Instant-fit hearing aids like Signia Silk use soft sleeves and can be fitted the same day, from ₹46,990 per ear (MRP). Custom aids such as ReSound Key, Unitron Insera, Signia Insio and Phonak Virto are made from an impression of your ear, start from ₹27,995 per ear, fit more securely and cover more hearing loss, but take longer to make.
The short answer
Choose instant-fit if you want a small in-ear aid fitted in a single visit without an ear impression, and your loss is mild to moderate. Choose custom if you want the most secure, comfortable fit, more power or more vent options, and can wait while the shell is made. Instant-fit Signia Silk starts at ₹46,990 per ear (MRP); custom in-ear aids start from ₹27,995 (ReSound Key 3 CIC).
How to read these prices: MRP is the manufacturer's printed price from the 2026 price lists we hold (Signia 17 March 2026; Phonak and Unitron 1 June 2026; ReSound 2026). Prudent typically sells 20% to 30% below MRP depending on the model, so the likely price shown is for one ear unless marked per pair. Your exact quote is confirmed after your free hearing test, and hearing aids are GST-exempt in India. Prices change with each new price list; see the latest on our pricing page.
Instant-fit vs custom at a glance
| Instant-fit | Custom-made | |
|---|---|---|
| How it fits | Soft silicone sleeves in standard sizes | Shell moulded from an impression of your ear |
| Time to fit | Usually the same visit | A few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the maker |
| Hearing loss range | Signia Silk: 10 to 80 dB as printed | Up to 110 dB as printed for Signia Insio |
| Security and comfort | Good for many ears; can shift in some canals | Made for your ear, so usually more secure |
| Occlusion and vents | Open or closed sleeves | Vent size chosen for your loss |
| If your ear changes | Change the sleeve size | The shell may need remaking |
| Rechargeable options | Silk Charge&Go IX kits | Insio Charge&Go and Insio Charge&Go CIC |
Prices compared
| Model | Type | MRP | Likely price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signia Silk 1X | Instant-fit CIC | ₹46,990 per ear | ₹32,890 to ₹37,590 |
| Signia Silk Charge&Go 1IX kit | Instant-fit CIC, rechargeable | ₹1,39,990 per pair | ₹70,000 to ₹97,990 per pair |
| Signia Active IX kit | Instant-fit, earbud-style | ₹1,59,990 per pair | ₹80,000 to ₹1,11,990 per pair |
| ReSound Key 3 CIC | Custom CIC, non-wireless | ₹27,995 per ear | ₹19,600 to ₹22,400 |
| Unitron Insera B1 | Custom CIC, IIC or ITC | ₹43,000 per ear | ₹30,100 to ₹34,400 |
| Signia Insio 1NX | Custom ITE, ITC, CIC or IIC | ₹44,990 per ear | ₹31,490 to ₹35,990 |
| Phonak Virto P30 | Custom CIC or ITC | ₹55,000 per ear | ₹38,500 to ₹44,000 |
| Signia Insio Charge&Go 1AX | Custom ITC or ITE, rechargeable | ₹72,990 per ear | ₹51,090 to ₹58,390 |
Who should choose instant-fit?
- First-time users who want to try a small in-ear aid quickly.
- People with mild to moderate loss who value discretion.
- Anyone who dislikes the idea of an ear impression.
Who should choose custom?
- People with more severe loss who need stronger receivers.
- Anyone whose instant-fit sleeve feels loose, sore or whistles.
- People who want a specific vent to reduce the booming own-voice effect. See why your own voice sounds loud.
Related comparisons
See Signia Styletto vs Insio, invisible hearing aids compared and RIC vs BTE vs ITE. Book a free hearing test and we can try an instant-fit sleeve in the same appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between instant-fit and custom hearing aids?
Instant-fit aids such as Signia Silk use soft silicone sleeves in standard sizes and are usually fitted the same visit. Custom aids are built from an impression of your ear, fit more securely and cover more loss, but take a few days to a couple of weeks to make.
Which costs less, instant-fit or custom?
Custom in-ear aids start lower, from ₹27,995 MRP per ear for the ReSound Key 3 CIC, while instant-fit Signia Silk starts at ₹46,990 per ear.
Who should choose an instant-fit hearing aid?
First-time users who want to try a small in-ear aid quickly, people with mild to moderate loss who value discretion, and anyone who dislikes the idea of an ear impression.
Who should choose a custom hearing aid?
People with more severe loss who need stronger receivers, anyone whose instant-fit sleeve feels loose or sore or whistles, and people who need a specific vent to reduce a booming own voice.
How much hearing loss can an instant-fit aid handle?
Signia Silk is listed for 10 to 80 dB, while a custom shell such as Signia Insio is listed up to 110 dB.
Free consultation
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