Completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids are the smallest of all the hearing aid choices. They are suitable for people with mild to moderately-severe cases of hearing loss and are distinct from other alternatives because they are custom fitted to the inside of your ear canal. CIC hearing aids offer several pros for the wearer, as well as a couple of cons that you should be aware of before getting one.
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. 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. What’s more, your ear’s natural anatomy guides sounds into the device, improving the quality 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. Additionally, their tiny size doesn’t leave room for extra features, so you won’t be able to adjust the volume or experience directional sound (the sound in front of you appears louder than one that coming from somewhere else). Moreover, CICs are not powerful enough for people with major hearing loss.