Ask your audiologist...

Sexy hearing aids?

I got your attention, didn't I? Yes, we do have sexy hearing aids. If it looks sleek and sexy in the hand, it should look good on or in the ear! I personally think these three are the sexiest available: the CIC, RIC and the Lyric. I will briefly explain why all three of these are sexy.

The traditional Completely In the Canal "CIC" hearing aid. This aid has been tried and true for over two decades, and the sound processing keeps getting better. This is a daily wear hearing aid that is pretty much invisible on most ears. It's placement is inside the ear canal and the faceplate is a cocoa color that just looks like a shadow in your ear, so others usually do not notice it at all.

The Receiver In the Canal "RIC" has become the most popular in sales, largely due to its wide-fitting range for a large degree of hearing loss and the modern shape and colors it is available in. The RIC sits behind the ear and the color choices usually match one's hair, making it discreet from behind, even with short or shaved hair. The tube or wire running from the aid to the ear is very thin and is barely visible against the skin.

The Lyric extended wear hearing aid has some of the newest technology available. This aid is deeply seated in the ear canal, where it isn't visible at all.

People will always be vain - and vanity does matter. Most people do not want to look different just because they have a hearing loss and prefer the most discreet hearing aid they can get away with. Realize that smaller is not always better, and even the largest hearing aids for severe hearing loss are a lot sexier than they were five years ago.

Dr. Tia Flynn is a certified audiologist and has been in business for more than 14 years. Every Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, Dr. Flynn provides free hearing screenings at 1601 Third St. in Coeur d'Alene. (208) 664-2767. Visit our newly updated website www.affordablehearinginc.com for an online hearing test and watch helpful videos.