The 7 best invisible hearing aids of 2025, reviewed by audiologists

What are invisible hearing aids?

Invisible hearing aids are designed to be, well, invisible to other people. The style of these devices are typically either completely-in-canal (CIC) or invisible-in-canal (IIC) which are like earbud headphones but smaller and less noticeable. Other styles like receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids may also be more discreet than a bulky, behind-the-ear (BTE) device, but aren’t considered invisible. Those with mild to moderate loss might want to try invisible over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, while those with more severe or profound losses will need to look at prescription devices.

Accounting for important factors such as cost, reliability, features, and customer support, here are our top picks for invisible over-the-counter and prescription hearing aids.

The best invisible hearing aids, reviewed

• Best overall: Starkey Genesis AI
• Best over-the-counter: Eargo 7
• Most affordable: Audien Atom Pro
• Most comfortable: Sony CRE-C10
• The most invisible: Phonak Lyric
• Most natural sound: Oticon Own
• Best for tinnitus: Signia Silk

Starkey Genesis AI: Best overall

Why we picked the Starkey Genesis AI

One of our trusted audiologists Dr. Jessica Hinson and Dr. Danielle K. Morgan say that, in their opinion, the Starkey Genesis AI is the best invisible hearing aid on the market. Depending on the level of technology you select, the price can range from $2,500 per device to $6,500 per device, which is steep but comparable to other quality prescription hearing aids. Starkey offers a custom fit earmold that conforms to your unique canal for comfort and durability. According to the brand, the Genesis AI can make 80 million adjustments per hour to maintain a clear and distinct sound.

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Pros

• The custom fit makes for incredible comfort. Our audiologists and customers alike rave about how Starkey’s custom fit options make for an incredibly comfortable hearing aid that stays secure in the canal without popping out.
• The features are advanced. Not only does the Starkey Genesis AI come equipped with innovative technology capable of mimicking the cerebral cortex of the brain, but it also comes with features such as health and fitness monitoring, transcription capabilities, and even language translation.
• The device is paired with your specific hearing loss. Like all prescription devices, the Starkey Genesis AI is programmed to fit your specific hearing loss based on an audiogram provided by your audiologist.
• You can stream media. Along with Starkey’s library of wireless accessories, the Starkey Genesis AI CIC and IIC models can stream music and phone calls from iOS and Android devices (though you can’t make hands-free calls with Android phones).

Cons

• They are expensive. As with most other prescription hearing aids, the biggest con is going to be the expense. Starting at $1,400 per device, the Genesis AIs do not come cheap. Customization can also rack up additional costs.
• You can’t adjust settings yourself. The amount of audio settings you can customize and adjust on your own are limited, so you’ll need to visit your audiologist for fine-tuning, which can incur healthcare costs.
• You cannot purchase them directly from a store. Starkey Genesis AI devices are prescription only, which can incur additional healthcare costs for an audiologist visit as well as a hearing test.

What our audiologists say about the Starkey Genesis AI

Dr. Danielle K. Morgan says that Starkey is a tried and true hearing aid manufacturer. The company makes a variety of hearing aids that would suit most hearing aid users. They are especially well-known for producing excellent custom hearing aids made to fit all types of hearing needs.

Dr. Jessica Hinson raves about their focus on clarity of speech, while also maintaining good background noise reduction. She says that for tech-savvy users, the Thrive app allows for amazing features such as Fall Alert, Reminders, Activity and Engagement tracking, and even a Translator. The quality of custom in-the-ear devices is amazing, the customer service is incredible, and she adds that Starkey is the only American-owned hearing aid manufacturer.

Eargo 7: Best over-the-counter option

Why we picked the Eargo 7

If you’re looking for an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid that’s tiny without sacrificing quality, then the Eargo 7 is worth considering. At less than ¾ of an inch, it’s nearly impossible for others to spot once inserted in the ear. Additionally, the device boasts innovative technology commonly found in bulkier products, including automatic sound adjustments and water resistance.

