The primary concerns of an individual looking to choose the best invisible hearing aid typically are cost, fit, quality and lifestyle needs. Choosing the best invisible hearing aid is a decision that should be made after consultation with a reputable audiologist or hearing aid dispenser who will work with the individual to ensure that the hearing aid meets the individual's specific lifestyle and hearing loss needs. The individual should discuss his or her concerns with the hearing aid dispenser and be open and honest about budget and lifestyle concerns in order to allow the hearing aid dispenser to make the best possible recommendations.
Invisible hearing aids are referred to by hearing aid specialists as "completely in the canal" hearing aids because the entire hearing aid fits inside the ear canal and is invisible when worn. The casing of an invisible hearing aid is custom-molded to fit the ear canal of the wearer and must be properly fitted in order to be comfortable for daily use. The invisible hearing aid must also be adjusted in order to meet the hearing loss needs specific to the individual, which include amplification of the frequencies at which the individual's hearing loss has occurred. This adjustment almost always requires multiple visits to the hearing aid dispenser.
The most important thing for one to do before choosing an invisible hearing aid is to find a reputable hearing aid dispenser who has had the requisite training and will work with the individual to ensure that the device meets his or her specific needs. Depending on the geographical region in which the hearing aid will be purchased, it might be appropriate for the consumer to ensure that the hearing aid dispenser is licensed to dispense hearing aids in that region. After the invisible hearing aid is purchased, the seller typically will program the hearing aid and will teach the consumer how to care for and adjust the hearing aid at home.
The cost of an invisible hearing aid can vary greatly, from relatively inexpensive to very costly. The budget of the individual purchasing the hearing aid must be taken into consideration, as well as the expected length of life and maintenance costs of the invisible hearing aid. As with any large purchase, the manufacturer's warranty should be considered carefully before the product is purchased in order to ensure that the buyer is covered in the case of a defective product. Many hearing aid dispensers will offer a free or low-cost trial in which the consumer is able to use the hearing aid for a predefined period of time in order to test whether the device fits the needs of the individual.
Additional considerations before one makes a final decision include whether the device features a directional microphone, which can be beneficial in situations where background noise is an issue. The consumer also should consider whether the device is compatible with a hearing aid telephone adapter, which amplifies telephone conversations while reducing outside noise. Another consideration is whether the hearing aid be adjusted by the user via personal computer or other method, or whether all adjustments have to be made by an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser.