If you’re looking for discreet hearing aids that don’t sacrifice modern features, completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids remain the gold standard. Two models stand out heading into 2025: Signia Silk CIC and Starkey Genesis CIC. Both push the limits of size, comfort, and sound processing, yet they take distinct paths to achieve this. Here’s a straightforward, clinic-level comparison to help you decide which is right for your ears, hearing profile, and lifestyle.
Design and fit
Signia Silk CIC takes a unique “modular instant-fit” approach. Instead of waiting for custom earmoulds, Silk uses soft silicone sleeves in multiple sizes, allowing many people to be fitted and walk out the same day. For those with mild to moderate loss—or ears that don’t play nicely with traditional impressions—this can be a game changer. The shells are tiny and sit deep in the canal, making them exceptionally discreet, and the soft sleeves enhance comfort for extended wear.
Starkey Genesis CIC is unapologetically custom. We take a detailed ear impression (or 3D scan), and Starkey crafts a shell matched to the exact twists and turns of your canal. The result is a more tailored fit, deeper placement, and often even better cosmetic invisibility—particularly helpful for complex ear shapes. If you’ve struggled with comfort or retention in the past, Genesis CIC’s bespoke fit is a significant plus.
Technology platforms
Under the hood, the philosophies diverge.
Signia Silk CIC operates on Signia’s latest Xperience lineage, optimised for seamless environment adaptation and speech clarity in noisy conditions. One standout feature is Binaural OneMic Directionality, which cleverly utilises the pair to focus on speech, even though each device has only a single microphone—no small feat in a shell this small. The overall effect is a clean, confident sound that holds up well in daily chatter and café-level noise.
Starkey Genesis CIC leverages Edge AI, a deep neural network-based system that Starkey has refined for fast, on-device decision-making. It analyses the acoustic scene in real-time, adjusting gain and features to keep speech audible and natural. Genesis also brings Starkey’s broader wellness and assistant features into the CIC category, delivering next-gen smarts in a truly tiny package.
Power and rechargeability
This is where Silk makes waves. Signia Silk CIC is rechargeable, offering up to 28 hours of use per charge, and features a pocket-friendly case that accommodates extra top-ups. Rechargeable power in a CIC is still rare, and for many users it’s simply easier than handling tiny zinc-air batteries.
Starkey Genesis CIC, in its smallest, most invisible forms, uses size 10 or 312 batteries. While Starkey leads the industry on battery life in larger RIC styles, physics is unforgiving in ultra-small CIC shells. The trade-off is dependable, widely available batteries and a truly minimal faceplate—no charge port, no bulk.
Bluetooth and connectivity
Physics bites again: implementing full Bluetooth audio streaming in the smallest CICs is challenging without increasing the device’s size. Signia Silk CIC doesn’t do direct music/call streaming, but you still get app-based remote control and tinnitus therapy tools via the Signia app. There are also CROS options for single-sided hearing loss, which is a significant advantage in terms of suitability.
Starkey Genesis CIC offers wireless accessory compatibility, hands-free calling on iOS, and robust app control through My Starkey. As with most ultra-tiny CICs, full two-way Bluetooth audio streaming is usually reserved for slightly larger custom styles. If seamless streaming is a non-negotiable requirement, we’ll discuss whether a mini-canal or ITC is a better fit.
Sound performance
Signia Silk CIC is consistently praised for clear speech intelligibility once fine-tuned by an audiologist. The platform handles its own voice naturally and keeps feedback under control, allowing you to hold a conversation without artefacts or squeal. In clinic follow-ups, overall sound quality satisfaction tends to sit around the 3.7/5 mark—strong results for a device this small.
Starkey Genesis CIC relies on automatic, AI-driven adjustments to bridge the gaps in speech, smoothing transitions between quiet environments, street noise, and lively rooms. The aim is to maintain naturalness while highlighting the key elements of speech that your brain needs to follow the thread. For users who move through varied soundscapes, Genesis’s “think-for-you” approach can be remarkably effortless.
Technical Specifications Face-off
Battery Life and Power Management:
– Signia Silk: 5-7 days with size 10 battery
– Starkey Genesis: 7-10 days with size 10 battery
– Both offer innovative power management systems
Connectivity:
– Signia Silk: Bluetooth compatibility through StreamLine TV accessory
– Starkey Genesis: Direct Bluetooth streaming capabilities
– Both offer smartphone app control
Water Resistance:
– Signia Silk: IP67 rating
– Starkey Genesis: IP68 rating
– Both are suitable for daily activities, but not for swimming
Sound Processing:
Signia Silk CIC features:
– OVP (Own Voice Processing)
– Dynamic Soundscape Processing
– Advanced feedback cancellation
– 48 processing channels
Starkey Genesis CIC offers:
– Edge Mode for challenging environments
– Real-time sound adjustments
– Custom feedback management
– 24 processing channels
Tinnitus Management:
Both devices include comprehensive tinnitus therapy features:
– Signia: Notch Therapy and customisable sound therapy
– Starkey: Multiflex Tinnitus Technology
Speech Enhancement:
Signia Silk advantages:
– Ultra HD e2e processing
– Spatial configurationoptimisationn
– Advanced directional microphones
Starkey Genesis strengths:
– Edge Mode for speech clarity
– Environmental detection
– Advanced noise reduction
Fitting and Comfort
The Signia Silk features a unique click-sleeve system, enabling immediate fitting without the need for custom ear moulds. This enabling approach allows patients to walk out wearing their devices on the same day.
Starkey Genesis CIC requires custom moulding but offers a more precise fit for optimal comfort and acoustic performance. The trade-off is a slightly longer wait time for device delivery.
Price Point and Value Proposition
While both devices represent premium offerings in the invisible hearing aid category, pricing structures differ:
– Signia Silk: Mid-to-high premium range
– Starkey Genesis: Premium to ultra-premium range
Technology Support and Updates
Both manufacturers provide regular firmware updates and app improvements:
– Signia: Signia App with regular feature additions
– Starkey: Thrive app with continuous enhancement
Making the Choice
At The Audiology Place, we conduct comprehensive hearing assessments in our soundproof consultation rooms to determine the most suitable option for each patient. Factors we consider include:
1. Lifestyle needs
2. Hearing loss severity
3. Manual dexterity
4. Budget considerations
5. Technology preferences
Real-world Performance
Based on patient feedback and clinical observations:
Signia Silk excels in:
– Immediate fitting convenience
– Natural own-voice processing
– Consistent performance in varying environments
Starkey Genesis CIC stands out for:
– Superior Bluetooth connectivity
– Enhanced moisture resistance
– Advanced environmental adaptation
Conclusion
Both the Signia Silk CIC and Starkey Genesis CIC represent the pinnacle of invisible hearing aid technology in 2025. Your choice between these devices should align with your specific needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
