Receiver-in-canal (RIC) Hearing Aids

Examples:

Slim RIC Hearing Aids by Signia

RIC Hearing Aids by GN ReSound

Definition and description of RIC hearing aids (RIC & Slim RIC)

Receiver-in-Canal hearing aids are similar to Behind-the-Ear hearing aids in which they are worn behind the ear. The difference is that in RIC hearing aids, the speaker or receiver sits inside the ear canal. They can hold more processors, which makes them better for severe hearing loss. They are beneficial for people with high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss. Many brands carry a slimmer version of RIC, called Slim RIC, for users concerned about the size of the hearing aid.

Advantages and disadvantages of RIC hearing aids

Advantages:

Rechargeable and disposable battery options

Most RIC hearing aids offer rechargeable batteries, although some models with disposable batteries are available.  

Widely popular

The RIC models have become increasingly popular. Therefore, hearing aid manufacturers often add the latest features and technology trends to RIC models, such as Bluetooth connectivity for direct audio streaming, TRT (Tinnitus Retraining Therapy), fall alert and more. 

Excellent sound quality

RIC hearing aids combine the power of a behind-the-ear piece with a receiver channelling sound directly into the ear canal. This combination allows users to have exceptionally good hearing quality.

Externally controlled

Most new models of RIC hearing aids now have a dedicated smartphone application that allows the user to quickly and easily adjust the hearing devices’ volume, settings and different features from their phone.

Disadvantages:

Handling might be tricky

Patients with dexterity issues may struggle to grasp the behind-the-ear piece and guide the tube with the receiver into the ear canal.

Not the best option 
for severe hearing loss

Patients with severe hearing loss may do better with an ITE or BTE, which amplifies more.

Requires cleaning

The receiver should be cleaned every so often to prevent earwax build-up. The RIC hearing aids may not be the best option for patients with recurrent wax build-up or prone to ear infections. 

Interested in RIC or SLIM RIC hearing aids? 

Behind-the-ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

Examples:

BTE Hearing Aids by Oticon

Definition and description of BTE hearing aids

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids, as their name suggests, consist of two components: a main plastic unit containing all electronic parts of the hearing device placed behind the ear. A mould or dome receives the sound from the main unit via a tube that connects with the BTE part.The mould is usually made from resin and custom fits the ear canal without completely blocking it. Alternatively, the user can choose to use a soft silicone dome.

Advantages and disadvantages of BTE hearing aids

Advantages:

Rechargeable and disposable battery options

Most BTE hearing aids offer rechargeable batteries, although some models with disposable batteries are available.  

Widely popular

The BTE models have become increasingly popular. Therefore, hearing aid manufacturers often add the latest features and technology trends to RIC models, such as Bluetooth connectivity for direct audio streaming, TRT (Tinnitus Retraining Therapy), fall alert and more. 

Excellent sound quality

BTE hearing aids combine the power of a behind-the-ear piece with a receiver channelling sound directly into the ear canal. This combination allows users to have exceptionally good hearing quality.

Externally controlled

Most new models of BTE hearing aids now have a dedicated smartphone application that allows the user to quickly and easily adjust the hearing devices’ volume, settings and different features from their phone.

Disadvantages:

Handling might be tricky

Patients with dexterity issues may struggle to grasp the behind-the-ear piece and guide the tube with the receiver into the ear canal.

Not the best option for severe hearing loss

Patients with severe hearing loss may do better with an ITE or BTE, which amplifies more.

Requires cleaning

The receiver should be cleaned every so often to prevent earwax build-up. The RIC hearing aids may not be the best option for patients with recurrent wax build-up or prone to ear infections.

In-the-ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

Examples:

ITE hearing aids by Phonak

Definition and description of ITE hearing aids

These hearing aids contain the entire mechanism in a single piece that goes inside the ear. ITE hearing aids sit in the outer bowl of the ear instead of inside the canal. These models are typically smaller than BTEs, with smaller batteries, sound processors, and electronic components. ITE hearing aids are usually custom-made for the unique ear shape of the patient. This customisation aims to maximise comfort so the hearing device sits easily inside the patient’s ear. There is also the option of a generic shell, a one-size-fits-all, but although cheaper, it won’t fit and work as well as a bespoke earpiece. These hearing aids can work for mild to severe hearing loss, although it brings more support for severe hearing loss. 

Advantages and disadvantages of ITE hearing aids

Advantages:

Rechargeable and disposable battery options

Most RIC hearing aids offer rechargeable batteries, although some models with disposable batteries are available.  

Widely popular

The RIC models have become increasingly popular. Therefore, hearing aid manufacturers often add the latest features and technology trends to RIC models, such as Bluetooth connectivity for direct audio streaming, TRT (Tinnitus Retraining Therapy), fall alert and more. 

Excellent sound quality

RIC hearing aids combine the power of a behind-the-ear piece with a receiver channelling sound directly into the ear canal. This combination allows users to have exceptionally good hearing quality.

Externally controlled

Most new models of RIC hearing aids now have a dedicated smartphone application that allows the user to quickly and easily adjust the hearing devices’ volume, settings and different features from their phone.

