hours a day including workouts and water
Clear sound that uses the shape of the ear
Expensive at $4,000 per year
Includes in-person changes every 8 weeks
Lack of background noise suppression technology
The Smallest Rechargeable Device Available - Eargo
Eargo makes the smallest rechargeable hearing aid on the market. It's not even that close. We love Eargo's innovative form-factor and impressive sound-quality.
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Eargo is the disruptor in hearing health. Their product is rechargeable, invisible, and designed with a patented tip that allows your ears to breathe.
Eargo 7 was released in 2023 with new features that adapt to your environment as you move through your day. Eargo has raised hundreds of millions to design their product from scratch and what they've pulled off is impressive.
Think of this product as the Tesla of hearing health. Eargo is best for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. If you want to try something new, this is a great option.
- How it works:
✔️ Start by purchasing Eargo online or over the phone (or get a free sample product here).
✔️ Once the product arrives at your home, you’ll receive instructions to download the app and self-program the hearing aids to match your hearing loss.
✔️ If you need further adjustments, Eargo has a team of licensed professionals who can make remote updates or provide advice.
- Overall notes: Eargo stands out for its design, innovation, size, and telecare team. The price is a bit higher than other OTC options but still lower than the national average.
- Price: $2,950 for Eargo’s newest product (currently on sale)
- Features: Invisible, self-programmed, rechargeable
- What audiologists say: “If you are looking for invisible devices Eargo is one of the best options on the market.” - Ramsay Poindexter
Eargo is a tiny device that sits entirely inside the ear
Eargo is more affordable then custom mold hearing aids
Eargo is self fit using an app
Only appropriate for those with mild to moderate hearing loss
Requires some tinkering to fine tune the product
Eargo is not Bluetooth enabled due to the tiny size
Prescription-Grade & Ready to Wear - Signia Silk
WS Audiology (one of the biggest global manufacturers) makes the only ready-to-wear, IIC hearing aid with full prescription controls - Signia Silk. Think of this option as a middle ground between fully custom-molded devices and self-fitting OTC options.
Signia Silk was the hearing aid choice of the late Queen Elizabeth and has been one of the top invisible hearing aids on the market for years. In October 2023, Signia Silk became the market's smallest rechargeable, prescription-programmed hearing aid.
Signia Silk is a tiny, fully customizable hearing aid with a robust set of technologies, including wireless controls via the Signia App, remote programming after your first office visit, and intelligent sound algorithms that sort out background noise.
Signia Silk originally made a name for itself by using what they call Click Sleeves to match the size of your ear canal and make their hearing aids ready to wear. The majority of invisible-style hearing aids require a custom ear imprint. Signia's approach cuts down on prices and wait times.
Now, Signia is back with a complete renovation of their popular Signia Silk. The new Silk Charge&Go IX features a brand-new operating system and, most notably, a rechargeable battery.
- Overall Notes: Signia technology is well regarded by audiologists and hearing aid wearers. Silk isn't the most feature-rich option on the market, but it offers real customization, quality sound, and connection to smartphone volume and program adjustments. Importantly, it is nearly invisible but doesn't require a custom mold and offers rechargeable batteries.
- Price: The national average price for Signia hearing aids is around $4,744 per pair. We've found some national providers with prices as low as $3,198/pair. Click here for more on prices.
- Features: Signia Silk has a few extra features. One is CROS, which is specifically for people with one ear that needs aid and one that does not. This feature allows you to wear a hearing aid in both ears to create a full sound picture. Silk also offers Twin Phone, which is a setting that allows the sound of your phone in one ear to come through in both hearing aids. The Silk IX hearing aids come in simple red and blue colors to make it easy to know which goes in the left and right ear.
- Our Take: If you are on the market for in-the-ear hearing aids and want rechargeable batteries, Signia Silk is in rare company. Eargo (OTC disruptor) is the only other invisible option with rechargeable batteries. Some customers note that custom-molded devices like Starkey Genesis or Oticon Own are a bit more comfortable for all-day wear. Still, those devices require disposable batteries at comparable sizes.
Nearly invisible
Professionally programmed
No custom-mold required
Rechargeable batteries
Premium price point $2,998 - $5,000 for a pair
Requires an in person office visit
No Bluetooth features due to the size
Most Affordable Invisible Hearing Aids - MDHearing & Sony
If you want to spend under $1,000 on a pair of hearing aids, MDHearing and Sony CRE-C10 should be on your shortlist. Sony CRE-C10 ($999) uses a smartphone app for customization, while MDHearing ($497) relies on pre-sets in their simpler devices. Both devices are impressively small and hard to notice in the ear.
Sony teamed up with WS Audiology (the second-largest hearing company in the world) to co-create its products. Sony's CRE-C10 devices are nearly invisible and offer prescription-grade sound quality controlled through your smartphone. CRE-C10 does not offer Bluetooth streaming or rechargeable batteries.
CRE-C10 uses a size 10 disposable battery that offers over 70 hours of continuous wear. Size 10 batteries are widely available and commonly used in small devices. Sony's hearing aids were released in mid-October, so there are few reviews of the product, but it's safe to say this will be a leading consideration for those who want an in-the-ear style device.
