What Are the Pros and Cons of Small Hearing Aids?

Hearing loss is a lot more common than you think. Due to certain factors revolving around genetics and the environment, it’s no wonder that many have reported cases of hearing loss. 

In fact, around 15% of American adults aged 18 and over have reported trouble hearing. Thankfully, there is a way to combat this. 

Hearing aids have been around since the 17th century. Since then, technology has advanced far enough to create different sorts of hearing aids. Some loop around the ear while small hearing aids are available. 

However, it’s important that you talk with your audiologist before deciding to get one. After all, it does have its pros and cons. 

What are Small Hearing Aids?

You wear Invincible-in-canal hearing aids or IIC right inside the ear. Unless you’re looking right into the ear, you won’t even notice them. 

Other types of hearing aids are called completely-in-canal or CIC. These are just as discrete and even harder to see. 

These hearing aids are exposed to natural wax and oils within the ear. Proper maintenance of the device would include taking them out often and cleaning them. 

If not done right, this can lead to you having to pay extra costs to repair your small hearing aids. 

There are larger versions of these small hearing aids. For example, we have the in-the-canal (ITC) and the in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids. They’re not as discreet but may carry more features that will benefit you. 

In addition to that, these types may be better for more severe hearing loss. 

Pros of Small Hearing Aids 

There are more advantages to small hearing aids than just being discrete and invisible. Listed below are a few pros that show how amazing invisible hearing aids are. 

Discreet 

Designed to fit right in your ear canal, small hearing aids are totally discreet. There are no bulky components that could get hair or accessories trapped in them. 

Some may not like having their hearing aids exposed. After all, there is still a social stigma surrounding hearing loss. Getting small hearing aids may be a step closer to overcoming that stigma. 

Aesthetically Pleasing 

Others may prefer their hearing aids hidden for more aesthetic purposes. If you’re wearing invisible hearing aids, people would simply mistake it for some earbuds. 

Functional 

Having small hearing aids fit right in your ear canal means no interference. You can hold a phone to your ear or even wear headphones without having something in the way. Such functions will be natural. 

Additionally, your outer ear shell protects your invisible hearing aids. This means that your hearing aids are unlikely to pick up wind noise when outside. 

Customized 

The goal of hearing aids is to make the fit as comfortable as possible. With small hearing aids, you won’t have to worry about them being too big for your ears or them falling out of your ears. 

Tiny hearing aids are molded to your ear. In some cases, nano hearing aids have a range of sizes that you can choose from. If the hearing aids don’t fit you, call, and you will be assisted in getting ones that fit better. 

Natural Sound 

Tiny hearing aids are positioned almost right by the tympanic membrane. This guarantees a more natural sound compared to other types of hearing aids. 

Once you get used to the fit of your small hearing aids, it will be as if it wasn’t even there. 

Cons of Small Hearing Aids

Like all things, there are cons to wearing or ordering small hearing aids. Don’t worry, though. If these aren’t the right hearing aids for you, there are many other types to choose from. 

Controls May Be Difficult to Learn

Small hearing aids have, as expected, small controls. It’s common to struggle with the controls.

They are hard to see and feel. This makes it difficult for those who have manual dexterity problems. 

However, for some, it only takes a matter of time. Once you’ve gotten used to the controls, you won’t have to struggle as much anymore. 

Not Suited for Advanced Hearing Loss

Technology has come a long way with developing hearing aids for those with hearing loss. But we’re not quite there yet. 

Small hearing aids are more suited for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.  

Comfort Issues 

While many have loved the comfort that tiny hearing aids bring, not all may agree. 

Everyone is different in their own way. That includes the size of your ear canals. Some people with smaller ear canals may need smaller hearing aids.

The thing is, manufacturers may not have a size that fits you. After all, technology is still quite limited. 

Small Battery

Because of their size, smaller hearing aids have a smaller battery. This would mean that you would have to charge or change it a lot more. 

This may be an inconvenience to those who like to travel. However, it is an issue that is easily overlooked. Just make sure to always pack extra batteries. 

Limited Features

One thing that bigger hearing aids have is more features. The hearing aid features on the smaller types are generally limited. 

Features such as Bluetooth or the ability to hear more background noise will be lost. After all, with something so small, there is simply no room to add these features in. 

Ask For Advice

Small hearing aids are great for everyday use and, depending on your situation, can be more comfortable than other types. However, if you do find out that you cant wear tiny hearing aids, don’t worry. 

There are different kinds of hearing aids for all situations. Each one will have its own features and a set of pros and cons. 

The best thing to do before making a decision is to ask for help from your physician. They are there to guide your decisions according to your situation.