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Pros

• It doesn’t require a prescription. While you should still consult your audiologist before purchasing a hearing aid, an over-the-counter option like the Eargo 7 can save you money on healthcare costs required for prescription devices.
• It’s comfortable. The Eargo 7 has a “petal tip” that’s designed for self-fitting, saving you an audiologist appointment for a custom fit.
• It automatically adjusts sound. Your hearing aid will automatically adapt to your environment with soften distracting sounds and hear conversations more easily.
• They’re water-resistant. The Eargo 7 can withstand being submerged in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes.

Cons

• It only treats mild to moderate hearing loss. Users with more profound hearing difficulties will need to look elsewhere.
• It’s expensive for an over-the-counter (OTC) model. At $2,590, the Eargo 7 is double the cost of most OTCs on the market, such as the Audien Atom Pro or Sony CRE-C10 (see reviews below).
• It’s not customizable. While the “petal tip” is comfortable for those the hearing aid does fit, it depends on the shape of your canal whether or not you’re in that category.
• There’s no Bluetooth compatibility. Despite needing a smartphone to adjust the settings, the device doesn’t connect to Bluetooth to stream media from phones, tablets, or smart TVs.

What our audiologists say about the Eargo 7

Dr. Ruth Reisman says that Eargo can be a great option for those with mild to moderate hearing loss who value discretion. Some patients have noted that the fit and feel is dependent on the size of the ear.

Audien Atom Pro: Most affordable

Why we picked the Audien Atom Pro

Starting at $250 a pair, the Audien Atom Pro offers hearing loss patients the best bang for their buck. But that’s not to say the product is cheaply-designed. The device has advanced speech recognition and the ability to cancel out distracting background noises, all with easy-to-use volume settings. It’s also the smallest hearing aid in Audien’s product line, with the brand describing it as “smaller than a dime.”

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Pros

• It’s affordable. The Audien Atom Pro is half (if not more) the cost of most over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids on the market, and astronomically cheaper than prescription devices.
• It’s easy to use. The device has simple sound settings for a user-friendly experience. It’s ideal for seniors or customers that don’t want to have to tinker too much with their hearing aid.
• It has a good battery life. The Audien Atom Pro comes with a sleek portable charging case and the hearing aids can last up to 24 hours on a single, 4-6 hour charge.
• It has background noise cancellation. The device filters out white noise and targets speech for enhanced conversations.

Cons

• There’s no advanced customization. Users looking for more than a simple sound adjustment won’t be able to fine tune the product to their liking.
• You have to remove the hearing aid to adjust it. Because there’s no app compatibility, users will need to physically take out the hearing aid to adjust the volume with a tiny screwdriver, which can be tricky when you’re out and about.
• It can’t be turned off or on. The device automatically turns on when removed from its charging case and does not have a button to shut off when needed to conserve battery.
• It’s not a huge step up from its predecessor. The Audien Atom Pro only differs from the brand’s previous model, the Audien Atom, in that it’s smaller in size and has a longer battery life.

What our audiologists say about the Audien Atom Pro

Dr. Ruth Reisman says she would only recommend the Audien if no other option is possible for the patient, but something is better than nothing! However, the patient is still likely to struggle in all environments that are not quiet 1-on-1 settings.

Sony CRE-C10: Most comfortable

Why we picked the Sony CRE-C10

Given that Sony is known throughout the audio industry for their state-of-the-art earphones, it should come as no surprise that they also offer high-quality OTC hearing aids. The two words that best describe why we selected the Sony CRE-C10 are “comfort” and “ease.” Best for mild to moderate hearing loss, this device is ideal for tech-savvy users with decent dexterity. An added benefit is that you can set up the hearing aid yourself from home with the brand’s mobile app.

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Pros

• The mobile app makes it easy to adjust the devices. The Sony Hearing Control app allows CRE-C10 users to easily adjust the settings, helping to account for different listening environments and situations.
• It’s renowned for its comfort. Many CRE-C10 reviewers praise the comfort of the CRE-C10s, saying that they’re able to wear the devices all day long.
• It automatically adjusts sound. As you move from one environment to the next, the device analyzes the soundscape and adapts accordingly.
• It’s a prescription-grade hearing aid. Sony teamed up with WS Audiology to deliver a device on par with prescription hearing aids that’s available over-the-counter at a reduced cost.

Cons

• It doesn’t have Bluetooth. Other less-discreet options by Sony, such as the CRE-E10, allow users to stream media from Bluetooth-enabled devices.
• You cannot customize the device outside of the app. The hearing aids cannot be customized by an audiologist, which means they cannot be calibrated to a hearing test audiogram.
• It is not rechargeable. Though the Sony CRE-C10s have an impressive 70-hour battery life, you will need to purchase disposable (or rechargeable) batteries to keep it powered up.
• It only treats mild to moderate hearing loss. Users with severe hearing loss should consult their audiologist on a prescription device tailored to their condition.

What our audiologists say about Sony CRE-C10

Dr. Danielle K. Morgan says the Sony OTC self-fitting hearing aids seem like a good option for an active patient who does not require a lot of support. The price is decent and the one year warranty is pretty comparable to other devices on the market. She also likes that patients have a choice between disposable and rechargeable batteries. She notes that patients looking for Bluetooth streaming should look elsewhere, as these have limited options for this.

Phonak Lyric: The most invisible

Why we picked the Phonak Lyric

Hearing loss patients looking for a completely invisible hearing aid should set their sights on the Phonak Lyric. Recommended by several of our audiologists as a top IIC device, the device is professionally inserted inside the ear by a hearing aid specialist and then can be worn for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for as long as 3 months. That means you can shower and exercise without worrying about damaging the product. And because it’s placed so deep within the canal, users can don headphones, stethoscopes, and other sound enhancers concurrently.

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Pros

• It’s completely invisible. The Phonak Lyric is placed inside the ear canal, next to the eardrum, by an audiologist or hearing aid specialist. This guarantees 100% invisibility.
• You don’t need to recharge OR replace the batteries. Lyric devices are built to stay charged and last for months at a time. When it’s time to get a new device, your audiologist will be able to do so in ten minutes.
• They reduce tinnitus and help users sleep better. Users have reported a dramatic reduction in their tinnitus, and since the annoyance has gone away, many have also said that they’re getting a better night’s sleep.

Cons

• It costs more than typical OTC hearing aids. Rather than charging the battery, you will be replacing the entire device each time it dies. This is why the company utilizes a subscription model that costs far more than the average over-the-counter hearing aid.
• It’s water-resistant, not waterproof. Although users don’t have to worry about sweat, rain, or shower water destroying their hearing aid, it is not recommended that they wear it underwater.
• It will demand more regular visits to the audiologist. While being able to wear the hearing aid for months without maintenance or charging is definitely an upside, the downside is having to schedule a doctor’s appointment every 2-3 months. This costs time and, depending on insurance, money for copays.

What our audiologists say about the Phonak Lyric

One of our audiologists, Dr. Jessica Hinson, uses a Phonak Audeo Lumity 90 herself and praises the brand for its comfort and its impressive background noise and feedback reduction. Doctors Reisman and Morgan say that Phonak is a reliable brand that they have prescribed to their patients many times, and that their comfort and reliability speak for themselves.

Oticon Own: Most natural sound

Why we picked the Oticon Own

The Oticon brand of hearing aids boasts a reliable, ever-improving portfolio designed specifically with the user in mind. The Oticon Own is no different. The device uses neural technology to help your brain process up to 12 million natural sounds. The Oticon Own is also Bluetooth compatible, so you can stream your favorite TV shows or songs directly from your phone or tablet to your hearing aid. On top of all that, the device is one of the few invisible hearing aids that treats severe hearing loss.

