Thirty-five million people in the United States suffer from hearing loss, which is equivalent to 11.3% of the total U.S. population. Of these, 25 million do not use hearing aids. Only 28.5% of people with hearing loss use hearing aids. This article describes one type of hearing aid, the completely in canal (CIC) hearing aids.

What is CIC hearing aids?

The Completely In-Canal (CIC) hearing aid is a customized, covert hearing aid that sits completely in the ear canal, specifically designed for the unique anatomy of the ear. It is suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. The Completely In-Canal (CIC) and Invisible In-Canal (IIC) hearing aids are the smallest, most covert hearing aids on the market. CIC stands for completely-in-the-canal hearing aids, while ITC stands simply for in-the-canal hearing aids. The difference is that CIC hearing aids are the smallest and least obtrusive because they are almost completely hidden in the ear canal.

How CIC Hearing Aids Work?

Hearing aids contain the following accessories:

The microphone picks up sound from the environment, converts it into electrical signals and sends these signals to an amplifier.

An amplifier, which enhances the sound waves and sends them to a digital signal processor.

A digital signal processor (DSP), which is used to process sound to provide more comfortable sound and clearer speech.

A receiver or speaker that receives sound from the DSP and emits it into the ear canal.

Most models have four different technology levels for each style: basic, entry, intermediate and advanced. Depending on the technology level, CIC hearing aids come with features such as background noise reduction, volume control, pickup coils and a variety of programs, including programs for tinnitus symptoms.

What is Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) hearing aids features?

  • Complete In-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aid Features:
  • Located completely in your ear canal, they won't tangle or fall out ;
  • when wearing or removing the mouthpiece;
  • Virtually unnoticeable being worn;
  • Suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss;
  • Curved detachable handle antenna helps fit more discreetly in your ear.

The pros and cos of CIC hearing aids?

1.The pros of CIC hearing aids：

  • Nearly visible

If you prefer a hearing aid that no one else can see, a hearing aid with a completely-in-the-canal design is the ultimate choice.The greatest appeal of the CIC hearing aid is that it is virtually invisible. The greatest appeal of the CIC hearing aid is that it is virtually invisible.The CIC hearing aid is lightweight, customized to fit your ear, and so comfortable to hold in place that you may even forget that you're wearing it. The CIC hearing aid is so comfortable to hold in place that you may even forget that you're wearing it. The CIC hearing aid is so comfortable to use that it is virtually invisible.

  • Natural Sounds

These hearing aids are placed in the ear canal and do not interfere with the ear's natural ability to block wind and funnel sounds. 

  • Natural ears block wind and funnel sound

The outer ear and ear canal help deliver sound to the eardrum. Since CIC hearing aids are located inside the ear canal, they do not interfere with this function. The outer ear continues to function as usual, carrying sound into the ear canal. The ear canal also helps block the wind from the hearing aid so that it does not interfere with sound detection.

  • Reduce the occlusion effect

Some hearing aids can block much of the ear canal, which can increase spontaneous sounds such as chewing or speaking. This is also known as the "talking-in-a-barrel" effect and is an annoying phenomenon that can occur with other types of hearing aids.CIC hearing aids are custom designed to minimize this effect by extending the hearing aid into the bony portion of the ear canal.

  • Customized fit

CIC hearing aids are molded to fit your ear canal, so they provide a custom fit. That's why CIC hearing aids are often very comfortable.

2. The cos of CIC hearing aids:

  • Less power

Due to the reduced space, the small design of the CIC hearing aid means that it doesn't amplify sound as much as larger devices. This makes it less suitable for those with more severe hearing loss.

  • Fewer features

Because CIC hearing aids are small, they also don't have enough room for electronic devices to perform certain additional functions. Larger hearing aids may have features, such as directional microphones, that are simply not appropriate for CIC hearing aids. It is also more difficult to adjust the volume while wearing the hearing aid.

  • Not as powerful

A CIC hearing aid very small. Therefore, they cannot amplify sound as powerfully as larger hearing aids. This is why CIC hearing aids are only recommended for people 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.

Conclusion:

The Complete Canal Hearing Aid is for mild to moderate hearing loss. It is worn completely inside the ear canal and is virtually invisible from the outside. For many people, complete in-canal (CIC) hearing aids are a very attractive idea because they are virtually invisible to all but the closest observer. While they can be a good option for some people, they are not suitable for everyone.