Disadvantages:

Handling might be tricky

Patients with dexterity issues may struggle to grasp the behind-the-ear piece and guide the tube with the receiver into the ear canal.

Not the best option for severe hearing loss

Patients with severe hearing loss may do better with an ITE or BTE, which amplifies more.

Requires cleaning

The receiver should be cleaned every so often to prevent earwax build-up. The RIC hearing aids may not be the best option for patients with recurrent wax build-up or prone to ear infections. 

In-the-canal (ITC) Hearing Aids

Examples:

ITC Hearing Aids by Starkey

Definition and description of ITC hearing aids

In-the-canal hearing aids are placed inside the ear canal, providing a discreet way to improve the user’s hearing.  They are moulded to fit the patient’s ear, mostly invisible, with only a small portion showing in the outer ear.

Advantages and disadvantages of ITC hearing aids

Advantages:

Rechargeable and disposable battery options

Most RIC hearing aids offer rechargeable batteries, although some models with disposable batteries are available.  

Widely popular

The RIC models have become increasingly popular. Therefore, hearing aid manufacturers often add the latest features and technology trends to RIC models, such as Bluetooth connectivity for direct audio streaming, TRT (Tinnitus Retraining Therapy), fall alert and more. 

Excellent sound quality

RIC hearing aids combine the power of a behind-the-ear piece with a receiver channelling sound directly into the ear canal. This combination allows users to have exceptionally good hearing quality.

Disadvantages:

Handling might be tricky

Patients with dexterity issues may struggle to grasp the behind-the-ear piece and guide the tube with the receiver into the ear canal.

Not the best option for severe hearing loss

Patients with severe hearing loss may do better with an ITE or BTE, which amplifies more.

Requires cleaning

The receiver should be cleaned every so often to prevent earwax build-up. The RIC hearing aids may not be the best option for patients with recurrent wax build-up or prone to ear infections. 

Requires cleaning

The receiver should be cleaned every so often to prevent earwax build-up. The RIC hearing aids may not be the best option for patients with recurrent wax build-up or prone to ear infections.

Completely-in-canal (CIC) Hearing Aids

Examples:

Signia Silk Charge&Go IX

Definition and description of CIC hearing aids

Completely-in-canal hearing aids sit completely inside the ear canal, practically invisible to the outside world. These devices are naturally very small and made from a mould taken from the patient’s ear canal, which makes them custom fit and very comfortable. One of the characteristics of CIC hearing aids is that they allow the outer ear to conduct the sound towards the ear canal as it happens naturally. As such, many users find improved directionality detection.

Advantages and disadvantages of CIC hearing aid

Advantages:

Rechargeable and disposable battery options

Most RIC hearing aids offer rechargeable batteries, although some models with disposable batteries are available.  

Widely popular

The RIC models have become increasingly popular. Therefore, hearing aid manufacturers often add the latest features and technology trends to RIC models, such as Bluetooth connectivity for direct audio streaming, TRT (Tinnitus Retraining Therapy), fall alert and more. 

Excellent sound quality

RIC hearing aids combine the power of a behind-the-ear piece with a receiver channelling sound directly into the ear canal. This combination allows users to have exceptionally good hearing quality.

Externally controlled

...

Disadvantages:

Handling might be tricky

Patients with dexterity issues may struggle to grasp the behind-the-ear piece and guide the tube with the receiver into the ear canal.

Not the best option for severe hearing loss

Patients with severe hearing loss may do better with an ITE or BTE, which amplifies more.

Requires cleaning

The receiver should be cleaned every so often to prevent earwax build-up. The RIC hearing aids may not be the best option for patients with recurrent wax build-up or prone to ear infections. 

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids

Examples:

OTC by Eargo

Definition and description of over-the-counter hearing aids

Over-the-counter hearing aids are sold directly to consumers in pharmacies, stores or online without needing a prescription. OTC hearing aids offer users a less expensive alternative without seeing an audiologist.

Advantages and disadvantages of OTC hearing aid

Advantages:

Rechargeable and disposable battery options

Most RIC hearing aids offer rechargeable batteries, although some models with disposable batteries are available.  

Widely popular

The RIC models have become increasingly popular. Therefore, hearing aid manufacturers often add the latest features and technology trends to RIC models, such as Bluetooth connectivity for direct audio streaming, TRT (Tinnitus Retraining Therapy), fall alert and more. 

Excellent sound quality

RIC hearing aids combine the power of a behind-the-ear piece with a receiver channelling sound directly into the ear canal. This combination allows users to have exceptionally good hearing quality.

Disadvantages:

Handling might be tricky

Patients with dexterity issues may struggle to grasp the behind-the-ear piece and guide the tube with the receiver into the ear canal.

Not the best option for severe hearing loss

Patients with severe hearing loss may do better with an ITE or BTE, which amplifies more.

Requires cleaning

The receiver should be cleaned every so often to prevent earwax build-up. The RIC hearing aids may not be the best option for patients with recurrent wax build-up or prone to ear infections.