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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. And 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 even 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 the general pros and cons of invisible in the canal hearing aids to consider.
Pros of invisible in the canal hearing aids (IIC)
Pros of invisible in the canal hearing aids (IIC)
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 situated within the ear canal when worn, ideal for those who are often outdoors, 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 most glasses, especially if one is the type to change frames frequently during the day, or one has glasses with thick frames.
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 like changing the wax guards/filters and battery changing (if applicable, as may be rechargeable).
Features might still be limited in some models of IIC when compared to the variety that receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) or behind-the-ear (BTE) aids can hold. RIC and BTE hearing aids 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 losses.
IIC hearing aids need frequent servicing due to proximity to warmth and moisture within the ear canal.
Battery life might be shorter, where some models with size 10 battery size and heavy use may not always last the week with heavy use, complex listening environments and frequent streaming and/bluetooth use. Battery changes or recharging could be more frequent for some models.
May not be buildable by the manufacturer for atypical ear canal shapes or some extremely narrow ear canals., leaving one the option of considering a slightly bigger build of hearing aid, like the completely in the canal hearing aid (CIC) or in the ear hearing aid (ITE).
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.
Current Leading Invisible In Canal (IIC) hearing aids (2026)
Current Leading Invisible In Canal (IIC) hearing aids (2026)
Oticon Own SI IIC: claims to offer better speech clarity than ever despite using a single microphone. Reliance on traditional multi-directional microphones for noise reduction is reduced due to it's use of deep neural networks (DNNs), utilising machine learning to suppress noise. This is also available in a completely in-the-canal (CIC) version
Signia Insio IIC: custom-made IIC, also with a rechargeable battery. Works with the Signia App. It's charger has it's own power bank, helpful for on-the-go charging.
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 its proprietary Autosense technology to scan around the environment and adjust itself automatically. It uses titanium rather than standard acrylic, it's considered more durable than its counterparts.
Other examples of discreet hearing aids are the completely in the canal hearing aids (CIC), they sit within the canal but terminate at the very opening of the ear canal. Custom fit means that an impression of the ears needs to be taken for the hearing aid to be built for the client's individual ears.
Oticon Zeal Hearing aids: rechargeable non-custom CIC. Reportedly fits 2 out of 3 ears, is Auracast ready. Works with the Oticon companion app, has tinnitus support features, is modifiable with different domes or a custom micro-mould 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: custom fit, available in acrylic, with a larger variety of colours for the faceplate and body. Speech enhancer, Ultra-zoom and Phonak's Autosense 6.0 are some features available within this CIC.
Signia Insio Charge & Go CIC IX : custom fit with rechargeable battery up to 35hrs, works with the Signia App. Comes with 5 technology levels for everyone to choose from. 7IX, 5IX,4IX,3IX,1IX. Ensuring the availability of the form factor to a variety of budgets and preferences.
Widex Moment CIC: is a custom-fit, completely in-the-canal hearing aid with receivers up to 80 and 90dB covering severe hearing losses.
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 the IIC form 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 judged as being discreet. 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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