- How it works:
✔️ Start by purchasing Sony hearing aids online (likely coming to brick-and-mortar stores soon)
✔️ Once the product arrives at your home, you'll download the Sony Hearing Control app and self-program the hearing aids to match your hearing loss.
✔️ Use the app to make real-time volume and sound quality adjustments.
✔️ If you need customer support, you can contact Sony's customer service team. - Price: $999 on Amazon
- Features: Self-fit using an app, nearly invisible in most ear canals
Nearly invisible
High quality sound for a lower price
Self-fit at home
Not as small as OTC competitors like Eargo
Not rechargeable
Does not allow Bluetooth streaming
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MDHearing is a Chicago-based brand that has sold over 500,000 pairs of affordable hearing aids since 2009. The brand's most advanced product (Volt Max) has directional microphones and respectable noise reduction. MDHearing's latest in-the-ear product is impressively small and nearly invisible in many ears. Importantly, MDHearing devices are significantly less expensive than traditional products. Prices range from $297 - $699, depending on the model and promotion period.
MDHearing offers four models of hearing aids ranging from their in-canal, NEO XS to their budget-friendly, Air model. MDHearing offers four pre-set listening configurations based on expected hearing losses. This approach makes MDHearing less advanced than traditional competitors, but many customers feel the price is worth the tradeoff. MDHearing sells exclusively online and does not require a trip to a local audiologist. The brand has recently invested in a remote care team that includes audiologists and hearing aid dispensers. Customers who need further tune-ups or care can set up a telecare appointment with a professional for free.
All four MDHearing products are rechargeable with 12-20 hours of battery life (depending on the model).
MDHearing comes with a one-year warranty and a 45-day trial period for each purchase of the MDHearing Volt. These hearing aids have manual controls, allowing for volume adjustment and program changes.
- How it works:
- ✔️ Start by purchasing from MDHearing online.
- ✔️ Unbox your product and choose an environment setting
- ✔️ MDHearing has a team of hearing professionals who can coach you through the self-fit process.
- Price: Starting at $297 for a pair
- Features: Rechargeable batteries are available for all models, four pre-set listening modes are available for most models, and no Bluetooth streaming is available
- Our take: MDHearing devices offer less customization, background noise management, and features than prescription devices, but at 10% of the price, they are a compelling option for some folks with more straightforward listening needs.
Less than $500 for a pair
Rechargeable
Multiple styles available
No Bluetooth streaming
Slightly larger size
Only one color available
Less advanced than prescription devices
That's the list, friends.
We hope you enjoyed this guide to the best invisible hearing aids available. We update this page regularly and will be back with new models as they come.
We created this site to make finding hearing products and care more accessible.
Use the compare tab to compare all the leading products on the market (with prices), or check your hearing with our 5-minute hearing test.
If you have questions, you can email our team at any time [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
Invisible hearing aids work much like traditional hearing aids. Most devices have a pair of microphones that pick up sounds, and the onboard processor then customizes the sound to match your hearing loss, and a speaker plays an amplified sound.
Invisible hearing aids are typically custom-molded to match your ear canal. To create a custom earmold, an audiologist will fill your ear with a silicone paste and let it set. They will then remove the dried mold and ship that mold to the manufacturer.
The manufacturer then builds a one-of-one hearing aid to match your ears and fits the components into that mold.
The result is a comfortable device that sits deep inside your ear.
Prices for invisible hearing aids vary fairly widely, and Prescription-level devices are typically 5K-7K per pair. You can find lower-cost care on this site by following the “find care” button on any page.
Invisible OTC devices start at $999 (Sony CRE-C10) and go up to around $2,600 (Eargo 7).
Most hearing aids last around 3-5 years. Warranties typically last for three years.
Most do not. Starkey’s completely-in-canal hearing aid (one size bigger than their smallest) does come with Bluetooth, and Starkey currently makes the smallest Bluetooth hearing aid on the market.
Most invisible hearing aids require a custom earmold, but there are some newer designs that push back on this trend. Eargo, Signia Silk, and Sony all use read-to-wear styles with various tips or domes to match your ear canal.
Some users report that ready-to-wear invisible hearing aids are less comfortable or don’t sit as far inside the ear canal.
Generally yes. Custom-molded devices should sit comfortably in your ear and will stay out of the way of glasses and masks.
Starkey is the leader in custom-molded products and Eargo is a clear favorite for ready-to-wear products. Full invisible hearing aid guide here.
Yes. Eargo and Sony are the leading invisible OTC hearing aid makers.
Invisible hearing aids can be challenging if you struggle to handle small pieces and batteries. Phonak Lyric can be a good option for seniors who want to set it and forget it until their regular appointments.
If you have small ear canals and want invisible hearing aids, you’ll likely want to get a custom-molded device like Starkey. We’ve found that Eargo can also work well in some small ear canals.
Yes. A quality pair of invisible hearing aids can be fitted to most hearing loss types. Some people with great hearing in low frequencies prefer open-fit hearing aids (these sit behind the ear) because that style allows natural low-frequency sound into the ear instead of blocking it.
Good question. A lot of hearing aids call themselves invisible, but the reality is that every ear canal is different. Phonak Lyric is truly invisible. Most of the others on this list are so discreet that they would rarely be noticed in most ears.
Click the “compare” section of this site. Each invisible-style hearing aid we’ve reviewed has numerous verified customer reviews.
