IIC hearing aids Mesa Phoenix Scottsdale
If you’ve recently learned that you need hearing aids, then you may have a few different options to consider. There are several different styles of hearing aids, each with its own pros and cons.
One of the newest options is invisible-in-canal, or IIC, hearing aids. Advances in technology have made it possible to fit hearing aid technology into a device so tiny that it fits entirely inside the ear canal and can’t be seen, even if someone looks into your ear.
Many of our clients are interested in IIC hearing aids, because they’re such a discreet option. While they can be great for some people, there are also some tradeoffs to consider, and they may not work well for everyone.
How are IIC hearing aids different from CIC hearing aids?
Previously, completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids were the smallest and most discreet option available. Now, IIC hearing aids have advanced on this technology, offering an even more discreet option.
Although CIC hearing aids fit entirely within the ear canal, they can still be seen if someone looks directly at the ear. However, an IIC hearing aid is even smaller, which allows it to sit deeper in the ear canal. This places the hearing aid past a natural bend in the ear canal, which hides it. Because of this, even if someone is looking directly at your ear, they still won’t be able to see an IIC hearing aid.
Most people who choose IIC hearing aids do so because of their cosmetic benefits. They’re interested in functioning as normally as possible in their daily lives, without anyone knowing that they’re wearing hearing aids. An IIC hearing aid offers maximal discretion.
IIC hearing aids are also extremely comfortable. In order to fit IIC hearing aids, laser scanning of the ear canal is used. Based on this scan, a hearing aid shell that’s perfectly fitted to the individual’s ear canal is then created, using 3D printing technology. Because of this custom fit and their tiny size, IIC hearing aids are very comfortable. In fact, many people find this to be the most comfortable style of hearing aid. Although CIC hearing aids are also very comfortable, IIC hearing aids offer a further improvement.
How are IIC hearing aids similar to CIC hearing aids?
Although IIC hearing aids are smaller and more discreet than CIC hearing aids are, the two styles are similar in many ways.
Both types can only be used for mild to moderate hearing loss, because they have a limited ability to amplify sounds. Even though technology has advanced, there’s still only so much amplification that can be packed into such a tiny device. As a result, both IIC and CIC hearing aids will only work well for people who have mild to moderate hearing loss, meaning that they only need a relatively small degree of amplification. Those who have moderate to severe hearing loss will generally need to choose a larger style in order to get enough amplification to have good hearing function.
Similarly, because both IIC and CIC hearing aids are so small, there’s just not room to add in some of the more advanced features that larger hearing aids may have. For example, while larger devices may have directional microphones that help to preferentially amplify sounds coming from in front of you (where someone you’re talking with is likely to be), IIC and CIC hearing aids generally can’t do this. CIC hearing aids are a little bit larger, which allows them to fit a few more features than IIC hearing aids, although they’re still fairly limited in many ways. There’s generally a tradeoff between hearing aid size and the presence of more advanced features, and you’ll have to decide what’s more important to you.
In addition, because both IIC and CIC hearing aids are so tiny, they can be difficult to handle, and so they require good manual dexterity. For those who have challenges with their hand mobility (such as arthritis), it may be impossible to manage either type. Because IIC hearing aids are so small, they’re especially challenging for those with hand mobility issues. Even those who have good hand function will still have a bit of a learning curve with these devices, but they can generally learn to manage them well.
IIC hearing aids Mesa Phoenix Scottsdale
IIC hearing aids represent a major advancement in technology, allowing them to be even more discreet than CIC hearing aids. For some people, discretion is a main priority, and having a hearing aid that’s impossible to see is important. However, for others, IIC hearing aids won’t offer the features that they prefer or the degree of hearing amplification that they need.
Our expert audiologists will be happy to discuss your various hearing aid options with you, and make recommendations about which type is most likely to meet your needs. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Cassandra Fynes or Roger Knighton, please contact our front desk.