FYI: To learn about this year’s top-rated hearing aids, check out our guide to the overall best hearing aids.
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If you don’t like the appearance of traditional hearing aids, then a pair of invisible hearing aids can offer a discreet solution without sacrificing features. Invisible hearing aids are placed in the ear canal to enhance sounds so you can resume daily activities with confidence.
FYI: To learn about this year’s top-rated hearing aids, check out our guide to the overall best hearing aids.
When choosing this year’s best invisible hearing aids, we examined the following criteria:
| Cost for a pair | Fit | Warranty | Standout features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eargo 6 | $2,450 | In the canal | Two years |
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| Audicus Aura | $1,398 | Completely in canal | One year |
|
| Starkey Picasso Invisible | $1,799 to $2,999 | In the ear, in the canal, completely in canal, invisible in the canal | Varies by provider |
|
| Phonak Lyric | $1,700 to $3,400 | In the ear | Varies by provider |
|
| Widex Moment | $1,950 to $3,600 | Receiver in the canal, behind the ear, in the ear | Varies by provider |
|
Cost for a pair: $2,450
Eargo aims to revolutionize the hearing aid industry by providing comfortable, virtually invisible in-canal hearing aids. True to its motto — “hear life to the fullest” — Eargo offers a series of hearing aid models with high-quality sound and smartphone compatibility.
Eargo’s fully rechargeable models include Eargo Max, Eargo Neo HiFi, and Eargo 6, the company’s latest and smallest hearing aid. The Eargo 6, which fits completely in the ear and holds a charge for up to 16 hours, features an accompanying mobile app that lets you change your hearing preferences and adjust sounds.
In addition to advanced Sound Adjust technology — which enables the hearing aids to automatically adapt to your environment — the Eargo 6 is also water resistant, making it a great hearing aid for active users. The Eargo 6 is covered by a two-year warranty, during which Eargo will inspect or repair your hearing aids at no cost. If your warranty expires, then Eargo will inspect, repair, or replace your devices for $295 per device.
Did You Know: To learn more about Eargo, read my hands-on Eargo review and guide to Eargo costs.
Cost for a pair: $1,398 per pair; $49 per month with Audicus financing or subscription
Audicus offers a variety of hearing aids for people with mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss. Its five models — Aura, Dia II, Wave, Clara, and Spirit — come in a variety of fits, including completely in canal, receiver in the canal, and behind the ear.
Audicus’s latest model, Aura, is a battery-powered completely-in-canal hearing aid that starts at $699 per ear. It’s intended for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, and it includes a micro design for discreet everyday wear. The Aura is affordable, and it’s a great option for older adults who prefer a battery-operated hearing aid.
Aura boasts an ergonomic design that lets you wear the devices all day without noticing them. A completely-in-canal hearing aid, Aura comes with size 10 batteries, a carrying case, earwax guards, a cleaning brush, and domes ranging from small to large for extra comfort. Aura is a great choice for people who are self-conscious about wearing hearing aids.
All Audicus hearing aids come with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty that covers damage and defects. Audicus also offers a membership program that provides hearing aid insurance.
Did You Know: To learn more about Audicus, check out our Audicus review and guide to Audicus costs.
Cost for a pair: $1,799 to $2,999 for a pair
In 2010, Starkey became the first hearing aid manufacturer to bring invisible-in-the-canal hearing aids to the market. The company is experienced and reputable, and it manufactures its own customized hearing aids.
Starkey offers the Picasso, a nearly invisible custom-fit hearing aid. These customized hearing aids provide superior sound quality and a discreet fit that lets you stream phone calls, listen to music, and hear a conversation with clarity. The Picasso is feedback-free, so you won’t have to deal with buzzing or whistling noises in the background.
The Picasso is also great for people with tinnitus since the customizable technology offers relief from frequent ringing in the ears. Starkey Picasso hearing aids can be customized to fit your style preference: in the ear, in the canal, completely in canal, or invisible in canal.
Starkey sells its products through third-party retailers, and your warranty will vary depending on where you purchase them. In most cases, you’ll get at least a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Did You Know: To learn more about Starkey, read our guide to Starkey hearing aids.
Cost for a pair: $1,700 to $3,400 for a pair
Phonak offers hearing aids with advanced technology that work in difficult-to-hear environments. For more than 70 years, Phonak has helped people thrive with quality hearing aids that work for their unique needs.
