In the past, one pair of hearing aids tended to look very much the same as another. Those light tan, hard plastic units sat in the outer ear, clearly visible to all. They gave no illusion about being stylish, but they offered the best technology for the time. Today’s hearing aids have come light years ahead not only in terms of technological features and audio quality but also in the potential to be stylish! When it comes to the style of hearing aids, people tend to want three different features from their aids. Some would like to see them disappear altogether, and the smallest hearing aids can now be contained completely inside the ear canal. Others want to go in the other direction with flashy aids in colors and patterns to stand out as an accessory. Still others want to take the futuristic “cyborg” look to the next level, and hearing aids can now double as earbuds and AI health monitors all in one. Let’s look at some of the options for these three types of aids, and you can choose the style you like best.
Invisible Hearing Aids
Although they are not suited to all kinds of hearing loss, some hearing aids can sit completely inside the ear canal, out of sight. Some of these aids are called “Invisible In the Canal” (IIC) models, and they contribute to your personal style by staying out of the way. These aids can be unsuited to those with manual dexterity issues or arthritis, because they are so tiny. The fit is also crucial with these aids to make sure they don’t cause a muffling effect, otherwise known as occlusion. With these potential issues in mind, you can get in touch with our hearing health professionals to find out if IIC hearing aids are right for you!
Hearing Aids as Fashion Accessories
Rather than try to hide their hearing aids, some people would rather make them stand out as a fashion accessory. Some hearing aids come in a wide array of colors, patterns, and materials ranging from neon colors to psychedelic tie-dye effects to metallic shine or glitter effects. These hearing aids make a statement, and you can choose one of these bold models or a subtle pastel or earth tone to match your personal aesthetic. Children tend to love these hearing aids that are fun and flashy, as well. As with IIC models, these hearing aids are not suited to all types of hearing loss, and you will need to work with your provider to make sure you have the right match between your needs and the features of the aids.
Futuristic Chic Hearing Aids
If you have ever seen someone with a Bluetooth headset or wireless earbuds walking down the street, you can see that our technology now merges with our personal fashion as a statement about our identity and style. Those who use “wearable” technology aren’t trying to hide the features that they bring into their lives. Instead, they are ready to show the world that they are technologically adept and have integrated communications into every minute of their lives. The latest hearing aids fit with this aesthetic, as well. Working as wireless earbuds, AI health monitoring systems, and hearing assistants all in one, these devices complete the package of communications between a smartphone, a variety of apps, and sensory integration. Whether you are the type to put your technology on display or not, it is good to know that these new technological features are available for your use. When you see others wearing technology out and about, you can rest assured that any stigma on these devices is long gone. Your devices can now serve as a way to integrate communication with media and other audio features, switching seamlessly from music to a news podcast to a phone call, all while remaining aware of the sounds in the environment. If you are interested in this type of technological integration, don’t hesitate to contact our hearing health professionals for a consultation about hearing aids that are now available. We can perform a diagnostic test of your hearing ability and assess which aids will best serve your needs and your personal style.
