People with mild to moderate hearing problems are candidates for completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids – the smallest of the hearing aid alternatives currently available. CIC hearing aids are different than other devices due to their size, custom fit and location in the ear canal. CIC hearing aids offer several pros for the wearer, as well as a couple of cons that you should be aware of before getting one.

Advantages – This type of hearing aid is small and comfortable, which provides both cosmetic and listening benefits to the wearer.Because of their small size, it’s difficult for others to notice a CIC without looking for it and it works automatically without extra knobs and buttons to control. They may be more comfortable to wear due to their custom fitting. A few completely-in-canal hearing aid models can also be worn for extended periods of time, up to several months in most cases, so you won’t be inconvenienced by having to remember to take out your device when showering or sleeping. Hearing aid models that must be removed daily have a convenient pull-out string that lies inconspicuously outside the ear. It generally doesn’t get in the way of the telephone receiver and, because it is housed inside your ear canal, your outer ear is able to keep out wind noise. What’s more, your ear’s natural anatomy guides sounds into the device, improving the quality of the sound.

Disadvantages – Because the CIC hearing aids are small, they are generally less powerful and go through batteries faster than larger ones. They are generally the more expensive option because they are custom fitted to the wearer’s ear. You will also be limited to omnidirectional sound, meaning you will experience all sound as if it’s right in front of you. Moreover, CICs are not powerful enough for people with major hearing loss.