As hearing loss has been around forever, the medical industry had to come up with a solution. In the 1960s, the first hearing aid models were created and brought to the public. However, these were bulky and not very reliable.
Now, individuals can purchase a completely in the canal hearing aid. These small, innovative pieces of technology offer everything patients with hearing loss need. They provide the same utility as any other quality hearing aid with some unique advantages and disadvantages.
Complete in Canal Hearing Aid Reviews
Just like other technology-based industries, reducing the size of technological components has led to many innovations. For the hearing aid industry, these technological improvements have been created completely in canal hearing aids. As a result, many hearing aid companies have begun to focus completely in canal hearing aids, easily find CIC hearing aids over-the-counter.
CIC Hearing Aid Advantages
The first and most obvious advantage of CIC hearing aids is the size. These hearing aids are tiny, which offers use-value and aesthetic value. Many individuals who would benefit from hearing aids choose not to use them due to social stigma. They do not want to feel old or show others they have a hearing impairment. Thus, these individuals could use completely in the canal hearing aids which provides discretion.
Another advantage that corresponds to the size is the comfort CIC hearing aids provide. Typically, wearers get a fitting, so their hearing aids have a perfect fit for each user’s ear canal. These hearing aids are placed inside the ear and can stay there until users remove them. In addition, the hearing aids have a string or handle that allows users to pull them out.
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As these hearing aids are tiny and placed in the ear, they do not get in the way of glasses, hats, cell phones, or others. Additionally, due to the placement of the aids, your ear both helps and prevents sounds from entering your ear. Compared to other hearing aids, these CIC aids pick up much less background noise as your ears can block wind and other extraneous sounds.
CIC Hearing Aid Disadvantages
When searching for hearing aids, many people ask how much completely in the canal hearing aids cost. The price depends upon the manufacturer, of course, but they are typically more expensive than other styles of hearing aids. Thus, the first disadvantage is cost. Using more advanced technological components costs more money, so it only makes sense completely in the canal hearing aids cost more.
Another result and downfall of the small size is the battery life. CIC hearing aids cannot keep a battery that lasts as long as other styles of hearing aids. Thus, users of CIC hearing aids must replace the batteries more frequently than if they wore other types. In addition, as these hearing aids do not need to be taken out except to replace the battery, they can often get earwax build-up on the speaker.
CIC hearing aids typically do not contain multiple microphones as others do. This means that these completely in the canal hearing aids do not have omnidirectional qualities. As a result, users will not be able to interpret the direction that sound came from.
Furthermore, the small size does not allow for some of the features other hearing aids have. For example, users will not be able to switch between different listening modes. Most CIC hearing aids do not have volume control either.
CIC hearing aids are also not suitable for individuals with severe hearing loss—they’re made primarily for those with moderate to low hearing loss. Thus, if you have moderate to severe hearing loss, CIC hearing aids will not work well enough for you.
The Best Completely in Canal Hearing Aids
Signia Insio Nx
One of Signia’s newest products, the Insio Nx, is an innovative, completely in the canal hearing aid that poses many benefits. The hearing aid is designed for the utmost comfort and discretion while still offering a clear, natural sound.
This CIC hearing aid attempts to overcome some of the natural downfalls of the aids. Advanced technology attempts to recreate a directional hearing experience, and a unique design protects the aid from earwax.
Furthermore, Signia’s CIC hearing aid has a simple on/off button, ventilation features, a cord for easy removal, and a windscreen protecting the hearing aid from wind and dirt.
The Insio Nx also comes with technology that helps individuals overcome tinnitus with hearing aids. The hearing aids can play five different types of static noise. The hearing aid is also compatible with a smartphone app for controllable features.
Starkey Picasso
The Starkey Picasso is a custom-built completely in the canal hearing aid. The device is built with technology that provides a natural sound with features that improve clarity.
As the hearing aid is custom-fit, users feel as though they have nothing in their ears. However, the hearing aid also comes with technology that helps the aid adapt to new sounds.
The Picasso is designed to reduce feedback—wind noise and other background noise are seemingly nonexistent. The hearing aid comes with technology that connects to smartphones and other devices to stream music, TV, and phone calls. Similar to other CIC hearing aids, the Picasso has the technology to reduce tinnitus effects.
The Bottom Line
Completely in the canal, hearing aids are one of the newest models of hearing aids on the market. They offer extreme discretion as they are small enough to fit directly in one’s ear canal. Unfortunately, this makes the hearing aids invisible for everyday use. This small style poses many benefits, but it also has disadvantages.
These hearing aids are primarily for those with low to moderate hearing loss. As they are small, they cannot compete with other hearing aids in the number of features built-in. Completely in the canal, hearing aids’ prices also change by the maker. As not every manufacturer makes them, they cost more than normal, behind-the-ear hearing aids. Potential wearers must reach out to companies or hearing professionals to get a quote.
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