The Truth About Invisible Hearing Aids

In this video, Emma discusses the pros & cons of the invisible-in-canal (IIC) style of hearing aid. While this style is certainly appealing to a lot of people, the reality is that only certain ears and certain hearing losses are best suited for it.
For more information, please visit: www.valuehearing.com.au

[@paulhutchins6019]

Very informative, accurate and well delivered, as always Emma. Thank you ☺️

[@paullambert5341]

I had an ear canal hearing aid. It was the type with the rubber tip on the end. I removed it one day and the rubber tip was missing. Looked everywhere around the house and could not find. My ear started to ache and I looked in the canal with a ear scope and found the tip buried deep in the canal. Removed with long tweezers. Have behind the ear now.

[@sunnyflorida12]

This was so helpful! Thank you!

[@mr_mr]

Thoughtful video, very helpful

[@alessandrorondine]

Thanks for your words. I am an Italian audiologyst who follows your advice and tells them to their patients. Your explanation is spectacular. Keep it up.

[@bacuba64]

In Italy we are in terrible shape. Audiologists just want to sell hearing aids as if they were ham. An example? How many audiologists use a 3D impression scanner? How many audiologists make adjustments with microphones inserted in the channel? The sector is already backward on its own, and if audiologists also make the situation worse, the disaster is complete.

[@toddallgier914]

Great talk. Thanks!

[@trevorward9680]

Makes a lot of sense, I will be getting my first hearing aids soon and I am concerned about the vanity side of things but I'm leaning towards hearing the best I can versus what people think. Thanks for the video. 👍

[@plethoraofstuff8874]

Hi Trevor ! Which option did you go for? Did you get over the “vanity side” of things? Not caring what people think is a huge hurdle and would love to know how you started to overcome it.

[@MrRawUK]

I've just had new behind the ear hearing aids from the NHS. I would love in the ear and more concealed. The vanity side plays big, as i already wear glasses.

[@lumartin1908]

Thanks so much for your video. I'm about to embark on a "hearing aid" journey, and at least I know what I don't want in a hearing aid now.

[@zeeraViewer]

I've had Starkey "SoundLens" IIC's for at least 10 years. They're a godsend. It is as close to normal hearing as you can get. A couple points presented here need amplification (no pun intended). The single biggest problem is the difficulty of getting a proper impression of your ear canal. For an IIC to work as it should, it has to sit right next to the ear drum. Every audiologist I've seen except the first one, could not or would not do that. It's too risky. And so you end up with an IIC that isn't in deep enough (totally in skull bone) and, yes, you will get occlusion (where your voice sounds too loud). But if it's a deep impression and the vent hole is large enough, there is zero occlusion. Fortunately, they now have 3D scanning that can get a deep impression without any risk, but it's an expensive piece of equipment that most audiologists don't want to have to buy. The other big issue is repair. If you get an IIC and it sits deep in the canal, it's like operating in a swamp, and each time you pull it out, all sorts of wax gunk will latch on to it. So, if you want to wear an IIC and not send it in for repair every 2-3 months, you have to get a binocular microscope and some toothpicks and clean it every 2 weeks or so. It took me a year to figure this out, and now, I never have to send my IICs in for repair. Also, you have to dry them out really well, and this isn't hard. Just buy some orange desiccant and place them in it overnight. That will dry them out. Lastly, and this applies to all hearing aids, the programming you are going to get will probably be pretty bad. They use things called "fitting formulas" that are based on the frequency test you get when you first get fitted for hearing aids. This way of fitting hearing aids is from the stone ages. To get an accurate hearing aid fitting, you should EQ your new hearing aids to music you know. Yes, music. This is very time consuming process, but it's the most direct way of getting natural sounding hearing aids. Is the trumpet too loud, are the cymbals too weak, is the voice too nasal, etc, etc.. You will need a very patient audiologist for this or, like me, you will have to get your own hearing aid programming hardware and software. This is a bit of work, but with the Internet you can find it. OK, that's it. I had to write this. Hearing aid wearers should know that IICs are fabulous, but they are not simply plug-and-play. They require a lot of attention and customization in order to work. Most audiologists would prefer to sell you something that is much easier to deal with, but, from a purely hearing experience POV, IICs are the optimum you can get.

[@kaylasmusic]

Actually, IIC is not natural sound at all, and you cannot run real ear on it if its that deep in the canal which is the proper way to fit hearing aids! RIC’s are the most natural type and provide the most accommodations. ESPECIALLY STARKEY! They suck

[@musicloverg123]

What does EQ stand for?

[@PhotoTrekr]

Just bought the Sony CRE C10 and, so far, I'm very happy with them. I didn't expect a massive improvement. I just didn't want to have to crank the volume up so loud on other devices and to be able to under stand speech easier. Both of which the C10 does for me. If the E10 was compatible with Android phones, I would have chosen that model.