Phonak offers a range of hearing aid options, including Lyric, an invisible aid that delivers clear, natural sound. The devices are placed directly in the ear canal, so they’re both comfortable and hardly noticeable. One perk of the Phonak Lyric: You can wear it for months without taking it out. If you don’t like to remove your hearing aids daily, then you may like this lightweight, moisture-protected device that lets you resume daily activities without even realizing you’re wearing a hearing aid.
To purchase Phonak Lyric devices, you will need to go through a certified provider and get fitted by a trained professional. The device is made of a soft, biocompatible material that needs to be carefully removed by a professional. The Lyric is sold only on a yearly subscription basis, and it comes in an in-the-ear style.
Warranty terms vary depending on the retailer, but because Lyric aids are a subscription, you will be covered as long as you have an active subscription.
Cost for a pair: $1,950 to $3,600 for a pair
Widex is an eco-conscious hearing aid company headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. With a dedication to reducing environmental impact, Widex is known for its wide array of hearing aids that deliver the most natural sounds.
Widex uses PureSound technology to reduce artificial sounds and create natural, clear sounds through your hearing aids. The Widex Moment comes in several models, each of which has water-resistant nano-coating so you can wear it in the rain or shower without worrying about damage. I recommend the Widex Moment CIC Micro in-the-ear model, which is a discreet micro hearing aid that sits in your ear. Along with a hearing aid that disappears in the ear, it offers natural sounds that are also available in other models, such as the Moment XP.
Widex warranties vary by the dispenser, but you’ll usually get at least a one-year warranty.
Pro Tip: To learn more about Widex, read our guide to Widex hearing aids.
Invisible hearing aids are most often intended for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Since they’re placed all the way inside the ear canal, they are virtually invisible to people around you. You may benefit from invisible hearing aids if you feel more comfortable with a smaller pair of hearing aids or you don’t want to deal with frequently changing batteries.
There are two types of invisible hearing aids: completely-in-canal hearing aids (CIC) or in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids.
Completely-in-canal hearing aids are easily customizable to your ear shape, hidden in your ear canal, and nearly invisible. They’re suitable for individuals with a wide range of hearing loss, particularly people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Although CIC hearing aids are virtually invisible, a tiny piece of the device remains visible for easy removal.
In-the-canal hearing aids are also intended for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, but they tend to have more advanced features than CIC hearing devices. Just like CIC devices, ITC hearing aids are discreet and sit deep in the canal, where they are virtually invisible. ITC hearing aids can be customized to fit the shape of your ear comfortably, but assistance is required to remove them from your ears.
When you’re looking for the best discreet hearing aids, it’s important to consider features such as noise reduction, telephone features, multiple channels, and tinnitus relief.
This is an important feature for many modern, high-tech hearing aids. A noise-reduction feature in your hearing aids can help reduce loud noises or eliminate buzzing and whistling sounds in the background.
Look for hearing aids with upgraded Bluetooth or wireless connectivity. Your hearing aids should be able to connect to your iPhone or Android phone so you can easily answer calls or stream music directly through them. If you primarily use an office or home phone, then you may want to ensure you get a hearing aid with a telecoil. According to the FCC, hearing-aid-compatible wireline telephones should work with telecoils, which help eliminate excess noise.
Hearing aids for tinnitus are a great way to manage the buzzing, ringing, and whirring sounds that occur from the condition. Ask a hearing aid provider if they offer tinnitus therapies or masking.
With advancements in technology, you’ll be able to find more comfortable and discreet hearing aids that perfectly fit your hearing profile. To learn more about hearing aids, check out our helpful guides.
Completely-in-canal hearing aids are the most invisible hearing aids on the market. Offered by many manufacturers, they sit deep in the ear canal for a discreet and comfortable fit.
Invisible hearing aids are placed deep inside the ear canal for optimal sound and speech clarity.
The cheapest invisible hearing aids from Eargo and Audicus cost around $1,500 per pair.
Yes, but most hearing aids are now very discrete. Depending on your hearing loss, a discreet behind-the-ear aid may be a better solution than an in-ear model.
Invisible hearing aids tend to be much smaller than traditional hearing aids. Since they are placed deeper in the ear canal, they may not be comfortable for all users. Invisible hearing aids may not be suitable for everyone — particularly children, people with only high-frequency hearing loss, and people with dexterity challenges who may have trouble removing or adjusting the devices.
Most hearing aids, including behind-the-ear models, are discreet, but there are several in-canal or completely-in-canal hearing aid brands — such as Audicus and Signia — that are completely invisible, lightweight, and easy to use.
