Invisible Digital Hearing Aids - The Next Level

PRESTON, England, October 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Being told by a hearing care professional that you have a hearing loss and that the only solution is a hearing aid can be an unpleasant shock to some people. When most people think of a hearing aid, their mind conjures up pictures of large beige banana-like objects with unsightly earpieces and tubes.  Little wonder that many first time users of hearing aids insist upon "something tiny that can't be seen".

The NHS provides reasonable quality, behind the ear, digital hearing aids free of charge. Whilst this can be a lifeline to many people there are those who simply would not consider this option. Unfortunately, highly cosmetic hearing instruments are almost exclusively in the domain of the private hearing aid market. But are these hearing aids really any better?

Most hearing aid manufacturers provide what is known as CIC technology. This stands for Completely In the Canal as that is where the hearing aid sits. The hearing aid is usually custom made for the individuals own ear. This style of hearing aid comes with varying degrees of technology inside. It is widely believed that these hearing aids are the most expensive. This is not the case. The price of the hearing instrument is determined mainly by the level of technology contained within. Indeed, some of the larger hearing aids can be much more expensive.

Recently, the American hearing aid manufacturer Starkey has launched what is heralded to be next generation of miniature hearing aids, the IIC. This stands for Invisible In the Canal. These tiny miracles of modern technology take miniaturisation to the next level. As can be seen from the picture, the IIC is smaller and sits deeper within the ear canal making it truly invisible.

Not all persons with are hearing loss are suitable candidates for this type of miniaturised technology. People with severe or profound hearing losses are usually best suited to larger, more powerful devices. People with poor manual dexterity perhaps arising from arthritic fingers may find them too difficult to manipulate. Ear canal size and shape is another factor. If the ear canal is too narrow or the internal bend of the ear canal is too sharp then the instrument may not be physically capable of being manufactured.

If you would like to investigate the possibility of having this type of cosmetic solution then visit http://www.hearingaid.org.uk . They are a network of local independent hearing aid dispensers who can put you in touch with a qualified professional who can assess your suitability. These consultations are free of charge, without obligation and are usually conducted in the privacy of your own home.

Media Details:
HearingAid.org.uk
Paul Harrison
paul@hearingaid.org.uk
+44(0)800-567-7621