The pros and cons of completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids
Phoenix hearing aids
For people experiencing hearing loss, hearing aids can offer a huge improvement in the quality of everyday life. However, some people worry about what the hearing aids will look like.
For many, completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids are a very attractive idea, because these are virtually invisible to all but the very closest observers. Although they can be a great option for some people, they aren’t right for everyone. Here are some pros and cons to think through as you consider your hearing aid options.
Pros of completely-in-canal hearing aids
Virtually invisible
The biggest draw of CIC hearing aids is that they’re all but invisible. Someone looking very closely would probably find your hearing aid, but any casual observer will be very unlikely to notice it. For those who are worried about “looking old” or being treated differently by others because they’re wearing hearing aids, this may be very interesting.
Easy to use with phone
With a CIC hearing aid, you can simply use devices such as phones without any adaptations. Most hearing aids do have the ability to connect to a phone in order to facilitate its use, but with a CIC hearing aid, you don’t need to do anything special to use any phone you happen to be near. The hearing aid doesn’t block the phone, so you just use it.
Natural ear blocks wind and funnels sound
The external ear and canal help to funnel sounds towards the eardrum. Because the CIC hearing aid is located inside of the ear canal, it doesn’t interfere with this function. The external ear continues to function as usual to bring sounds into the ear canal. The ear canal will also help to block wind from the hearing aid, so that it doesn’t interfere with the detection of sounds.
Reduces the occlusion effect
Also known as the “talking in a barrel” effect, this is a bothersome phenomenon that can occur with other types of hearing aids. The hearing aid blocks most of the ear canal, resulting in an amplification of sounds transmitted through the skull into the ear canal. These sounds include the sound of one’s own voice, which will then sound annoyingly loud. (People of normal hearing can experience this effect by gently pressing the tragus – the cartilage next to the ear canal – in order to close off the canal, and then talking.) A CIC hearing aid extends into the bony portion of the ear canal and is custom-fitted, so it greatly reduces or eliminates this effect.
Custom fit
A CIC hearing aid is made from a mold of your ear canal, so it offers a custom fit. This is why CIC hearing aids are often very comfortable.
Cons of CIC hearing aids
Not as powerful
A CIC hearing aid must be very small to fit completely inside the ear canal. Because of this, it’s not able to amplify sound as powerfully as a larger hearing aid could. This is why CIC hearing aids are only recommended for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. For patients with more severe hearing loss, CIC hearing aids will not be powerful enough to meet their needs.
Very small batteries
Because CIC hearing aids are very small, their batteries must also be very small. This can be an issue for those with hand mobility issues such as arthritis, who may find it difficult to change the tiny batteries. Those with vision challenges may also find these batteries challenging, because it’s hard to see something so small.
Fewer features
Because CIC hearing aids are tiny, they also don’t have enough space for the electronics that would allow for certain extra features. Larger hearing aids may have certain features, like directional microphones, that simply won’t fit into a CIC hearing aid. It’s also more difficult to adjust the volume while wearing the hearing aid.
Are CIC hearing aids right for you? Talk with your Mesa Phoenix hearing doctor
If you’ve experienced hearing loss and you’re considering your hearing aid options, we strongly recommend that you seek the advice of a professional audiologist. You will need proper hearing testing in order to give you good advice about which options might work best for you. You’ll have an opportunity to ask all of your questions, and then you’ll be able to decide what type of hearing aids you prefer, based on your goals and values. If you’re in Mesa, Phoenix, or the surrounding area, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Fynes or Dr. Knighton. With many years of experience in the field, they’re both highly qualified to help you on your journey to better hearing. To schedule your appointment, use the form on the bottom of this page or call us at 480-456-0176. We’ll be happy to help you.
