Samsung has launched an impossibly tiny Bluetooth earpiece that’s more like a hearing aid than a wireless connectivity gadget. The WEP500 is likely to appeal to users searching for supremely minimalist Bluetooth kit, with the only drawback being the ever-present danger of it falling out and going the way of stray contact lenses and marbles.

The earpiece fits directly into the user’s lughole, rather than hooking behind the ear or resting outside as many current models do. It measures 2.6 x 3 x 0.8cm and weighs 9g. It incorporates a two microphone voice separation technology that Samsung said helps eliminate unwanted background noises.

The Samsung WEP500

Samsung also says that an automatic volume control function enables it to adjust the earpiece volume in response to external sound levels. It provides up to 3.5 hours of talk time and up to 80 hours of standby time. The device’s holder also doubles as a charger.

The WEP500 will be available in either blue or silver in October and is expected to cost around £80 (€105).