This January, we’re updating and republishing some of our most popular blogs from the past three years. This one, from June 22nd, 2016, answers an often-asked question.
Starkey Hearing Technologies has been building custom hearing aids—the kind that fit inside your ear rather than behind it—for decades. In fact, we are the largest manufacturer of custom hearing aids in the world. This expertise led us to create the Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC) hearing aid in 2010. We were the first hearing aid manufacturer to bring this popular hearing aid style to market. Designed to be worn deep inside the ear canal, the small size and discrete positioning allows the hearing aid to remain virtually undetected.
In addition to its small size and invisibility, there are many benefits to this style of hearing aid. First, the microphone sits deep inside the ear, preserving the natural resonance of the ear canal and retaining the localization abilities of the pinna. The position in the ear also allows a telephone to be held against the ear easily and comfortably.
Its small size, cosmetic appeal, and superior performance make the IIC a popular choice with hearing aid wearers everywhere.
The IIC is popular, but isn’t always right for everyone.
But not all hearing aid styles work well for all hearing losses, and the Invisible-in-the-Canal is no different. Because of how it fits in the ear, the size and shape of your ear canal may prevent candidacy. Its small size can also be challenging for people with dexterity issues.
And because it is so small, the receiver, too, is small and doesn’t generate as much power as Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids do: sometimes, people with severe to profound hearing loss require more power to correct their loss.
A hearing healthcare professional can help you decide.
This is one more reason why it’s important to see a licensed hearing healthcare professional.
Hearing professionals have the training and equipment necessary to inspect your ear, take impressions, determine the degree and type of hearing loss you have, and prescribe hearing solutions to fit your unique hearing and lifestyle needs.
Purchasing hearing aids is an investment essential for improving quality of life, communicating with loved ones, and fulfilling occupational requirements. Working with a licensed hearing professional who will provide fitting expertise and comprehensive follow up care will help ensure success with your hearing aids, whether it’s a BTE or an IIC.
If you think you may be experiencing hearing loss and are ready to treat it, take our online hearing test or visit a hearing professional in your area for a comprehensive hearing evaluation. To find one, click here.
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