By David Bryce on 30th June 2016

Invisible hearing aids have been around for a long time, they have had a resurgence in the last few years and many of the manufacturers offer them in their portfolio of products. Starkey Hearing Technologies has been building custom hearing aids for decades. In fact, they might be the largest manufacturer of custom hearing aids in the world. They are famed for the fit of their custom hearing devices. They were the first to bring an Invisible-In-the-Canal (IIC) hearing aid to the market in 2010. The SoundLens was designed to be worn deep inside the ear canal, the small size and discrete positioning allowed the hearing aid to remain virtually undetected. 

There are benefits over and above discretion, the placement of the microphone deep inside the ear preserves the natural resonance of the ear canal and the localization effects of the pinna (outer ear). The position in the ear also allows a telephone to be held against the ear easily and comfortably. The small size, cosmetic appeal, and superior performance make  IICs a popular choice with hearing aid wearers everywhere.

The IIC is popular but isn’t always right for everyone.

As we said, it is a popular device but it isn't for everyone and here is why. The size and shape of your ear canal may prevent you wearing one because of how the IIC fits in the ear. Your ear canal needs to be a certain size and shape for the device to be built. This is usually measured using a special tool in clinic by the hearing aid audiologist.

Your dexterity is also an issue we need to consider, the size off IICs can also be challenging for people with dexterity issues. They will find it hard to manipulate and changing the batteries could be really difficult.  It also might not be powerful enough for your hearing loss, the IIC’s small receiver doesn’t generate as much power as larger custom hearing aids or Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids. More severe hearing loss needs more power to improve their loss.

Quality of life is important

We sometimes meet people who are aware of the limitations of these type of devices but still want to try them. Hearing aids are designed to improve the quality of life of a person, allowing them to communicate better and enjoy a fuller and more satisfying social life. There is no point in purchasing hearing aids that are cosmetically acceptable that don't deliver on the things you need.

If you have any questions about the IIC or any type of hearing aids, give us a call on 01224 637255 or book your appointment online now.