Invisible hearing aids do exist. Known as IICs, or invisible-in-the-canal hearing aids, they sit deep inside the ear canal with nothing behind the ear. How well they are hidden depends on the shape of your ear and the size of the finished aid.
We have many happy clients using IICs at Alto. Before recommending one, we check whether it can fit comfortably and provide the amplification you need.
Adam’s original video
Adam’s video accompanied the original article in October 2024. Battery, wireless and sound-processing options vary between current models, so the feature restrictions in the recording do not apply to every small in-ear aid. The updated advice below explains the differences. The video and transcript are unchanged.
IIC and CIC hearing aids
A CIC, or completely-in-the-canal hearing aid, usually sits closer to the entrance than an IIC. Both leave the space behind your ear free, but they can look quite different when worn.
The words “invisible” and “discreet” are used for several in-ear styles. A rechargeable CIC advertised as discreet may still be visible from the side. Our custom in-the-ear hearing aids guide explains the other styles, including larger designs with more room for controls and features.
Will an invisible hearing aid fit my ear?
A narrow or sharply bending ear canal can leave too little room for an IIC. The shell has to accommodate the hearing-aid components and any vent while remaining comfortable. Your hearing loss may also require more power than a particular IIC can provide.
You need to be able to put the aid in and take it out each day. Tiny batteries and wax filters can be difficult to manage with stiff fingers or poor eyesight. A larger rechargeable custom aid can be easier to hold and removes the need to change tiny batteries, though cleaning and filter changes may still need help. Our guide to choosing hearing aids with arthritis or poor eyesight covers these practical tasks.
Your own voice and a blocked feeling
Your own voice can sound boomy or blocked when an aid closes the ear canal. This is called occlusion. A sufficiently deep fitting can reduce it, while the vent lets air and sound pass through the shell. The depth and venting have to suit your ear and the amplification you need.
Where an open fitting suits your hearing loss, a small receiver-in-canal aid is another option. It has a case behind the ear and a thin wire leading to the earpiece.
Rechargeable and Bluetooth in-ear hearing aids
Rechargeable in-ear hearing aids are available, but the exact style needs checking. In Starkey’s Signature Series, for example, the rechargeable option is a CIC. Its IIC is a separate model that uses disposable batteries.
Some rechargeable in-ear hearing aids can stream calls and music over Bluetooth. App control is a separate function, as our hearing aid phone compatibility guide explains.
Hearing in background noise
Some IICs use AI-based processing for speech and noise.
An aid with two microphones may offer directional microphone features that a particular IIC lacks. These can help emphasise speech from one direction. We compare the microphone system, sound processing and compatible accessories when conversation in noise is difficult.
Read the original video transcript
Invisible hearing aids, do they exist? Yes.
Are they right for you? Maybe.
So, we get a lot of people coming into our clinic asking about invisible hearing aids, commonly known as IICs or invisible in the canal.
You know the ones where they’re advertised on the end of people’s fingers.
So small, absolutely teeny, tiny things that go right down your ear canal.
I’m going to make this quick. These types
of hearing aids have been around a long time,
and if you want a completely invisible solution with nothing behind your ear, then, bar devices that have to be inserted and removed by a clinician, these are an excellent option.
Nearly always though, we have to caveat this with a few things.
One, these devices are designed to fit deep inside your ear canal, and you still have to fit into that device a battery, microphones, a processor, and a receiver, so they require ear canals big enough.
If your ear canal is too narrow or too small, these are a no go from the start.
So, when looking at these, be prepared, your ears might not be right for them.
Two, with hearing loss, most people have better hearing in their low frequencies and hearing loss in their higher frequencies. Not always, but most of the time anyway.
This is why open fit receiver in the canal hearing aids work so well. As they’re open, we’re able to easily adjust the type of coupling at the end of the speaker, so we can mix in natural sound with amplification.
With any in the ear device, even if you vent it, it’s still plugging up your ear, and so we have to amplify for your hearing loss and the blockage it’s creating too.
It can lead to your head sounding like it’s in a bucket.
This is called occlusion. It’s not always a massive issue as there are things we can try and do to mitigate it, but it’s something to be aware of as the sound is not the same.
Three, modern day hearing aids have features that are absolutely awesome and make such a difference.
Things like advanced directional microphones support you in difficult noisy environments.
You’ve also got things like wireless connectivity and rechargeable hearing aids, which make them so much more convenient.
With IICs, you miss out on all of those features and you’ll likely be paying the same amount for the devices.
IICs only have one microphone and make use of the natural directionality of the pinner, but there’s no inter ear communication or anything like that, so whilst they will still sound good, you aren’t getting the full feature set.
They’re too small to house any wireless chip or rechargeable option, so you’ll need to use a size 10 battery which can be a little bit tricky if you’ve got poor dexterity as they are very, very tiny. Anyway, so it’s just worth bearing this in mind.
We’ve got plenty of very, very happy customers with IICs, but when you choose to go down that route you’re nearly always making some sort of compromise.
If them not being seen as absolutely vital, even though behind the ear options are very inconspicuous these days, then these are decent options.
It’s all about making a fully informed decision.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the different types of hearing devices, or would like to speak to one of our clinicians about how we can help you, we’ve got clinics in Kenilworth, Warwickshire and Lutterworth, Leicestershire.
Give us a call on on 0800 246 1901.
If discretion matters, compare options within Alto’s hearing aid treatment plans so fit, performance and aftercare are considered together.
Interested in invisible hearing aids?
At a Complete Hearing Assessment, we check your ear health and measure your hearing. We also discuss the conversations you want to hear better. If you need hearing aids, we can explain whether an IIC would suit your ears and hearing loss.