Completely in the canal

A hearing healthcare professional molds this type of hearing aid to fit inside the user's ear canal. Also called CIC, it helps mild to moderate hearing loss in adults.

A completely-in-the-canal hearing aid:

• Is the smallest type and hardest for others to see.
• Is more likely to block wind noise.
• Uses very small batteries. These batteries have a shorter life and can be hard to handle.
• Often doesn't include extra features, such as volume control or a directional microphone. Directional microphones let the user focus on sound coming from one direction in a noisy place.
• May get earwax clogging the speaker.