Completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids are the smallest of all the hearing aid choices and distinct from other options because they are custom fitted to the inside of your ear canal to amplify sounds in individuals with mild to moderately-severe hearing losses. This style of hearing aid has many advantages, as well as a few disadvantages when compared to other hearing aid styles.
Completely-in-canal (CIC) Advantages – This type of hearing aid is small and comfortable, which provides both cosmetic and listening benefits to the wearer.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. A few completely-in-canal hearing aid models can also be worn for extended periods of time, up to several months in most cases, so you won’t be inconvenienced by having to remember to take out your device when showering or sleeping. 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 – Smaller size means smaller batteries and smaller batteries mean less battery life. 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. Moreover, CICs are not powerful enough for people with major hearing loss.
