As the smallest of the hearing aid alternatives currently available, completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids are different than other devices due to their size, custom fit and location in the ear canal for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. This style of hearing aid has many advantages, as well as a few disadvantages when compared to other hearing aid styles.
Advantages – CICs are small and their size and fit hold several aesthetic as well as listening advantages. Because of their small size, it’s difficult for others to notice a CIC without looking for it and it works automatically without extra knobs and buttons to control. They may be more comfortable to wear due to their custom fitting. You can wear some completely-in-canal brands around the clock for up to several months at a time, so there is no need to insert and remove it every morning and night. Hearing aid models that must be removed daily have a convenient pull-out string that lies inconspicuously outside the ear. It generally doesn’t get in the way of the telephone receiver and, because it is housed inside your ear canal, your outer ear is able to keep out wind noise. Additionally, the natural anatomy of the ear helps guide sound to the instrument, which improves the directionality of the sound.
Disadvantages – Because the CIC hearing aids are small, they are generally less powerful and go through batteries faster than larger ones. They are generally the more expensive option because they are custom fitted to the wearer’s ear. You will also be limited to omnidirectional sound, meaning you will experience all sound as if it’s right in front of you. Completely-in-Canals are typically not recommended for individuals with adequate low frequency hearing or for people with severe hearing loss.