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Pros

• It’s made for all levels of hearing loss. Many of the invisible hearing aids from other brands don’t offer the power necessary to treat severe to profound hearing loss. Oticon Own devices can support up to 90 decibels of lost sound.
• It’s custom made and available in five colors. Tailored to the specific shape of the user’s ear, the Oticon Own promises all day comfort, and, since they’re available in five different colors, they blend in pretty well.
• Deep Neural Network technology provides a natural hearing experience. This unique technology provides the brain with more sounds (up to 12 million to be exact), helping to process a full natural sound environment.
• Stream calls, music, and sounds from your TV. The Oticon Own offers direct streaming to certain Apple and Android devices, and, with Oticon’s TV adapter, you can also stream sound directly from your television.

Cons

• It’s pretty expensive. As a prescription hearing aid, a lot is wrapped up in obtaining Oticon Own devices. After your initial assessment, you will need to get fitted for the hearing aid, pay for each device, and cover the costs of your provider visits.
• They are not rechargeable. You will need to replace the batteries on a fairly regular basis to keep your device charged and good to go.
• You can’t adjust your own settings. All sound settings must be customized by your audiologist, limiting how much you can do when you’re out and about on your own.

What our audiologists say about the Oticon Own

None of our audiologists rated Oticon as their favorite invisible hearing aid brand, mainly due to the fact that none of their in-the-ear options are rechargeable, like the Signia or Starkey options. However, they do compliment the quality of the hearing aids. Dr. Jessica Hinson says they are known for their sound quality and for addressing common complaints, such as wind noise and noise created when users touch the hearing aids’ microphones.

Dr. Danielle K. Morgan praises the company for their commitment to constant improvement and designing reliable, user-friendly products. Dr. Ruth Reisman also notes that their devices are flexible and customizable, making them a great option for users struggling with all types of hearing loss.

Signia Silk X: Best for tinnitus

Why we picked the Signia Silk X

Our audiologists adore the Signia brand, and we knew that the Signia Silk belonged on this list thanks to its reputation as a comfortable, discreet prescription hearing aid. The device is ideal for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, and its silicone Click Sleeves help to maximize comfort. We also valued how easily the Signia Silk X fits without the need for earmolds.

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Pros

• It doesn’t get more discreet than this. On Signia’s website, the company boasts that the Silk is one of the world’s smallest hearing aids, making it perfect for those looking for an invisible look.
• The quality is top-notch. Most customers who use Signia Silk X devices say they’re satisfied with the noise and feedback reduction as well as the quality of the sound. Many report a natural listening experience.
• Even the least powerful model comes equipped with tinnitus management. The Signia Silk 1X is not as powerful as the Silk 7X, but it still comes with features like Tinnitus Management, which provides soothing sounds for those who struggle with ringing in their ears.
• Audiologists rave about Signia products. All three of our audiologists list Signia as one of their favorite brands to work with. They enjoy the quality, the customer service, and the various options available for their patients.

Cons

• They are expensive. While you may be able to purchase these through ZipHearing after receiving a hearing test and diagnosis, you will still need to visit an audiologist both for an evaluation and for programming once your hearing aids arrive. This can incur additional expenses on top of the cost of the devices themselves.
• They only treat mild to moderate losses. Audiologists recommend more robust models, such as the Signia PureCharge and the Signia Motion, for those with severe to profound hearing loss. Those with mild to moderate hearing loss may be able to find success with a cheaper option, like one of the OTC in-the-ear models on this list.

What our audiologists say about the Signia Silk X

Dr. Daniell K. Morgan says Signia is one of her favorite brands. They offer the latest technology in a variety of styles and make products that improve quality of life and help users better access the world around them through sound. Many Signia hearing aids are Bluetooth compatible and have different compatible accessories. Their app is simple and user-friendly but also allows users to play around with different ways to customize their experience. Signia’s customer service is also excellent.

