How do invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aids work?
Like all hearing aids, the invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aid is built of 5 core components. They are:
- one or two microphones (the IIC has only one microphone)
- an amplifier (makes sound louder)
- a microchip (also otherwise known as a signal processor)
- a loudspeaker
- a battery.
The IIC receives sound as it naturally enters the ear canal and is then able to amplify it towards the eardrum. The fact that it is deeply situated within your ear canal means that it is placed closer to your eardrum than other hearing aids. The IIC is usually fitted with a removal line to help with insertion and removal from your ear.
The IIC is suitable for those with mild to moderately severe hearing loss.
Advantages of an invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aid
There are several in-the-ear hearing aids, but the IIC hearing aids are by far the smallest. They fit comfortably and deeply within your ear canal. Due to its location, the IIC is discreet and virtually undetectable. This makes it harder for others to see that you are wearing a hearing aid while still providing you with a hearing solution that will give you a noticeable improvement.
For a healthy, active lifestyle
The IIC hearing aid is a fantastic choice for those who lead a moderately or heavily active lifestyle. Its position deep within the ear canal makes it easier to use with phones, headsets, or helmets, while cycling, running and doing other active sports. This means that it will help you engage in your active everyday life.
Sound the natural way
Like all ITE hearing aids, the IIC contains all its components inside the shell. As it sits deeply in your ear, nothing is placed behind the ear and no earpiece is placed in the opening of the ear canal which would impede sound from entering your ear naturally. The IIC hearing aid is placed closer to the eardrum than other hearing aids. This means that the IIC does not require as much power or sound output to reach the same level of loudness as other devices.
Moreover, the location of the hearing aid in the ear canal also reduces wind noise caused by wind blowing across the microphone. Other hearing aids that sit either behind the ear or further outside the ear canal have their microphones more open to the environment. As the microphone of an IIC is deep in the ear canal, wind noise is less likely to occur.
In addition, the location of the IIC helps reduce uncomfortable occlusion effects. Occlusion occurs most commonly amongst people whose hearing aids fill much of their ear canal without sufficient venting. This causes their own voice to be perceived as louder and take on an echo-like quality.
This effect is because the sound gets trapped in the ear creating a resonant space between the eardrum and hearing aid. As an IIC hearing aid sits close to the eardrum, the space behind the hearing aid is smaller and less likely to create a resonance and, in turn, occlusion.
Learn more about the invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aid
Here you can find more information regarding the features and capabilities of the Philips HearLink IIC hearing aid. In addition, if you are also after further insight into the different types of in-the-ear hearing models available on the market, visit our page about ITC hearing aids or the page about CIC hearing aids.
Get to know your options
Finding the right type and style of hearing aid for you can depend on many factors. It could be the degree of hearing loss you have, your lifestyle preferences, or cosmetic concerns.
