The acronym CIC stands for Completely-in-Canal. This device is characterized by its small size and placement, fitting entirely within the ear canal opening. The primary appeal of a CIC hearing aid is its low visibility, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking a discreet way to manage mild to moderate hearing loss. It is designed to sit snugly and securely within the first bend of the ear canal.
Defining the Completely-in-Canal Design
CIC hearing aids are custom-molded devices, meaning they are built from an impression taken of the ear canal to ensure a precise and comfortable fit. This custom shell houses all the necessary technological components, including the microphone, amplifier, and receiver (speaker).
The microphone is typically positioned near the entrance of the ear canal, but the main body of the aid is concealed inside. For removal, a small, inconspicuous plastic cord or filament is attached to the faceplate, which is the only part that may be slightly visible upon close inspection.
How Placement Affects Sound and Function
The deep placement of the CIC device within the ear canal offers distinct acoustic advantages by utilizing the ear’s natural anatomy. The outer ear, known as the pinna and concha, acts as a natural sound collector and amplifier, funnelling sound waves toward the ear canal. By placing the microphone deep inside, the CIC device is able to capture sounds after they have been naturally processed by the outer ear structures.
This positioning also helps the wearer with sound localization. Furthermore, the in-canal location provides a degree of protection from wind noise, as the outer ear shields the microphone. A custom-fit CIC is also designed to reduce the “occlusion effect,” which is the plugged-up feeling and amplified sound of one’s own voice that can occur when the ear canal is blocked.
Practical Trade-offs: Size Versus Features
The small size that grants the CIC its high level of discretion also introduces certain trade-offs in functionality and user experience. Due to the limited space within the tiny shell, CIC hearing aids typically use the smallest hearing aid battery size, often a size 10. This results in a shorter battery life compared to larger models, requiring more frequent battery changes.
The compact design also severely restricts the inclusion of advanced features that require more physical space. For example, many CIC models cannot accommodate directional microphone arrays or larger components like telecoils. Users may also find that manual controls, such as volume wheels or program buttons, are too small or completely absent, making adjustments more difficult.
CIC vs. Its Closest Counterparts
The CIC style is often compared to the Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) and the In-The-Canal (ITC) models. The IIC device is smaller and designed to sit even deeper, past the second bend of the ear canal, making it virtually undetectable by others. However, the IIC’s extreme miniaturization means it has even fewer features and is often more susceptible to earwax buildup.
The In-The-Canal (ITC) style, conversely, is slightly larger than the CIC, extending further out into the lower portion of the outer ear bowl. This increased size allows the ITC to house a larger battery, which extends the battery life. The ITC can also more readily accommodate extra features like directional microphones and manual volume controls, offering a better balance between discretion and functionality.