Alta2 Invisible In the Canal (IIC) Hearing Aid, intended to be worn in the left ear, produced by Oticon Limited, United Kingdom, 2018

Designed to sit inside a person’s ear canal, sounds are captured by a miniature microphone and are amplified by microprocessors, transmitting sound to the inner ear. Here the noise is converted into electrical impulses to be interpreted by the brain. It’s main features, such as noise reduction, and a soft speech booster, allow the user to tailor the hearing aid to their needs in particular environments, adapting to the level of hearing loss they experience, the level of noise in the surrounding area, and the direction sound is coming from. A range of accessories are needed to help maintain the function of the hearing aids.

Custom moulded to a person’s ears, the hearing aids have colours to indicate which side they should be used – blue for left and red for right. The Oticon Alta 2 is advertised as being unnoticeable, both to others, and the users themselves. A remote control and a smartphone app are also available to help with adjustments. However, due to their very small size, they may not be suitable for everyone who may be considering in ear or in canal hearing aids.