Invisible Hearing Aids by Signia and Phonak: What You Need to Know

You avoid social gatherings because you worry people will notice your hearing device. You hesitate to ask for help for your hearing loss because traditional hearing aids are easily visible.

These concerns stop many people from addressing their hearing problems. But Signia and Phonak invisible hearing aids have changed everything. These devices fit so deeply within your ear canal that even those sitting closest to you may not spot them.

Advanced technology has compressed powerful processors into devices smaller than a coffee bean. Both Phonak and Signia invisible hearing aids offer solutions that restore your hearing without announcing it to the world.

This guide explains what makes these devices different, who can wear them, and how to choose between the available options.

At Centre for Hearing®, we have successfully fitted thousands of custom invisible hearing aids across India over the past five decades. Our expertise in comprehensive hearing evaluations and advanced hearing solutions helps you find the right device for your needs.

Table of Contents

What Are Invisible Hearing Aids?

Invisible hearing aids are custom-made devices that fit completely inside your ear canal. As opposed to traditional models that are worn behind the ears, these small devices are designed to stay out of sight during normal interactions, so most people directly in front of you won’t realise you are wearing them.

The two main types of invisible hearing aids are:

IIC (Invisible-in-Canal): They sit in the deepest part of your ear canal, placed in the second bend of your canal.
CIC (Completely-in-Canal): They sit slightly less deep than IIC models, which means a small portion may be barely visible if someone looks directly into your ear. CIC hearing aids provide more space for feature integration, like Bluetooth and rechargeable batteries.

It is also important to remember that invisible hearing aids are not meant for everyone. To wear one, your ear canal needs to be large enough and shaped appropriately. Also, your hearing loss should typically be in the mild to moderate range. For severe hearing losses, larger devices deliver better results as they provide more sound amplification.

Signia Invisible Hearing Aids

Signia invisible hearing aid, originally pioneered by Siemens, is based on German engineering and core technology development. The brand has both mid-range and premium invisible hearing devices:

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Signia Insio IX (Custom IIC/CIC)

The Signia Insio IX represents the latest generation of custom invisible hearing aids from Signia, built on their advanced Integrated Xperience (IX) platform. This is a completely custom-made device, tailored precisely to your ear canal shape.

Key Features:

Signia’s Integrated Xperience technology delivers exceptional sound processing that adapts automatically to multiple listening environments. The device seamlessly adjusts when you move from quiet rooms to noisy restaurants.
Advanced feedback cancellation technology eliminates the whistling sounds that plagued older hearing aids. You can hug people, wear hats, and use phones without annoying squeals.
Enhanced binaural processing helps you hear speech clearly in challenging environments like restaurants or crowds.
Own Voice Processing 2.0 (OVP) makes this device special. This feature separates your voice from other sounds and processes it differently, so your own speech sounds more natural and less amplified.
Available in rechargeable versions, eliminating the need for frequent battery changes.
Covers hearing losses up to 110 dB, making it suitable for a wide range of hearing difficulties from mild to severe.
You can control settings through the Signia App for convenient adjustments.

Signia Silk IX (Instant-Fit CIC)

The Signia Silk IX is a revolutionary instant-fit invisible hearing aid, the only one of its kind available in India. Unlike traditional custom hearing aids that require weeks of waiting for moulds, the Silk IX can be fitted and ready to use the same day you visit the Centre for Hearing®.

Key Features:

Instant-fit design with comfortable soft silicone Click Sleeves in multiple sizes. This unique feature is exclusive to Signia and not available from any other hearing aid brand in India.
No waiting for custom moulds. You walk in, get fitted with the right sleeve size, and start using your hearing aids immediately.
Fully rechargeable with a convenient charging case, eliminating the hassle of changing tiny batteries.
Signia Integrated Xperience (IX) technology provides natural sound quality and excellent speech understanding, even in noisy environments.
Covers hearing losses up to 70 dB, making it suitable for mild to moderate hearing difficulties.
Available in both closed and open sleeve versions to suit different ear anatomies and hearing needs.
Control volume and settings discreetly via the Signia app.
Note: The Silk IX does not include Bluetooth audio streaming capabilities. It focuses on delivering exceptional hearing performance in a truly invisible, hassle-free package.
If you suffer from tinnitus, the Silk IX includes therapy options to make your life more comfortable.

Which Signia Model Suits You?

Choose the Insio IX if you need a custom-fit device for severe hearing loss (up to 110 dB) and want rechargeable convenience with maximum power. Go for the Silk IX if you want instant fitting without waiting for custom moulds, need rechargeable convenience, and have mild to moderate hearing loss (up to 70 dB). Consider the Silk X or Insio NX if you’re looking for budget-friendly invisible options and don’t mind traditional battery replacement.

Phonak Invisible Hearing Aids

Phonak invisible hearing aids represent Switzerland’s precision engineering and medical innovation. The brand is known for breakthrough approaches in digital signal processing and multi-channel sound adjustment. In India, Phonak focuses on its premium Virto platform for invisible hearing solutions.

Phonak Virto Infinio (CIC)

The Phonak Virto™ Infinio brings Phonak’s flagship technology to the custom invisible hearing aids category. Each device is tailored specifically to the exact shape of your ear using the RightFit™ technology.