[@kittylou22]

I’ve had IIC hearing aids for about 10 years and have moderate hearing loss. Fortunately my ears do not produce masses of wax! The best ones I’ve had are my current Phonak Titanium Paradise. I’ve tried Oticon IIC and although the fit was great, the sound was terrible with too much amplification on background noise (which I really don’t need) and my audiologist could not get them anywhere near as good as Phonak, which I’m on my third ones over a period of 10 years. They do not breakdown very often, the only problem I’ve had is the wax guard seal going too far into the hearing aid and they get sent off for repair and come back in about a week, Phonak are very efficient in my experience. I prefer invisible aids as I wear glasses. Hope this comment helps anyone out there 😊

[@everythingever9037]

Hello, Is it Phonak Virto Titanium that you have? I just got Phonak Virto Titanium p70 iic and I'm returning it because it sucks in noisy environments (I work in a restaurant kitchen). I have 75 db hearing loss at high frequencies (2k-8k) in left ear while right ear is normal. I don't know if it is worth trying the p90 version of this hearing aid. Any recommendations?

[@hanksilverman5510]

Thank you

[@Eboni-MHartl]

No matter which hearing aid you choose, it's important to have it professionally fitted by a qualified audiologist. The ones I got for my mother are from Auditech Hearing Aids. They have very high sound quality, great customer service and a 45-Days Money Back Guarantee. My mother is very comfirtable using the invisible CIC rechargeable model. I would high recommend Auditech Hearing Aids. You can google it to learn more.

[@rahulrai5874]

Price??

[@daviddzurek5855]

I have the EARGO 6, and they work fine, and they are rechargeable.

[@edijaramillosantos4567]

. I think that it is no longer so much the use of a small hearing aid to a larger one, which in reality will be the most convenient for a better hearing, the use of a small hearing aid is a matter of vanity and going unnoticed. The most important thing is to be connected to the world! whether you use a giant device or a small one. In my own experience, the CIC hearing aid has its disadvantages, as Dr. Emma mentions, because it is a very small device, its components are very fragile and delicate, and require special care, in addition, they are very easy to clog with earwax and dirty the sound outlet holes, so it is a disadvantage. This explanation given by Dr.Emma is extremely clear, complete and concise. thank you very much for it...

[@marcusgrande3875]

Rough analogy might be contact lenses. No stigma with glasses but some people just don't want the look. They are more hassle - dry eyes, irritation, daily in and out, etc. Some people's eyes can't accommodate them, like astigmatism, etc. But some do fine.

[@sjk7619]

I think it's a shame that big companies will market these invisible in the canal and completely in the canal hearing aids to 'get people through the door', simply because of how 'discrete' or cosmetically appealing they are, which doesn't really help resolve the stigma behind hearing aids. In fact, it reinforces the perception that hearing aids are devices that should be hidden. Marketing will advertise them as if they have no limitations when in fact they do and then it's up to the audiologist to manage the realistic expectations for the client about what these devices can and cannot do as well as their limitations, leaving the client somewhat disappointed. We need to advertise hearing aids in a meaningful way, showcasing their benefits and how they can address client's hearing needs. That way, we kill two birds with one stone. That is, we advertise them in a way that makes sense for hearing loss individuals to consume hearing aids because it's something that will provide communicative and medical benefits and thereby reducing the stigma attached to hearing aids at the same time. The audiology industry still has a long way to go in my opinion when it comes to marketing and ethical practice. Thank you for your insight into IICs Emma. Your explanations are on point.

[@johncooney635]

Just wondering if you have taken into consideration the Signia 7Nx which does have extremely small batteries And also cross over technology

[@johndeluca8372]

I got my Starkey Sound Lens 2 back in 2015 and the only issue I ever had was a broken draw string. They have been fantastic, I guess I was lucky.

[@davidfarr1093]

I got my Starkey Sound Lens in 2016, similar experience. Although I did have to send back for repairs about once every 2 years. Typical repair time was less than 1 week, so I consider availability adequate. I just upgraded to the Starkey Evolve IIC. I personally like the way the IIC feels in my ear and the performance for me has been great.

[@johndeluca8372]

@@davidfarr1093 I also upgraded to the Evolve IIC last year. The spec sheet for all Starkey IICs haven't changed much over the years due to lack of competition and demand. If you haven't done so already I suggest your audiologist take REMs (real ear measurements) to get the most out of the IIC form factor.

[@kaylasmusic]

@@johndeluca8372 You always have to fit hearing aids with REM regardless but if its too deep, you can’t

[@richdiorio3650]

Is there a iic hearing aide that works well in noisy environments? I recently found a website that actually tests hearing aides including in noisy environments and the results showed that regardless of the type of unit, iic or being the ear none of them work well in noisy environments.

