Issue 28.12
Discreetness has always been a driving force behind hearing aid design and manufacturing. For decades, completely-in-the-canal (CIC) and more recently IIC (invisible-in-the-canal) hearing aids have solicited considerable attention with consumer’s desire to keep their hearing loss secret.
There is a large variety of custom hearing aid options on the market today-all with varying forms and functions. Yet, it is the consumer’s desire for invisibility and comfort that encourages the research and development of smaller and deeper placed hearing instruments.
Fitting hearing aids deeply into the external ear canal produces pleasing acoustic and aesthetic benefits. The deep-fit solution is positioned in the discreet segment that targets wearers whose main concern is hiding their hearing loss. A discreet “disappearing hearing solution” gives wearers the confidence that people see their personality-not their hearing aid.
There are 3 main reasons why consumers have such a strong interest in the CIC and IIC.
1. Discreet design. The product must be nearly invisible and designed so only the wearer realizes it is being worn.
2. Comfort. The product must provide a very comfortable wearing and listening experience. This is particularly important to experienced wearers.
3. Discreet usage. Wearers do not want to get caught making adjustments to hearing aids because this also highlights their hearing loss. They want-and expect-the absolute best in speech intelligibility regardless of the listening situation.
Fitting hearing instruments deeply into the external ear canal presents several advantages over other alternatives.
The deep canal hearing aid positions the tip of the shell extremely close to the eardrum consequently it naturally creates an increased in gain and output. Additionally, the microphone is generally placed at the opening of the ear canal, so therefore there is an increase in high frequency gain offered by the natural shape of the ear.
The deep canal hearing aid is positioned into the bony portion of the ear canal thereby diminishing the hollow echoic sound of the wearer’s own voice resulting in a more natural quality of sound.
Allows the shape and function of a wearer’s outer ear to operate as intended for gathering and filtering sounds before they enter the ear. Natural cues can aid a wearer in sorting through complicated acoustic environments, adding to the perception of natural sound quality.
Allows for better feedback control because of a tight acoustic seal.
Finally, better intelligibility in phone conversations and reduction of annoying wind noise.
If you are a current hearing aid wearer and are not satisfied with their performance, please come in for a complimentary cleaning and 10 point inspection. Live speech mapping may provide understanding as to why they may be underperforming. Give us a call at Miracle-Ear (673-8743) today and schedule an appointment and receive a complimentary pack of batteries as our gift to you.