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What is an Invisible Earpiece?

G. Wiesen
G. Wiesen

An invisible earpiece is an electronic device typically used with another device that modifies or increases the hearing of a wearer. This type of device can be part of a two-way radio, such as a walkie talkie or similar system, and allow a wearer to hear incoming messages. Other uses of such a device include hearing aids that help people who have suffered hearing loss more effectively hear others and for interfacing with a telephone or similar device to hear calls without a noticeable earpiece. An invisible earpiece will typically fit just inside the entrance to the ear canal and is often skin tone in color.

Sometimes also called a wireless earbud, an invisible earpiece is a listening device specifically designed to remain concealed while in use. There are a number of different reasons why someone may want such an earpiece to be difficult to notice, including either for security or privacy. These devices typically consist of a small earpiece that is similar to the listening part of earbud headphones. This type of invisible earpiece will typically be able to receive some type of auditory signal, either through radio transmissions or through digital wireless technology.

The Secret Service often employs invisible earpieces.
The Secret Service often employs invisible earpieces.

One of the most common uses of an invisible earpiece is for security personnel, such as the US Secret Service. The earpiece is typically worn as part of a larger two-way radio communication system, often with a microphone concealed on a lapel or at the end of a sleeve. Once the invisible earpiece is in place, the wearer is able to hear incoming messages and use the hidden microphone to send messages. These earpieces can also be used as part of a wireless telephone, allowing the wearer to receive messages without holding a phone to his or her ear.

An invisible earpiece may be used with a walkie talkie.
An invisible earpiece may be used with a walkie talkie.

An invisible earpiece can also be used as part of a hearing aid to help someone who has lost some of his or her hearing more easily hear his or her surroundings. This type of device is often used to keep the hearing aid secure, but to also maintain the discretion of the wearer, who may be sensitive about his or her hearing loss. An invisible earpiece will typically fit just inside the entrance to the external auditory canal, and care should be taken by a wearer to not push the earpiece too far inside where it could potentially damage the ear drum. These devices are often skin tone in color to be less obvious to an observer, though someone looking very closely could still notice the small device in a person’s ear.

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    • The Secret Service often employs invisible earpieces.
      By: Andrey Armyagov
      The Secret Service often employs invisible earpieces.
    • An invisible earpiece may be used with a walkie talkie.
      By: sallydexter
      An invisible earpiece may be used with a walkie talkie.