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Reviewed by - Kechi Oribabor
Updated 16/06/2026
What are invisible hearing aids?
What are invisible hearing aids?
Invisible hearing aids are the type of hearing devices that fit deeply within the ear canal, with the outer body of the aid stopping just before the ear canal opening. Hence the name invisible in-the-canal hearing aids (IIC).
The IIC can’t easily be seen from outside the ear. It is removed by pulling on a transparent removal cord attached to the body of the device. Just in case you were wondering, Yes, invisible hearing aids can be transparent! By transparent, we mean the acrylic outer shell is translucent with the circuit still visible within the hearing aid!
Currently, IIC hearing aids can provide enough power for mild to severe losses due to their close proximity to the eardrum whilst being positioned within the small volume of the ear canal.
Below we shall discuss general pros and cons of invisible hearing aids to consider.
Pros of invisible hearing aids
Pros of invisible hearing aids
Discreet and not easily seen.
Some might feel more confident with IIC than the traditional style of hearing aid behind the ear.
IIC aids are less susceptible to wind noise exposure, as they are naturally encased within the ear, ideal for those who play outdoor sports or work outside.
Allows typical conversational phone use with the phone being held in the usual position against the ear.
Can be an option for those with a malformed pinna or helix.
Can easily be worn with glasses, especially if one is the type to change frames frequently during the day.
Cons of invisible hearing aids
Cons of invisible hearing aids
Good dexterity will be required to handle the small-sized units, not only for insertion into the ear but for general maintenance and battery changing (if applicable).
Features might still be limited in some models of IIC when compared to receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) or behind-the-ear (BTE) aids. RICs and BTE still pack the most features e.g. rechargeability, multiple microphones, wireless or bluetooth functionality, Auracast functionality, ultra power receivers etc.
IICs are not currently available in ultra-power specifications, needed to meet the high power needs of profound hearing loss.
IIC hearing aids need frequent servicing due to proximity to warmth and moisture within the ear canal.
Battery life might be limited, with small battery size and heavy use, battery changes could be as frequent for some models.
May not be buildable for atypical ear shapes or extremely narrow ear canals.
May not be suitable for every ear due to medical history e.g. if one is prone to otitis externa/ear infections, prone to discharges from the ear or if there is a large perforation.
Best invisible hearing aids (2026)
Best invisible hearing aids (2026)
Oticon Own SI IIC: Believed to offer better speech clarity than ever despite using a single microphone. Reliance for tradiational directional microphones for noise reduction is reduced due to the deep neural network (DNN) efficiency in suppressing noise. Also available in completely in canal (CIC)version
Signia Insio IIC: custom-made IIC, also with a rechargeable battery.
Signia Silk Charge and Go IIC: rechargeable and works with the Signia app. Offers binaural one-mic directionality to help the speaker in noisy listening environments. It also has Contralateral Routing Of Sound Option (CROS) options. The charger charges wirelessly using its power bank.
Phonak Virto Titanium Infinio IIC : uses the ERA chip, and it's proprietary Autosense technology to scan around the environment and adjust itself automatically. Using titanium rather standard acrylic, it's considered more durable than it's counterparts.
Other examples of discreet hearing aids are the completely in the canal aids (CIC), they sit within the canal but terminate at the very opening of the ear canal.
Oticon Zeal Hearing aids: rechargeable non-custom CIC. Reportedly fits 2 out of ears, auracast ready. Works with the Oticon companion app, has tinnitus support features, modifiable with different domes or a custom micromould for a better fit.
Starkey Signature CIC: not wireless, uses the small size 10 battery. Available in various technology levels. Engineered for optimal speech clarity.
Phonak Virto Infinio CIC: available in acrylic, with larger suite of colours. Windblock, speech enhancer and Phonak's Autosense Os 6.0
Signia Insio Charge & Go CIC IX : custom fit with rechargeable battery up to 35hrs, works with the Signia App.With 5 technology levels.
At Sonant Hearing, we offer hearing aid trials after a comprehensive hearing trial. This can be a means for you to trial the IICs (usually non-custom) to discover if it truly is the type of hearing aid you would prefer.
We are not tied to any manufacturer so we consider all the leading (IIC) invisible hearing aid manufacturers.
If your hearing aid is remote-compatible, we offer remote adjustments after fitting. Saving you multiple visits into the clinic.
At Sonant Hearing Clinic, Invisible Hearing aids (IIC )are priced from £1950 per pair. You can opt for bundled aftercare for the life of the hearing aids or unbundled aftercare, whatever suits you best.
There are also behind-the-ear hearing aids that can be very discreet as well. As an independent hearing aid dispenser, we can show and discuss all the options with you, helping you feel more confident in your final decision.
Table of Pros and Cons of Invisible Hearing Aids
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I take the invisible hearing aid out of my ear?
By pulling on the removal cord attached to the hearing aid.
Are invisible hearing aids the most expensive type of hearing aid?
With hearing aids, you don't pay for the shape of hearing aid but usually the technology within, so there are different options available from various manufacturers to suit your needs and budget.
Won't the invisible hearing aid fall into my ear?
No, the IIC can't fall into your ear, as there is typically only one opening to your earcanal. The other end is sealed by your eardrum. The IIC does not rest against your eardrum and keeps a safe distance away.
What if my ear shape changes? Will the custom invisible hearing aid still fit?
This can be assessed by the audiologist, if the fit is loose or has changed over the years, a new impression can be taken to remake the shape of the invisible hearing aid.
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