There are many hearing aids to choose from, but it’s important you select one to suit your individual needs, should you ever need one. Today, we are going to be covering the ‘Invisible in the canal’ (IIC) hearing aid and go through both its positives and negatives.
IIC hearing aids are the smallest and most discreet hearing aid on the market. They are manufactured by taking ear impressions so that they fit entirely into your ear canal. This is what gives them the name ‘invisible’, as they are completely hidden. Because of their size, IIC hearing aids power with a size 10 battery – the smallest hearing aid battery.
There are both advantages and disadvantages to this type of aid. One of the first main advantages of this hearing aid is the fact that it is virtually invisible, this is important to people who may not want people to see that they use a hearing aid. IIC hearing aids are also known for their ease of use when using a telephone, which makes them very practical. On top of this, the position of the microphone within the hearing aid is very good.
Invisible in the canal (IIC)
This is the smallest hearing aid on the market. These are extremely discreet and are fitted deep within the ear canal, some models stay in the ear canal for a few months at a time. Other devices can be removed yourself daily but may have limited features due to its size.What type of hearing loss is this suitable for?Mild to moderate hearing loss.
Featured IIC Hearing Aid:
The Phonak Virto B-Titanium is a prime example of an Invisible in the canal hearing aid. The size and shape of the aid mean that the device will rest inside of the ear, earning it the phrase of ‘invisible’. The B-Titanium has two different models, get in touch with us for more information on this particular hearing aid.
However, there are some downsides to using this particular type of hearing aid. One of its main disadvantages is its battery size. As IICs are so small, they can only last around 3-5 days, which is not a long time in comparison to other hearing aids that we at Otec offer. Another downside to their size is that they are not suitable for those who suffer from manual dexterity issues. IIC aids are also not the greatest in situations with lots of background noise, which is not ideal for a user when they’re in public places. On top of this, IIC hearing aids have been known to be more susceptible to failure as a result of moisture and wax in the ear canal, which blocks the microphones.
Despite some of its problems, an IIC hearing aid can still be a strong choice depending on the users preferences and lifestyle. Are you unsure if this particular hearing aid could be the right choice for you? At Otec Hearing, we ensure that if you require a hearing aid, you are given one that suits your individual needs. Get in contact with us for more information on hearing aids by calling us on 01522 305400.