Key Features

The Virto™ uses Phonak’s SmartSpeech™ Technology and AutoSense OS to process sound differently than older technology. It separates speech from background noise more effectively. You understand conversations better in restaurants and crowded spaces. It also recognises different music genres.
The water-resistant and sweatproof design protects against humidity and accidental splashes.
Available in various versions, including rechargeable and smaller titanium shells, and with and without Bluetooth.
The Virto™ R Infinio version is rechargeable, featuring our proprietary snap and charge system. You get up to 30 hours of battery life per charge.
The version also supports universal Bluetooth connectivity, which lets you stream calls, music, and media, and connect up to eight devices using the myPhonak app.

Why Choose Phonak Virto Infinio?

Choose Phonak Virto Infinio when you want the latest flagship processing technology with custom fit, premium connectivity features like Bluetooth streaming, and rechargeable convenience. It’s ideal for those who value Swiss precision engineering and want their invisible hearing aids to seamlessly integrate with their digital lifestyle.

Who Can Wear Invisible Hearing Aids?

Whether you are the right candidate or not for invisible hearing aids depends on the following physical and lifestyle factors:

The ear canal size and shape: The size must accommodate the customised shell completely, while the shape should keep the device secure.
Type of hearing loss: Invisible hearing aids work best for mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss only, as they have less power.
Physical capability: You must insert and remove the devices every day. If you have arthritis or limited finger control, the extended-wear Phonak Lyric is a better choice.
Your lifestyle: Active earwax production can clog small devices more quickly. In addition, frequent swimming or exposure to water can damage specific models.

A professional hearing assessment at Centre for Hearing® can help determine candidacy perfectly. Here, our audiologists will examine your ear canals and match your hearing loss pattern with the most appropriate devices.

CROS Technology for Single-Sided Complete Deafness

Some people have normal hearing or mild hearing loss in one ear but no hearing at all in the other ear. This condition is called single-sided deafness (SSD).

For such cases, CROS (Contralateral Routing of Signal) technology transmits sound from the deaf ear to the better-hearing ear. This helps you hear conversations and sounds coming from your deaf side without needing to turn your head.

CROS technology improves awareness of sounds from all directions, especially from the side with no hearing, so you don’t miss important speech or environmental sounds.

Available CROS options include:

Signia Silk IX and Signia X Series – compatible with CROS solutions for discreet hearing support.

Phonak Virto Infinio (from Virto 50 performance level and above) – supports CROS technology for single-sided deafness

Your audiologist will decide whether CROS technology is suitable for you based on your hearing test results.

Why Choose Centre for Hearing® for Invisible Hearing Aids in India?

Selecting invisible hearing aids requires more than picking a device from a website. The thorough fitting process determines whether your device will work correctly or create friction.

Centre for Hearing® brings 50+ years of experience fitting custom devices for Indian ears. We have already served over 3 lakh customers across different age groups and hearing conditions.

Our long-term partnership with both Signia and Phonak gives you access to their complete invisible hearing aids ranges along with other models.

That’s not all that we commit. Over 50 RCI-certified audiologists work across our centres, each trained in specialised custom device fitting techniques. And, to ensure that your devices deliver the correct amplification, we use Real Ear Measurements (REM), where we place a tiny microphone in your ear canal while you wear the device.

Furthermore, to help you make an informed decision, we offer a 2-day free trial to test our invisible hearing aids in your actual environment.

We also offer our customers a 15-month protection plan to safeguard their investment against loss, theft, fire, and accidental damage.

For seniors and individuals with mobility limitations, we also provide home visit services to ensure access to professional hearing care.

You can find our clinics across Delhi, Gurugram, Chandigarh Tricity Area (Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula), and Punjab locations, including Ludhiana, Patiala, and Jalandhar.

Final Thoughts

Invisible hearing aids address the visibility issues that often prevent people from seeking help for their hearing challenges. Advanced solutions from Signia and Phonak show that you can enjoy better hearing without sacrificing your look or style.

Book a consultation at Centre for Hearing® to understand which invisible hearing aids will suit your needs. Our audiologists will perform a candidacy test, explain available options, and guide you through the selection process.

You can call us at 9811227269 or email care@centreforhearing.org to schedule your free consultation.

FAQs

1. I have hearing loss in only one ear. Can I still use invisible hearing aids?

Yes. You can use the new Signia invisible hearing aids with their new CROS Silk Accessory, which helps send sound from the affected ear to the good ear.

2. Which activities cannot be done wearing Phonak Lyric?

Avoid diving underwater or sky diving, as the pressure changes from these activities may trigger discomfort or change feedback when Lyric moves in the ear canal.

In case you perform one of these activities by accident, contact us. Our certified Lyric Fitter will check your ear canal and do the needful.

3. Are invisible hearing aids safe for long-term use?

Yes, they are safe, provided you follow the necessary precautionary measures. These devices are made from medical-grade, biocompatible materials with hypoallergenic shells. Products like Lyric are FDA-certified and have been extensively studied in hundreds of clinical research studies since 2001.