Dr. Jessica Hinson says Signia is a great brand for people looking for a small, yet effective, device with an optional, user-friendly app – and Signia’s app happens to be her favorite app on the hearing aid market.

Dr. Ruth Reisman also cites Signia as one of her favorite brands, and praises the innovative design of not only the Silk, but also the Styletto and the Active devices. She says they offer the most useful tools for the hearing impaired, including tinnitus treatment, own voice processing, a mask-wearing booster, and a microphone directionality manager.

Advantages and disadvantages of invisible hearing aids

Simply put, invisible hearing aids are ideal for users that don’t want people to know they wear hearing aids. Whether they’re self-conscious of their condition, don’t feel like explaining themself to others, or just find invisible devices to be more aesthetically-pleasing, these discreet products help people keep their hearing aids private.

That said, invisible hearing aids do have some downsides, most notably in their battery life and reduced technology. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of CIC and IIC devices.

Pros of invisible hearing aids

• They are discreet. Invisible hearing aids are aptly named for how hard they are for others to notice.
• They come in a wide range of prices. Over-the-counter invisible hearing aids can be as low as $50 in some cases, with higher-end brands going for $1,000 to $3,000. Prescription devices can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $7,500.
• You can use headphones with them. If your invisible hearing aid doesn’t have bluetooth compatibility, you could probably wear most headphones over the hearing aid without interference. The same is true for glasses or hats, which bulkier hearing aids tend to clash with.
• They are comfortable. Because they fit snugly in your ear, invisible hearing aids tend to be more comfortable than devices with bulky units that tuck behind the ear. This also helps reduce an echo effect reported in traditional hearing aids.

Cons of invisible hearing aids

• They have shorter battery life. With smaller devices come smaller batteries. Most invisible hearing aids need to be charged more regularly than bigger options, which requires users to remove the devices frequently.
• They have less technology. There’s a reason BTE and RIC hearing aids are as bulky as they are, and it’s the amount of processors in the unit that rests behind the ear. Invisible hearing aids, while advanced, typically don’t have the amount of sophistication a traditional device has to offer, like telecoil for instance.
• They don’t treat severe hearing loss as well. While some invisible hearing aids may be able to treat profound hearing loss, the devices are commonly more appropriate for users with mild to moderate hearing difficulties.
• They can be difficult to maintain. Because they’re inserted directly in your ear canal, invisible hearing aids collect a lot of earwax, which in turn requires routine cleaning. This can be tedious for users who produce a lot of wax and moisture in their ears.

Factors to consider when buying invisible hearing aids

So how do you decide which invisible hearing aid is the right fit for you? With so many devices on the market, choosing one can be overwhelming. It’s always best to consult your audiologist when it comes to hearing loss treatment, as they can make recommendations based on your audiogram and health history. Here are the considerations to keep in mind when looking for an invisible hearing aid:

• Size. Not all invisible hearing aids are necessarily “invisible.” If you value complete discretion, make sure the device isn’t noticeable.
• Cost. Fortunately, invisible hearing aids can accommodate a wide range of budgets. Quality over-the-counter devices can be pretty affordable, while prescription hearing aids are always pricier.
• Comfort. Every person is unique, and thus, every person’s ear canal is unique. Custom-fitted hearing aids allow your audiologist to create an earmold that will be most comfortable to you. For hearing aids that aren’t customizable, it may take some trial and error to find one that fits you.
• Battery. Invisible hearing aids need to be charged more frequently than others, so be on the lookout for battery life to get a sense of how often you’ll need to juice up your device. Disposable batteries are also common with invisible hearing aids, which could incur additional costs.
• Technology level. Because of their size, invisible hearing aids often don’t have the same technology as bulkier products. Make sure the device you’re looking at can support your degree of hearing loss.