[@asrhea]

I am the one who don't want people know my hearing loss. I just got my Phonak Virto IICs from my audiologist yesterday, they look more like CICs, more like visible hearing aids when i put them in my ears. I was so excited when my audiologist said I can have IICs. Before that I had already visited about 3 audiologists, they all said RICs are more suitable than IICs for my situation ( normal hearing in low frequencies but hearing loss in high frequencies). My audiologist didn't tell me those limitations, also he even didn't assess if my canal can fit IICs. I just, "oh they are custom made for me and they will be invisible like what they advertise". That's why i am disappointed. Now my audiologist have talked to the factory to alter my IICs to a smaller size. That would be another 15 days to get my IICs. Sad

[@kirthika2379]

Same issue. How are you now

[@meric12131415]

Audiologists are the best people to tell you what's better remember they spent years training their craft honing their skills

[@konracciesla]

e best would be phonak b titanium for 13 bareries instead of 10 batteries

[@graydrever1927]

Bang on correct as always Emma and bigger IS better lol. I don't think there is any stigma and as you say, its probably only in the minds of some wearers

[@Nadeekhan91]

I want iic.

[@user-wl1vs4zy3s]

My earpiece keeps popping out of my ear canal .is it possile the wire rom the amplifier is not long enough.

[@bobbray4696]

Possibly. You can also use retention locks. They help hold the domes in better. Or try custom ear molds

[@comandantul]

I have my Soundlens since 2013. Changed only microphone and work flawless BUT i keep them in silicagel every night when I go to bed and clear them for wax almost daily, myself. The only problem is that Soundlens sound too loud at high volume and that's why I keep them on minimum almost , volume. But the sensation with IIC is that you hear naturally, with RIC you are somehow disoriented, don't feel where the sound is coming from.

[@kaylasmusic]

You can, IIC isn’t natural sound and it’s very hard to fit it and hardly suitable for anyone at all

[@christerpstra6032]

Thanks Emma, for those who's first language isn't English, sub titles would be nice.

[@user-fo1xc7ct7l]

Sounds like initial counseling needs to be changed if the PT gets an IIC and then switches later on...Batteries aren't changing sizes, the amount of Lithium will be decreased..

[@sbongisenijili5739]

Hi i need to order one of your hearing aid ......what must I do?

[@HussainAli-eb3yi]

great video. thanks for sharing. Can you tell me if the phonak lyric has the occlusion effect?

[@bacuba64]

but how do you say that iics don't have directionality. The iic must not have it, because the microphone is in the ear canal and the directionality is given by the auricle

[@Hanover-ek4jy]

I do not really think I could stand that device deep in my ear canal?

[@As-kk6pc]

Dr. Emma my profound hearing loss. plz tel l me which hearing aid suitable for me.... 1) signia motion sp 3px 2)phonak naida paradise p30 3)resound 498DW sp Which is better models for clear good quality

[@JacoboSnake]

Resound

[@sjk7619]

All of them could be the right one for you. It's impossible to know what the best model of hearing aid would be for you, unless we know what your hearing loss looks like in terms of it's configuration, degree, and type. We also need to know other things such as ear canal size and shape, finger dexterity, cognitive status, preference of connectivity, and the type of environments you have trouble hearing in. It's not a one size fits all solution I'm afraid. You should speak to your audiologist, and they will give you an informed decision about what hearing aid to go for.

[@meric12131415]

​@@sjk7619exactly and your audiologist is the perfect person to help you out with that

[@erwin757]

But for one sided bad hearing this is in my opinion the best solution! Because Bluetooth streaming to one ear is an awful experience! Binaural is not necessary with one ear sided bad hearing. I can now use a headset without problems and I can drive my motorcycle… the hiding is not a reason at all for me! I think that a lot of people could benefit from iic with one sided hearing problems! I used the lyric before and my ears killed it within the 2 months! So I hope my new iic’s will not die on me (fingers crossed 🤞)

[@dannwing4224]

I don't worry about discreet, but the security. I 'd lost 2 Behind The Ear hearing aids, a little fortune.

[@Iffy]

Is the white noise intentional? So we can feel like we're all partially deaf! .. The irony!

[@meric12131415]

🤣 no not at all i think that's just the static from the video

[@gblan]

If they're invisible how do you find them to put them in?

[@davidjarvis.3428]

Call for the invisible man I'm sure he could see them. 🧏‍♂🦻😇kzbin.infogaming/emoji/7ff574f2/emoji_u1f9bb.pngkzbin.infogaming/emoji/7ff574f2/emoji_u1f607.png

[@tudormiller887]

❤

[@devan7345]

Why don't you add subtitles

[@GeeWhizRS]

Press the CC button. 👍

[@hasnainali6150]

Hello good day can u send me IIC hearing aid i will send u all my detail and payment kindly from pakistan . Here is not good brand available thanks

[@theresaschannel7930]

Unitron hearing aids

[@bjs2022]

“Bad sound makes good video look bad.” (Poor signal-to-noise ratio.)