Nearly invisible hearing aids: IIC and CIC

"Invisible" or "nearly invisible"?

We say "nearly invisible" on purpose. An IIC sits deep in the canal, and in many ears it is very hard to see. A CIC sits almost entirely in the canal, and sometimes only a little of it shows. Every ear is different, so there is no promise in advance, only a test.

What affects how visible it is

The milder the hearing loss, the smaller the device can be. Which size suits you is decided after a test and an ear measurement. See in-the-ear hearing aids.

• The angle and depth of the ear canal
• The shape of the outer ear
• The shell colour
• What shows on the outside: a removal cord, a button or a microphone opening
• The angle you look from

Daily life with a nearly invisible device

• Putting it in and taking it out: practised at the appointment until it feels natural
• Small batteries: on some models you change a small battery, so check that this suits you
• Wax filter: the whole device sits in the canal, so changing the filter is part of the routine
• Feeling in the canal: you get used to it in the first days; pressure or pain is a reason for a check

What is checked

• Hearing test results: how much power is needed
• The shape and size of the ear canal
• Handling: putting it in, taking it out, changing a small battery
• Wax and moisture: the filter is part of the routine
• Phone and accessories: not every small style has a wireless connection

More: in-the-ear hearing aids · how to choose hearing aids.

Updated 2 November 2026 · Written by the G-Sound editorial team. General information only; the device type, size and components are decided after a hearing test and an ear measurement.

More in English

In-the-ear hearing aidsCustom earmoldsHow to choose hearing aidsContact G-Sound