Looking for a hearing aid that delivers clear sound in a compact package? Completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids might be what you’re seeking.
Read more about these small, discreet hearing aids to learn whether they could be right for you.
When you see “CIC hearing aid” think “completely-in-the-canal hearing aids.”
These small but mighty devices are designed to fit snugly in your ear canal for a discreet appearance. Despite their small size, they offer excellent sound quality and a growing list of user-friendly features and technology.
When you’re considering buying hearing aids, it’s important to know as much as possible about the many options on the market. In this guide, we’ll help you understand the ins and outs and pros and cons of CIC hearing aids so you can make an informed decision.
There are a number of factors to take into account when you’re comparing hearing aids: your hearing loss, your budget, your lifestyle, your hearing goals and even your personal style. Take all of those considerations together, and what’s right for you might be different than what’s right for another person. So, when you’re looking for the best CIC hearing aids, keep in mind that “best hearing aid” really means “best hearing aid for you”.
Nevertheless, there are some attributes of good-quality CIC hearing aids that you should be aware of and look for to ensure you’re getting the most out of your investment.
The most important thing you can do is work with a hearing care professional when choosing the best hearing aids for your needs. They will test your hearing and weigh the test results with your personal preferences and needs to help prescribe a hearing aid that is exactly right for you, whether it’s a CIC or another model.
One of the most exciting recent developments in the hearing aid world is rechargeable CIC hearing aids.
In the past, CICs were limited to disposable batteries because their small size could not accommodate rechargeable technology. This presented a challenge for people with limited dexterity; moving tiny batteries in and out of tiny hearing aids could be difficult.
However, new technology has reduced the sizes of rechargeable batteries and components, so now, powering up CIC hearing aids is as simple as placing them in their charging case.
Miracle-Ear offers one of the best rechargeable CIC hearing aids on the market as part of the BLISS™ series.
Hearing aids that offer Bluetooth connectivity allow you to link your hearing aids directly to smartphones, smart TVs and other devices. That direct connection means that the sound streams directly to your ears, and you can control volume and other settings via apps for the best listening experience. CIC Bluetooth hearing aids are becoming more common as tech components get smaller and can fit into these ultracompact models.
If Bluetooth is on your list of-must have features, be sure to let your HCP know — not all CIC models are Bluetooth enabled.
While there are some over-the-counter (OTC) CIC hearing aids available, they are not custom fitted. OTC products may come with different sized silicone domes that can be switched out. But with a small and winding part of the anatomy like the ear canal, it can be difficult to find a correct and comfortable fit. This could lead to poorer sound quality and a less comfortable wearing experience.
Exactly how much do CIC hearing aids cost? CIC hearing aid prices will vary by model.
Some with fewer features and limited adjustability could be in the $1,000 range. More advanced models that offer improved sound and features like rechargeability or Bluetooth can range from $2,500-$4,000. (Prices are per device).
The best CIC hearing aids are customized to fit your ear perfectly — and it’s what you can expect when buying a CIC hearing aid from Miracle-Ear. When an HCP makes a mold of your ear, it accounts for every nook and cranny of the ear canals where the devices will sit. Custom earmold shells for CIC hearing aids are created based on those molds, with the technology components fitted inside. When you receive your customized hearing aids, they will fit snugly and comfortably inside your ears to ensure that you’re getting the best fitting hearing aids.
It’s easy to get a bit lost in the sea of acronyms that come with hearing aid shopping. Let’s take a look at how CICs compare with other types and styles of hearing aids to help you understand the differences.
In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids do not have any components that sit outside the ear.
When comparing CIC vs. ITC hearing aids, keep in mind that ITCs are slightly larger. While a CIC sits completely in the canal, ITCs may sit partially in the bowl of the ear, with components that extend into the ear canal. Like CICs, they are best for mild to moderate hearing loss.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are generally the largest hearing aids, but also the most powerful option, meaning they can help people with severe to profound hearing loss.
When comparing BTE vs. CIC hearing aids, the most significant difference is in the form. BTE hearing aids have a component that sits behind the ear but connects to an earmold or shell that sits in the bowl of the ear, as opposed to the CIC’s design that fits entirely in the ear. The BTE hearing aid due to its size can also contain more features than the CIC.
The shell of RIC hearing aids, which sits behind the ear, houses powerful technology in a slender package. It’s connected via a very thin, almost invisible wire to a receiver that sits inside the ear canal. RICs are the most popular form of hearing aids thanks to their combination of power, comfort, features, and natural sound.
If you’re comparing RIC vs. CIC hearing aids, consider that RICs are slightly larger and more visible, but they are better suited for a wider range of hearing loss than CICs.
If you’re asking these questions while weighing CIC hearing aids’ pros and cons, use our quick guide:
If you only have hearing loss in one ear (unilateral hearing loss), a single left or right CIC hearing aid may be an option. Keep in mind that for users with unilateral hearing loss, using a single CIC hearing aid might make the occlusion effect more challenging.
Talk with your HCP about the best solution for your hearing needs.
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