Completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids are likely one of the smallest hearing aid styles that you can go for. They are discreet due to their small size and in-the-canal placement, and more often than not they are almost invisible. CIC hearing aids are always custom made to fit your unique ear shape and you can take them out using a handy cord to make the process as simple as can be. Read on to look at CIC hearing aids and their many benefits so that you can make a decision backed up with real facts.

What are the Features of a CIC Hearing Aid?

CIC hearing aids sit just inside your ear canal, and as a result they are nearly invisible. A small plastic cord is attached to a CIC hearing aid so that you can insert and remove the device without any hassle and they boast considerable cosmetic appeal due to the fact that they are hard to spot when being worn. Your hearing health professional will take an ear canal impression to custom make a CIC hearing aid, and this means that your device will be as comfortable and pain free as can be.

The positioning of the microphone is much more convenient when you’re using the phone, as you won’t have to hold your device in an odd position to understand what the person on the other end is saying! It has to be said that the positioning also offers a further beneficial feature, as it preserves the natural acoustics that are provided by your external ear which help to localize the direction of sound.

What Are the Main Advantages and Disadvantages?

There are a number of advantages and disadvantages of CIC hearing aid devices that you should be aware of:

Advantages:

  • Extremely small in size
  • Virtually invisible to those around you
  • Easy to take out and put in with plastic handle
  • Custom made so offer great comfort

Disadvantages:

  • Does not cut well through background noise.
  • May be classed as particularly invasive for some users.
  • Requires extensive maintenance to minimize wax buildup.
  • May have whistling feedback due to small surface size.
  • Can increase your risk of ear infections.
  • Not powerful enough for severe hearing loss

What Kind of Hearing Loss Is a CIC Hearing Aid Best Suited for?

CIC hearing aids work best for those experiencing mild hearing loss. They are not suitable for people who have more severe hearing loss symptoms, as their smaller size limits their power. Those who are searching for a near invisible hearing aid which is as discreet as possible should opt for a CIC device, as the inner ear positioning and tint size of this hearing aid make it virtually undetectable.

There’s no time like the present to reach out to your hearing health professional today to see if a completely-in-canal hearing aid is the right device for you.

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