Hearing aids now come in a variety of discreet options with tremendous capabilities. If you’re buying hearing aids for the first time or looking to upgrade your current device, you’re probably wondering which kind it best.
Many patients inquire about Invisible in the Canal (IIC) hearing aids since they are the most discrete of all available styles. At House of Hearing, we’ll always recommend the right hearing aid for your individual needs.
Let’s take a look at what makes IIC hearing aids differ from other models and whether they’re right for you.
How Invisible in the Canal (IIC) Hearing Aids Work
Invisible in the Canal Hearing Aids are inside-the-ear devices that fit completely inside the ear canal. These aids are custom-made to fit the shape of your individual ear.
Your hearing care professional will use an earmold to create a device that sits deep inside your ear canal, making it virtually undetectable. These are the smallest hearing aids available and are great for those with mild or moderate hearing loss.
However, there are several types of discreet hearing aids in addition to these models.
How IIC Hearing Aids Differ From Other Devices
Since IIC devices are housed completely in the ear, there isn’t room for super-powerful speakers. An alternate solution is an In-the-Canal (ITC) or Completely-in-Canal (CIC) device that offers more sound control options.
Other small devices include Receiver-in-Ear (RIE) and Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids. Unlike IIC, RIE aids have a small casing that holds the electronic components positioned outside the ear.
The receiver sits inside the ear where a tube transmits sound. BTE devices are also quite discreet and are worn outside the ear, except for a small tube that sends sound into your ear canal for enhanced amplification.
BTE devices don’t close off the ear completely, so they provide the most natural sound.
Are IIC Hearing Aids Right for You?
If discretion is important to you, you’ll be glad to know that most hearing aids are so small that others won’t see them. The best style for you is determined in part by the severity of your hearing loss.
Typically, IIC devices work best for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. ITC, CIC, and RIE aids work well for several hearing loss levels, and BTE devices are recommended for profound hearing loss since they provide the most amplification.
Also, we look at each patient’s typical environment, for example, a noisy workplace versus a quiet home. Features like digital noise reduction or advanced signal processing vary in importance for different wearers.
And hearing aids are also a matter of personal preference. Several devices come in multiple sizes, shapes, and colors so that you can find the perfect one for you.
The team at House of Hearing loves pairing people with the perfect solution. Don’t order a hearing aid online or buy one off the shelf since the fit, settings, and features play a huge role in your hearing quality.
A hearing aid in a store labeled IIC is not accurate since these must be custom-made. If you or a loved one is interested in IIC hearing aids, or would like to find out more about the options we offer, contact us today or schedule a tele audiology appointment at your convenience.
