{"id":69881,"date":"2024-04-04T09:54:03","date_gmt":"2024-04-04T09:54:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hearingloss.com\/?p=69881"},"modified":"2026-06-04T14:18:07","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T14:18:07","slug":"invisible-technologies-and-the-iic-invisible-in-the-canal-hearing-aids-what-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hearingloss.com\/blog\/invisible-technologies-and-the-iic-invisible-in-the-canal-hearing-aids-what-to-know","title":{"rendered":"Invisible Technologies And The IIC (Invisible-In-The-Canal) Hearing Aids: What To Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When it comes to advancements in hearing technology<\/a>, few innovations are as small but mighty as the invisible-in-the-canal hearing aid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aids and other invisible technologies tuck neatly into the ear canal, becoming virtually undetectable to anyone who isn\u2019t expressly looking for them. Aside from their cosmetic appeal, this \u201cinvisible\u201d quality goes a long way toward making the hearing aid comfortable and less disruptive to an individual\u2019s life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, you can learn more about invisible hearing aids, including how they differ from traditional hearing aids and how they are fitted in the ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is an Invisible Hearing Device?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An invisible hearing device, also known as an IIC hearing aid, is a small and discreet hearing aid that sits inside the ear canal.  As a result, it is all but invisible to the naked eye. Like traditional hearing aids, these invisible devices are made up of a microphone, a receiver, an amplifier, a sound processor, and a battery. But unlike a behind-the-ear (BTE) or receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aid, all of these components fit inside the ear instead of outside. Invisible-in-the-canal hearing aids are worn snugly in the ear canal and removed using a compact pull string.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those who don\u2019t want an IIC device, or if their ear anatomy won\u2019t accommodate it, there are also completely\u2013in\u2013the\u2013canal (CIC) hearing aids. CICs are very similar to IICs but generally do not sit as deeply within the canal. Some CIC models have a rechargeable option. A model, or impression, of the ear canal, is done in the office and shipped to the factory for customization of both the IIC and CIC hearing aids. An instant-fit CIC is also a possibility, depending on ear anatomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A subset of invisible technology, known as the Lyric hearing aid, is worn 24\/7 and purchased as a subscription.  This extended-wear treatment plan is unique and deserves its own blog space, so stay tuned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of Invisible Hearing Aids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are a number of reasons why someone may opt for IIC hearing aids. Benefits of this type of technology include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n