What Are Invisible-in-canal (IIC) Hearing Aids?

There are quite a few types of hearing aids on the market these days, ranging in styles, sizes and even colors, as well as with various features and strengths, all designed to help restore your hearing, depending on the severity and type of your hearing loss. 

Hearing aids, while once analog, have gone digital and depending on the type of hearing aid you use, you may find that your hearing is restored to a level you never thought possible. New technologies have allowed hearing aids to do wonderful things in restoring the hearing in many patients. While a hearing aid will never fully restore hearing to full capacity, models on today’s market come really close. 

One of the more popular types of hearing aids is the invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aids. One of the main three types of hearing aids, the IIC is very popular among patients with hearing loss, for a variety of reasons, including comfort, accessibility, aesthetics and efficiency. Let’s explore some of those. 

For starters, the IIC hearing aid offers invisibility for the wearer. Because it’s a very small device that fits inside the ear canal, it’s virtually undetectable when hidden behind the hair. Even for those with shorter hair, it’s hard to notice the IIC because it’s so small and hidden within the ear canal. For many, visible and bulky hearing aids cause embarrassment and make them feel self-conscious. IIC hearing aids don’t draw focus away, allowing the person to feel that you’re looking at them, not their hearing device.

This can be important to individuals depending on the factors they are looking for in a hearing aid. You can also choose various styles and colors to make you feel good about the instances when they are detected. Being able to customize the devices is seen as a bonus to many. 

Another, arguably more important positive is that the IIC hearing aid is incredibly effective, amplifying the hearing in those with diminished hearing to great levels. 

While behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids provide the most amplification, an argument can be made for IIC devices, which provide great amplification inside the canal for those with mild-to- moderate hearing loss. They work to restore various frequencies and decibels and amplify all these sounds effectively. While they don’t have huge speakers, they do a pretty good job for such a small device.

Because these are custom-fitted for inside your ear, they are a lot more comfortable and less bulky, without the risk of falling out or becoming dislodged. They provide a close facsimile to the amplification that BTE provides, but in a more discreet and comfortable manner. Many patients find this to be a huge plus. 

As with any hearing aid, you’ll have an adjustment period where you get used to wearing the device. You’ll learn to distinguish the sounds you hear, isolate speech and will become comfortable with the device in no time. Hearing aids are largely very comfortable and easy to adapt to. For many, they are considered a huge source of support and can greatly improve quality of life. 

For many who are considering hearing aids, affordability is a concern. They may worry that their insurance won’t cover the device or that it will be very expensive to replace in the case of loss or damage. Speak to your hearing instrument specialist about your needs and concerns, allowing them to help you find an affordable hearing aid that suits your needs. In some cases, payment plans or other types of financial assistance may be available. 

If you’ve decided that an IIC hearing aid is right for you, your first step is to contact your hearing instrument specialist to arrange an appointment. Once there, they will administer a hearing test, which only lasts about thirty minutes and is totally pain-free. This test will determine the severity and type of hearing loss you experience. From there, they’ll go over the different types and styles of hearing aids that are right for you, most likely including the IIC device and others. Together you’ll choose the best hearing aid for you.  Learn more about the IIC as well as other types of hearing aids and treatments for diminished hearing, by calling a reputable hearing instrument specialist like Hearing Well Matters at (647) 247-2704, to schedule an appointment or simply ask a few questions. Your ears will thank you for it.