Hearing aids have evolved, over the years, with improved technology in smaller sizes, thanks to ever-shrinking computer chip technology. But do these mini marvels work?

As with all hearing technology, size options depend on the persons ear shape and their degree of hearing loss. When it comes to invisibility, there are 3 design options. They are: daily wear, implantable and extended wear hearing aids.

Daily wear hearing aids are put in by the wearer and removed each night at bedtime. The wearer also changes the instruments battery weekly. The virtually invisible versions of this are called the c.i.c. (completely in canal). They are custom molded to the ear and programmed by a hearing care professional. These are the most affordable option.

Implantable ‘invisible’ hearing devices are not very common here in Canada, as this is a surgical procedure where an alternate shaft is created, parallel to the ear canal, and an instrument is then implanted behind the ear drum. Generally this surgery is reserved for people who have complications with their ear canal that make it impossible for them to wear a normal hearing aid.

Extended wear instruments are the new kid on the block. You may have already seen advertisements for them with people showering and sleeping with them in. These devices are placed deep in the ear canal by a specially trained hearing professional, and are replaced in the office, every 3 months. (Takes about 5 minutes and the wearer is off and running for another 3 months). Because of the deep placement of the instrument, the wearer doesn’t feel them in their ears and they are the most natural seeming.

With all 3 types, the outer ear and ear canal are left to collect and funnel sound the way that nature intended. The result is more natural than more conventional hearing aids. They are discreet, and will provide good quality amplification for persons with mild to moderate hearing loss, and a healthy ear.