Introduction

While many behind-the-ear and in-the-ear hearing aids are so small that they could be described as “practically” invisible, advances in circuitry miniaturisation in recent years has facilitated the rise of a new class of devices know as IIC hearing aids (invisible-in-the-canal). They are so small that they sit beyond the first bend of the ear canal and are therefore cannot be seen externally.

In evaluating the best solutions from the world’s leading manufacturers who have hearing aids in this category, we looked for devices that were the most discreet without compromising on the technological features that provide a natural and clear hearing experience. We found that there were two hearing aids that clearly led the way, so here we are going to feature both – the Oticon OPN CIC and the Starkey Livio.

Oticon OPN CIC

Oticon OPN CIC is a premium and advanced level of hearing solution from Oticon. The OPN comes in 5 different model form Invisible* in Canal (IIC), Completely in Canal (CIC) to In The Ear (ITE). Whether in quiet or noisy environments or, OPN allows you to participate conversations with minimal effort.

OPN also gives us – your hearing care professionals – more opportunities to personalise and tailor the sound to your personal hearing preferences in order to provide you with a more natural listening experience.

Choices

  • Many outer face colour choices
  • The OPN is also available 3 technology levels (price points).

Key Technologies

  • Natural, 360° sound You hear the sounds all around you just like most people can, so you can choose what to focus on, intuitively.

  • Play tinnitus relief sounds Tinnitus SoundSupport™ technology gives you customisable sounds such as white noise, which help relieve your symptoms.

  • Follow conversations in noisy places With Oticon Opn hearing aids, you can understand speech more easily when you’re in a noisy environment like a restaurant.*

Starkey Livio

Starkey were the first hearing aid company to release an invisible solution and they have continued to improve upon this technology. These tiny hearing aids are loaded with advanced features. While maintaining the power of Starkey Sound, our wireless solutions give you the ability to stream TV, music and much more.

Choices

  • Available in a variety of skin-tone colours.
  • The IIC is also available in a range of technology levels (price points).

Key Technologies & Benefits

  • Thrive Hearing Control app The Thrive Hearing Control app gives the user full control over their hearing aids using their smartphone. Like a TV remote, it lets people adjust volume, switch memories and manage other features that hearing aids couldn’t do until now.

  • Made for Invisible Fit: Livio rests comfortably in the second bend of your ear canal where it’s virtually undetectable to others.
  • Custom fit for comfort: They’re custom fit to your unique ear canal for all day comfort, and rest deep inside your ear where no one can see them.
  • No buzzing or whistling: Best-in-class feedback cancellation system providing feedback-free, comfortable listening all-day long.
  • Individualisd tinnitus relief: Advanced Multiflex Tinnitus Technology integrated into Livio to bring relief to those who suffer from ringing in the ears.