The exact date of the development of the first hearing aid is unknown, but the first written description was in Natural Magick written by Giovanni Battista Porta in 1558. Over the years movies, comics, and books have poked fun at hearing aid users while ignoring the usefulness of the device. No wonder no one wanted to be seen wearing one. There is much on the history of hearing aids to satisfy the curious. Museums exist that have documented the long history of the hearing aid in the USA as well as other countries.

Just the thought of getting one was usually a reason for despair; up to five years ago no one wanted a hearing aid. They were huge and unattractive and shouted to the world - look at me! Many people associated them with old age and they had a stigma. In addition, early hearing aids, even when they had advanced beyond being trumpets, horns and those worn on the body, were still unattractive. Even the advent of the behind the ear types, referred to as BTE, still caused some level of stigmatization.

However, the future of hearing aids is here with the development of almost invisible hearing aids. The new offerings are definitely hi-tech and part of the information age. Some are even quite chic, offering Bluetooth technology and music streaming via iPod, which helps to remove the stigma of aging in our youth-obsessed society.

Even some of the smallest hearing aids today allow the wearer to connect directly to TVs, computers, CD players or other electronic devices. These types utilize what is known as 'direct audio input' technology; they are so designed that most persons wouldn't even know that you are using one, assuming instead, that you are just utilizing the technology like everyone else.

Types of almost invisible hearing aids

Almost invisible hearing aids are those worn inside the ear or ear canal itself. These are fitted based on the severity of hearing loss, the size, and shape of the person's ear and the style.

Some of the main types of 'almost invisible' hearing aids are the behind the ear types, namely:

The small open ear hearing aid fits behind the ear. These are very discreet and fitted based on ear size. This type is best suited to persons with mild to moderate hearing loss. Behind the ear types (BTE). This type of hearing aid is good for all types of hearing loss.

These are barely visible with the only tell-tale sign being the tube that enters the ear itself. Another very popular digital hearing aid is the style that fit within the ear.

These include the:

In the canal hearing aids (ITC) are very small and most fit inside the ear canal thereby being fairly hidden. They are great for moderately severe hearing loss. In the ear (ITE) digital hearing aids work very well for severe hearing losses. While not as appealing as the ITCs, they are still a big improvement on earlier types.

This last type truly fits the 'almost invisible' label. They are known as CIC or completely in the ear canal hearing aid. Used mostly for mild to moderate loss, these fit, as the name suggests, completely inside the ear canal. In most cases they are completely invisible to the onlooker. This is a far cry from early hearing aids in terms of size and aesthetic appeal. The small battery which operates the device is the only drawback. Some users find this difficult to operate.

The invisible hearing aids The Unitron Moxi CRT hearing aid is a Canal Receiver Technology (CRT) device that fits inside the ear so completely it is virtually invisible. It is best for those with mild to severe hearing loss.

Totally invisible hearing aids are also implantable so that they cannot be seen at all. This invisible hearing aid, which is still in clinical trials, is also waterproof. With this type the social stigma that still exists to some degree will be greatly eliminated. In fact these new lightweight and small hearing aids have one main disadvantage, they are often lost or can be difficult to find when taken out and placed on a surface.

No longer does anyone regardless of age have to decide to between ignoring their hearing problems and wearing hearing aids. The new invisible devices make this choice a non-issue, and hearing aid wearers can now use them stylishly and proudly.