Hearing aids are technological marvels that enable people with hearing loss to regain optimal function in everyday life. One of the most unobtrusive types of hearing aids is the Completely-in-Canal (CIC) device. This type of hearing aid is small and is worn completely inside the ear canal, making it virtually invisible. Despite its small size, it offers advanced technology that delivers excellent sound quality. In this blog, we take an in-depth look at the different components of a CIC hearing aid and how they work together to improve hearing.
What is a Completely-in-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aid?
A Completely-in-Canal hearing aid is one of the smallest hearing aids on the market. As the name implies, it is placed completely inside the ear canal. This makes it discreet and virtually invisible to others. CIC hearing aids are suitable for people with mild to moderately severe hearing loss. They are popular not only because of their invisibility, but also because of the natural sound quality they provide due to their proximity to the eardrum.
The Components of a CIC Hearing Aid
Despite its small size, a CIC hearing aid consists of several essential components that work together to capture, amplify and play back sounds. Below we discuss these parts in detail.
Microphone
The microphone is the part that picks up sounds from the environment. CIC hearing aids usually have one or two microphones. More advanced models have directional microphones, which can focus on specific sounds, such as speech, while reducing background noise. This helps the user better focus on conversations in noisy environments.
Amplifier
The amplifier is a crucial part of the hearing aid. After the microphone picks up the sound, this signal is sent to the amplifier. The amplifier analyzes and amplifies the sound signals. Modern CIC hearing aids are equipped with digital signal processing (DSP) technology, which allows specific frequencies to be amplified more or less, depending on the user’s hearing loss. This makes amplification personalized and optimally tailored to the user’s needs.
Sound processor
The sound processor works closely with the amplifier. It receives the digital signal from the microphone and applies various algorithms to optimize the sound. This includes noise reduction, feedback cancellation and sometimes even speech recognition. The sound processor is able to analyze the various sounds in the environment and prioritize important sounds, such as speech.
Speaker (Receiver)
The speaker, also called the receiver, converts the amplified sound into acoustic energy that is perceived by the eardrum. Because the speaker is close to the eardrum, it produces a very natural sound quality. In CIC hearing aids, the speaker is often the part most subject to wear and tear because it is constantly exposed to earwax and moisture.
Battery
Because of the limited space in a CIC hearing aid, small batteries, usually type 10 zinc-air batteries, are used. These batteries have a short life of about 3 to 7 days, depending on the use and settings of the hearing aid. Some newer models are equipped with rechargeable batteries, which is a big step forward in ease of use.
Earpiece (Shell)
The earpiece, also known as the housing, is the outer part of the hearing aid that is fully customized to fit precisely in the user’s ear canal. It is made of hypoallergenic material to prevent irritation and ensures that the hearing aid remains comfortable and secure in the ear canal.
Ventilation duct (Vent)
Although CIC hearing aids are designed to be as compact as possible, they usually have a small ventilation channel to reduce the so-called “occlusion effect,” in which the user perceives their own voice as loud and dull. This ventilation channel provides a small airflow into the ear canal, which helps to make the sound sound more natural and increase wearing comfort.
Program button or Wireless Control
Despite their small size, some CIC hearing aids have a thumbnail button to switch between different listening programs. Other modern CIC hearing aids are controlled wirelessly via a smartphone app, allowing users to easily adjust their hearing aid without removing it from the ear.
How Does a CIC Hearing Aid Work?
Now that we’ve discussed the different parts, it’s time to understand how they work together to improve hearing.
Sound Transmission
Sounds are picked up by the microphone(s) on the front of the hearing aid. These sounds can come from various sources, such as conversations, music or environmental sounds.
Reinforcement and Processing
The captured sounds are converted into digital signals and then sent to the amplifier and sound processor. Here the sounds are analyzed and adjusted based on the user’s set audiograms. Modern CIC hearing aids are able to automatically adjust amplification to different environments, such as a quiet room or a busy street.
Amplified Sound Output
After the sound is amplified and optimized, it is transmitted through the speaker to the eardrum. Because the speaker is so close to the eardrum, sound reproduction is extremely clear and precise, providing a natural listening experience.
Noise Cancellation and Feedback Cancellation
During the process of sound transmission and amplification, the hearing aid applies advanced algorithms to suppress background noise and eliminate feedback (a squeaking sound caused by leakage of amplified sound). This increases sound clarity, especially in noisy environments.
Benefits of CIC Hearing Instruments.
- Discretion: CIC hearing aids are nearly invisible, making them ideal for people who do not want to wear their hearing aids conspicuously.
- Natural Sound Quality: Placed deep in the ear canal, CIC hearing aids deliver natural sound quality due to their proximity to the eardrum.
- Personalized Fit: Since the earpiece is custom-made, a CIC hearing aid provides a comfortable and secure fit.
Disadvantages of CIC Hearing Instruments.
- Limited Functionality: Due to their small size, CIC hearing aids have less room for additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity or long battery life.
- Shorter Battery Life: The small batteries in CIC hearing aids need to be replaced more often.
- Suitability: CIC hearing aids are usually not suitable for people with severe hearing loss.
Conclusion
CIC hearing aids offer an excellent solution for people with mild to moderately severe hearing loss who value discretion and natural sound quality. Although they have some limitations in functionality and battery life, their unobtrusive design and personalized fit make them a popular choice. When choosing a CIC hearing aid, it is important to carefully consider which features best suit personal needs and lifestyle. With proper fitting and care, CIC hearing aids can offer a tremendous improvement in quality of life.
Would you like advice on whether a Completely-in-Canal hearing aid is right for you? Then make a free, no-obligation appointment with our hearing care specialists!
