Hearing Aids

Completely-in-Canal (CIC)

Tiny, discreet, and hidden inside your ear canal.

Completely-in-Canal (CIC)
All hearing aids

Completely-in-Canal hearing aids are custom-made to fit entirely within the ear canal. Only a tiny removal handle is visible at the opening of the canal, making CIC devices one of the most cosmetically appealing options.

CIC hearing aids take advantage of the ear's natural shape to collect sound, providing a very natural listening experience. They're an excellent choice for people who prioritize discretion without sacrificing sound quality.

Mild to moderate hearing lossCosmetically conscious usersThose wanting a natural soundActive social lifestyles
Key features

Why choose Completely-in-Canal

Nearly invisible when worn
Natural sound — uses ear's anatomy
Custom-fit for comfort
Reduced wind noise
No external components
Easy phone use — no feedback
Honest assessment

Pros and cons

We believe in transparent recommendations. Here's an honest look at this hearing aid style.

Advantages

  • Extremely discreet — almost invisible
  • Natural sound quality using ear shape
  • Comfortable once properly fitted
  • Less wind noise than external styles
  • Easy phone use without feedback

Considerations

  • Smaller battery — shorter life
  • Limited Bluetooth on most models
  • Requires good dexterity for handling
  • Not suitable for severe hearing loss
Technical details

Specifications

Hearing Loss RangeMild to moderate
BatterySize 10
BluetoothLimited availability
VisibilityNearly invisible
Custom FitYes — deep ear impression required
JR

Reviewed by

Dr. Jody Ross, Au.D.

Doctor of Audiology

Dr. Ross has over 20 years of experience in audiology and specializes in advanced hearing aid technology and aural rehabilitation. She verifies every fitting with real-ear measurement at Red Oak Hearing in Winnipeg.

Last reviewed: March 2026

Common questions

Completely-in-Canal FAQ

Answers to common questions about Completely-in-Canal (CIC) hearing aids.

CIC hearing aids require a large enough ear canal to house the device. During your assessment, we'll examine your ear canal to determine if CIC is a suitable option for you.

Some newer CIC models offer limited Bluetooth connectivity. However, the small size restricts the antenna, so streaming range and battery life may be reduced compared to larger styles.

CIC hearing aids use size 10 batteries — the smallest available. We'll show you exactly how to open the battery door and replace them. Most batteries last 3–5 days.

CIC hearing aids are extremely difficult to spot. They sit deep in the ear canal and are virtually invisible to others during normal conversation.

Interested in Completely-in-Canal hearing aids?

Book a consultation and we'll help you find the perfect fit.