CIC or Completely-in-Canal hearing aids are the smallest of all types of hearing aids - so small, in fact, that they are nearly invisible. They custom-fitted for the ear canal of the user, and are perfect for people suffering from mild to moderate hearing loss.
A Quick Look at the Best CIC Hearing Aids
Our top picks:
- Nano CIC Rechargeable Hearing Aids
- Audicus Aura
- Starkey Picasso Invisible
- Eargo Neo Hifi
- Phonak Lyric
1. Nano CIC Rechargeable
The Nano CIC Rechargeable hearing aid is one of the top completely-in-canal hearing aids on the market. This hearing aid is fully rechargeable, saving you money on battery costs. It comes complete with a charging base, charging plug, and USB cords. This hearing aid is virtually invisible, and is designed to fit the ear canal of the user perfectly, making it unnoticeable to others.
The Nano CIC hearing aids are also easy to use, and provide a natural sound experience. They are susceptible to less feedback and noise interference than other hearing aids. They also come with active noise reductions, and work great for mild to moderately severe hearing loss problems.
Key Features:- Small in Size
- Virtually Invisible Design
- Easy to Use
- Custom-Fit
- Natural Sound Experience
- Active Noise Reduction
2. Audicus Aura
The Audicus Aura hearing aid is shaped ergonomically to provide a comfortable fit. They work well for people that are suffering from mild to moderate hearing loss, and provide a natural sound experience. They are small in size and easy to use.
Key Features:
- Ergonomically Shaped
- Comfortable Fit
- Natural Sound
- Easy to Use
- Small in Size
3. Starkey Picasso Invisible
This CIC hearing aid fits comfortably in the ear canal’s second bend, as it is customized to fit the anatomy of the ear. It is almost invisible to most people.
This hearing aid’s feedback cancellation system is one of the best, as it provides distortion-free hearing and zero feedback. However, they come with tiny batteries that require charging quite often.
Key Features:
- Almost Invisible
- Zero Feedback
- Distortion-Free Sound
- Custom-Fit
- Provides Tinnitus Relief
4. Eargo Neo HiFi
You can only get these CIC hearing aids in pairs. They work great for those suffering from mild to moderate hearing loss and they come with rechargeable batteries.
Rather than sitting in the ear canal, they are designed to float in that area, which helps reduce wax build-up in the hearing aid. It also makes them comfortable to wear. The Eargo Neo HiFi hearing aids come with four different sound profiles.
Key Features:
- Floating Design
- Comfortable to Wear
- Four Different Sound Profiles
- Resists Wax Build-Up
- Rechargeable Batteries
5. Phonak Lyric
The Phonak Lyric hearing aids are best-known for their tinnitus relief features. This CIC hearing aid comes with a very clear and natural sound experience. You will also experience little to no feedback. They work great for mild to moderate hearing loss problems. They are small in size and fit in the ear canal comfortably.
Key Features:
- Small in Size
- Comfortable Fit
- Clear and Natural Sound
- Little to No Feedback
- Provides Tinnitus Relief
Things to Look for While Getting CIC Hearing Aids
When you are looking to purchase the best CIC hearing aids on the market, there are a few things that you will need to look for. Make sure the CIC hearing aid you are getting comes with these features:
Natural Sound Experience
The best CIC hearing aids provide users with a natural sound experience. As nothing obstructs the outer ear of the users, sounds get collected in the outer ear before going towards the receiver of the hearing aids, enabling them to interact with the eardrum naturally.
Also, CIC hearing aids help the user understand where the sound is coming from. The outer ear remains unhindered, as these hearing aids sit far down the ear canal. The best CIC hearing aids won't obstruct directionality of the sound.
Almost Invisible
CIC hearing aids are almost invisible, as they are very small. The best CIC hearing aids will be highly discreet in design and will be practically invisible. You will be able to wear them without having to worry about your hearing aids being seen by the people around you.
Custom-Fit
CIC hearing aids are custom-made. They sit in the ear naturally, as they are customized specifically for the ear canal of the wearer. As a result, they provide a high level of comfort to the wearer.
Less Feedback and Noise Interference
The best CIC hearing aids are less susceptible to feedback and other noise interference, like wind noise.
Easy to Use with Other Devices
As the CIC hearing aids are small in size, you will find that you can easily use other devices such as your phone while wearing them. You will also be able to wear headphones easily.
Final Words
If you are suffering from hearing loss and your audiologist has prescribed you hearing aids, consider getting CIC hearing aids if they meet your needs and preferences. CIC hearing aids are highly effective, as they provide a natural and clear sound experience. And, if you are worried about being seen with hearing aids by the people around you, CIC hearing aids provide a level of invisibility, while being comfortable to wear.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How much does a CIC hearing aid cost?
Ans: Hearing aids that fit completely in the canal (CIC) are the smallest on the market. They are completely contained within the ear canal and range in price from $150 to more than $5,000.
Q: How long do CIC hearing aids last?
Ans: Most hearing aids have a five to seven-year lifespan. Because it is constantly exposed to a hostile environment, the life expectancy of a completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aid is slightly lower than that of other styles.