Toggle navigation
614-452-4280
Cannot Drive?
Ask about Pick-Up/Home Testing Programs
Toggle navigation
Cannot Drive?
Ask about Pick-Up/Home Testing Programs
You may want better hearing without wanting your hearing aids to be the first thing people notice. You may also have a preference about how you power them: a charger at night or a small battery you replace when needed.
The Starkey Signature Series offers three discreet, custom hearing aid options: the rechargeable CIC R NW, the battery-powered CIC NW, and the exceptionally small IIC NW. Each combines an individually shaped fit with Starkey sound technology in a non-wireless design.
At Absolute Hearing Solutions, we help patients throughout Gahanna, Columbus, and Central Ohio compare hearing aid styles, understand the differences, and choose an option suited to their hearing needs and everyday routines.
Explore our Starkey Signature Series hearing aids webpage for a closer look at the custom CIC and IIC styles available from Absolute Hearing Solutions, serving Gahanna, Columbus and Central Ohio.
Download our Starkey Signature Series hearing aid PDF for a side-by-side overview of the CIC R NW, CIC NW and IIC NW, including battery options, custom-fit designs and key features.
Starkey Signature Series Hearing Aids PDF
Starkey Signature Series hearing aids are custom-made devices designed to fit inside the ear canal. Rather than using a standard shell for everyone, each hearing aid is manufactured around the wearer’s ear anatomy and hearing needs.
The model names explain the main differences. CIC means Completely-In-Canal, while IIC means Invisible-In-Canal. The letter R identifies the rechargeable model, and NW means non-wireless.
Your Signature Series choices include:
| Model | Hearing aid style | Power source | Main distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIC R NW | Completely-In-Canal | Rechargeable | Up to 38 hours per charge and waterproof protection |
| CIC NW | Completely-In-Canal | Size 10A or 312 disposable battery, depending on configuration | A discreet custom option for people who prefer replaceable batteries |
| IIC NW | Invisible-In-Canal | Size 10A disposable battery | An exceptionally small design with deep ear-canal placement |
These are the three models and power options shown in our Signature Series comparison banner.
The Signature Series CIC R NW combines a discreet Completely-In-Canal fit with rechargeable convenience. Starkey describes it as the world’s smallest custom rechargeable hearing aid and reports up to 38 hours of battery life on a single charge.
For someone who does not want to handle disposable hearing aid batteries, the rechargeable model offers a different daily routine: remove the hearing aids and place them in their compatible charger.
This model may be worth discussing when you want both a small custom hearing aid and rechargeable power. During your consultation, we can talk through how you would insert, remove, charge and care for it.
The “up to” battery-life figure is a maximum rather than a promise for every wearer. Our product banner also notes that battery life varies by individual.
The Signature Series CIC NW offers a custom Completely-In-Canal design without a rechargeable battery.
Starkey’s technical specifications list size 10 or size 312 zinc-air batteries, depending on the configuration. Size 10 is identified as 10A in our comparison banner.
This option may appeal to someone who prefers replacing a battery rather than maintaining a charging routine.
The battery size is part of the hearing aid’s configuration—not a choice to switch between after purchase. Your hearing professional will identify the correct battery for your particular device and show you how to replace it.
When comparing the CIC NW with the rechargeable CIC R NW, consider which routine you would find easier to maintain. That practical detail deserves as much attention as the hearing aid’s appearance.
The Signature Series IIC NW is the smallest-style option in this group. It uses a size 10 disposable battery, shown as size 10A in our banner, and is designed for deep, discreet placement in the ear canal.
Invisible-In-Canal hearing aids sit deeper than larger custom styles. However, the name “invisible” should not be treated as a guarantee that the device will be completely hidden in every ear. Ear anatomy and the fit that can be achieved are important considerations.
The IIC NW may interest someone whose main priority is minimal visibility and who is comfortable handling a very small hearing aid and battery.
During a consultation, ask to discuss insertion, removal and battery handling—not just how the hearing aid looks. Starkey specifically notes that the small size of IIC devices can be challenging for people with dexterity difficulties.
A small hearing aid still needs to be carefully matched to the person wearing it.
Starkey identifies Neuro Sound Technology and advanced processing as central features of the Signature Series. The company describes this technology as supporting clear, natural sound within its small custom designs.
The important conversation is how that technology will be programmed for your hearing loss and listening priorities. A quiet conversation at home, a busy family dinner and a work meeting may present different challenges.
Starkey also lists Edge Mode+ for Signature Series CIC wearers. This is a push-button, on-demand feature that uses artificial intelligence to adjust sound for clearer speech or greater listening comfort. Your provider should confirm its availability and operation for the specific model and configuration you select.
This feature should not be confused with Bluetooth streaming or an assumption that every Signature Series model has identical controls.
The waterproof feature highlighted in our banner applies to the rechargeable CIC R NW.
Starkey describes this model as waterproof to a depth of up to one meter, approximately three feet. Its waterproof hearing aids also carry an IP68 rating.
That distinction matters when comparing the three models. The rechargeable model’s waterproof claim should not automatically be applied to the battery-powered CIC NW or IIC NW.
It also does not mean hearing aids should be worn for every water activity. Starkey advises against swimming while wearing any hearing aids, including its waterproof models. Follow the care instructions for your specific device.
All three Signature Series models in this comparison are non-wireless hearing aids without direct Bluetooth audio streaming. They are not designed to stream phone calls, music or television audio directly into your ears.
