Benefits of Completely-in-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids

Completely-in-Canal (CIC) hearing aids have revolutionized the landscape of hearing aids by offering a discreet and comfortable option for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. These small devices sit within the ear canal, making them virtually invisible and, therefore, an ideal choice for those who value discretion and prefer people to focus on them—not their hearing loss.

While the near-invisibility of CIC hearing aids is an obvious benefit, it’s not the only reason they’re a popular choice for people looking to improve their hearing and quality of life.

What Are Completely-in-Canal Hearing Aids?

Completely-in-Canal (CIC) hearing aids are small hearing aids that fit entirely inside the ear canal's unique shape. They are the smallest hearing aids on the market and virtually undetectable, making them a discreet option for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Who Might Benefit from CIC Hearing Aids?

CIC hearing aids are a great option for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss who value discretion and comfort. They work well for people with an active lifestyle, especially those who do activities that involve wearing hats, sunglasses, or headphones since CIC hearing aids don’t interfere with these accessories. 

Benefits of CIC Hearing Aids

Completely-in-Canal (CIC) hearing aids offer a range of benefits for individuals with hearing loss. A few of the key features that make CIC hearing aids a popular option include:

• Discreet Appearance: CIC hearing aids are almost completely undetectable when worn. They sit deep inside the ear canal and are so small that most people never notice them. This discretion allows users to manage their hearing loss without drawing attention to their hearing aids.

• Custom-Fit: Some CIC hearing aids are custom-molded to fit the unique contours of the wearer’s ear canal. This ensures a snug and comfortable fit, reducing the chances of discomfort or irritation. Thanks to modern technology, however, there are also over-the-counter CIC hearing aids that don’t require an audiologist to take a silicone earmold impression to create the hearing aid.

• Natural Sound Quality: Because CIC hearing aids sit inside the ear canal, sound is delivered close to the eardrum, mimicking the natural way the ear processes sound, providing an authentic, true-to-life sound quality.

• Reduced Wind Noise: The placement deep in the ear canal naturally reduces the amplification from wind, enhancing the sounds the user actually wants to hear.
  
  
• Comfort and Convenience: CIC hearing aids are comfortable to wear, and their small size means they are less likely to interfere with glasses, hats, or headphones.

Are There Rechargeable CIC Hearing Aids?

Many CIC hearing aids, including Eargo hearing aids, come with built-in rechargeable batteries, eliminating the need for traditional disposable batteries. This is not only cost-effective since it eliminates the need for constant battery replacement but also reduces the environmental impact of disposable batteries. Plus, as long as the user is diligent about charging them (most people charge them overnight while sleeping), they won’t have to worry about the batteries running out unexpectedly.

Rechargeable CIC hearing aids typically come with a charging case that allows users to easily recharge their devices when not in use. The charging case is compact and portable, making it convenient for users to carry it (and in the case of Eargos, charge the battery) while on the go. Thanks to advancements in battery technology, rechargeable CIC hearing aids offer extended battery life, ensuring that users can enjoy continuous and reliable hearing assistance throughout the day without the hassle of constantly changing batteries. 

What Makes Eargo CIC Hearing Aids Unique?

Eargo CIC hearing aids come with all of the technology and support of the traditional hearing aids at a more affordable price, but that’s not the only thing that makes them stand out in the market.

Eargo hearing aids are “designed to be heard, not seen,” and the innovative design means a custom fit (and a visit to the doctor’s office for a fitting) aren’t necessary. Whereas many CIC hearing aids require an appointment with an audiologist who then creates a custom mold of the ear canal that is then sent to the hearing aid manufacturer (a process that can take up to five or six weeks), with Eargo hearing aids custom ear impressions and remakes aren’t necessary. Eargo hearing devices are manufactured to be as small as possible and have patented, interchangeable silicone tips that mold and curve to various canal shapes and sizes to provide a comfortable fit. You can also tailor your hearing device’s settings to your unique hearing needs using the Eargo mobile app on your phone. 

Eargo CIC hearing aids are also fully rechargeable, with a battery that lasts up to 16 hours on a single charge, and a portable charging case that provides up to two days of on-the-go charging. 

Finally, should you ever have any questions, Eargo has lifetime support so that you can speak with a hearing professional from the comfort of your home. 

Learn more about how Eargo CIC hearing aids are different from traditional CIC hearing aids here.