For some patients, that is an acceptable trade-off for a small custom design. For others, direct streaming is an essential feature.
Think about your usual day. Do you spend considerable time on the phone? Do you want music or podcasts delivered directly through your hearing aids? Would television streaming be particularly useful?
Bring those priorities to your consultation so they can be considered before selecting a model.
Starkey does list wireless professional programming for Signature Series. That is different from consumer Bluetooth audio streaming and should not be confused with it.
The main power-related accessory for the CIC R NW is its compatible charger. For the CIC NW and IIC NW, the daily routine involves keeping the correct disposable batteries available.
When ordering, ask which charging equipment or supplies are included and what you may need to purchase separately. It is also useful to discuss cleaning tools, replacement wax protection and any model-specific maintenance instructions.
Do not assume that a wireless television streamer or remote microphone will connect to these non-wireless hearing aids. Tell your hearing professional which accessories you would like to use before choosing your device.
Signature Series may be worth considering when you want a discreet, custom hearing aid and do not need direct audio streaming.
The most suitable style will depend on more than appearance. Starkey identifies ear anatomy, desired features, lifestyle, budget and handling ability as considerations when choosing small custom hearing aids.
A useful consultation should address questions such as: Can you comfortably insert and remove the device? Would charging be easier than changing batteries? Which conversations are most difficult? How important is direct phone connectivity?
The goal is not simply to select the smallest hearing aid available. It is to find a hearing aid that you can use comfortably and confidently, with features that match your priorities.
Choosing the shell style is only part of the process. The hearing aid also needs to be programmed and checked for the person wearing it.
At Absolute Hearing Solutions, hearing care includes hearing evaluations, personalized programming, Real Ear Measurement, Speech Mapping, follow-up adjustments and ongoing support. These services help us assess hearing aid performance rather than relying only on the device’s appearance or advertised features.
Live Speech Mapping allows us to examine how a hearing aid is amplifying speech. Our testing process also includes checking the ear canal and reviewing the hearing aid’s function before making appropriate adjustments.
Your feedback is part of that process. Tell us when a voice sounds unnatural, a device feels uncomfortable, or a particular listening situation remains difficult. Those details help guide follow-up care.
Contact Absolute Hearing Solutions for a personalized quote for the Signature Series model you are considering.
Ask what the quote includes, such as the hearing aids, charging equipment when applicable, fitting, follow-up visits, warranty coverage and ongoing service. This makes it easier to understand the full purchase rather than comparing device names alone.
Our team can also help review available hearing aid insurance benefits and explain potential out-of-pocket costs. Coverage remains subject to your specific plan, eligibility, network requirements and insurer’s determination; a benefit does not automatically guarantee coverage for every model.
Absolute Hearing Solutions is an award-winning hearing care center serving Gahanna, Columbus and Central Ohio, with personalized evaluations, hearing aid programming, verification and ongoing service.
Our role is to help you understand your choices. That includes explaining the differences between the rechargeable CIC R NW, battery-powered CIC NW and smaller IIC NW—and discussing another style when your priorities call for it.
We also help with the practical side of hearing aid ownership: adjustments, cleaning, maintenance, repairs and questions that arise after you begin wearing your devices.
Your consultation is an opportunity to talk about what matters to you, whether that is discretion, easier battery handling, comfort or understanding the people you spend time with most.
No. The CIC R NW is rechargeable. The CIC NW and IIC NW use disposable batteries.
CIC means Completely-In-Canal. IIC means Invisible-In-Canal and describes a smaller style designed to sit deeper in the ear canal. The fit that can be achieved depends on the individual ear.
Starkey reports up to 38 hours per charge. Actual battery life varies by individual use, so discuss your daily wearing schedule during your fitting.
No. These three NW models do not provide direct Bluetooth audio streaming. Make streaming needs part of your consultation before selecting a hearing aid.
Starkey advises against swimming while wearing any hearing aids. The waterproof rating is not a recommendation to wear them in the pool.
Not necessarily. Your ear anatomy, desired features and ability to handle the hearing aid all matter. A slightly larger device may be more practical for some wearers.
The Signature Series gives you three ways to approach a small custom hearing aid: rechargeable convenience with the CIC R NW, replaceable-battery flexibility with the CIC NW, or deeper, discreet placement with the IIC NW.
A conversation about your hearing, comfort and daily routine can help narrow those choices.
Contact Absolute Hearing Solutions to schedule a complimentary hearing evaluation and consultation and discuss which options may be appropriate for you.
Take the next step toward understanding your hearing aid options.
Absolute Hearing Solutions
750 Cross Pointe Road, Suite F
Columbus, Ohio 43230
Phone: 614-452-4280
Website: www.absolutehearingsolutions.com
Email: absolutehearing@att.net
Serving Gahanna, Columbus and Central Ohio with personalized hearing care.
Take another look at our Starkey Signature Series hearing aids webpage, or contact Absolute Hearing Solutions to discuss your hearing aid options.
View our Starkey Signature Series hearing aid PDF for a convenient comparison of the rechargeable CIC R NW, battery-powered CIC NW and discreet IIC NW before your consultation.
Voted #1 Hearing center in Columbus, OH!
Receive information about hearing aids, free seminars, advanced testing & more.
Monday-Friday: 8:00am-8:00pm
Saturday-Sunday: Appointment Only
We are available for special evening hours. Just ask!
614-452-4280