RIC Hearing Aids UK - Pros and cons of Receiver in Canal hearing aids

Receiver in Canal RIC Hearing Aids

Exploring the different hearing aid styles available

The differences between RIC hearing aids

The crucial difference is that in Receiver in Canal hearing aids (RIC) the casing behind the ear holds the microphone, amplifier, and processor - but the receiver/speaker is situated in a small dome that sits directly in the ear, the two parts being connected by a thin wire.

RIC hearing aids offer a combination of discreetness, advanced technology, and enhanced listening experience, making them a preferred choice for individuals with various types of hearing loss.  The main top three benefits of RIC hearing aids are that they are small, durable, and comfortable.  Discover the other RIC hearing aids benefits and disadvantages below.

The Pros and Cons of RIC Hearing Aids (RIC)

What are the benefits of RIC hearing aids?

RIC hearing aids are great if you struggle to hear high-pitched sounds

For many people, the first symptom of their hearing loss is an inability to hear high-pitched sounds. Due to their two-part design, Receiver In Canal (RIC) hearing aids are particularly good at amplifying high-pitched sounds yet still producing a natural sound result.

Receiver In Canal (RIC) hearing aids are particularly good for people with early-onset or mild to moderate hearing loss. However please note that there are also many Receiver In Canal (RIC) hearing aids that have been specifically designed for those with more severe levels of hearing loss.

You’ll hardly notice that you are wearing a RIC hearing aid

Again due to their two-part design, Receiver In Canal (RIC) hearing aids are extremely small and lightweight making them very comfortable to wear. In fact, many users report that the only reason they know that they are wearing their Receiver In Canal (RIC) hearing aid is that their hearing is so much better!

RIC hearing aids allow you to hear a more natural sound

Receiver in Canal (RIC) hearing aids are often reported as producing some of the most natural sound quality of all the different types of hearing aids. This is due to two factors. Firstly as the speaker/receiver sits directly in the ear it allows for sounds to be transmitted directly into your ear canal meaning that they are less susceptible to distortion.

Also as Receiver In Canal (RIC) features a more open dome in the ear this avoids blocking the ear and thus mitigates any issues of occlusion.

RIC hearing aids are inconspicuous

Considering that Receiver In Canal (RIC) hearing aids do sit outside of your ear they are actually much more discreet than you might think. The casing that sits behind your ear is usually incredibly small and slimline and the wire that connects that to the ear dome is often almost invisible unless someone was specifically looking for it.

Receiver In Canal (RIC) hearing aids are also available in a range of colours that can blend in with your hair or skin tone.

RIC hearing aids don't occlude the ear canal

Occlusion of the ear canal results from the entire entrance to the canal being covered or blocked by a hearing aid (or other foreign objects). This can cause issues such as hearing your own voice too loudly, your voice sounding hollow, experiencing noisy and annoying sounds when chewing or swallowing food, and an unpleasant feeling that your ear is blocked.

As the receiver/speaker in Receiver In Canal (RIC) hearing aids leave the entrance to your ear canal partially open then issues of occlusion are thankfully avoided.

Annoying feedback is reduced with RIC hearing aids

Many users of Receiver In Canal (RIC) hearing aids report that they experience significantly lower levels of feedback with these compared to other types of hearing aids. Due to the separation of the microphone/amplifier and the speaker/receiver in Receiver In Canal (RIC) hearing aids.

It means that there is much less chance of signal confusion within the device itself, thus the annoying whistling sounds produced by the feedback are reduced.

RIC Hearing Aids

What are the disadvantages of Receiver in Canal hearing aids?

The receiver can be susceptible to damage

As the receiver/speaker part of a Receiver In Canal (RIC) hearing aid is positioned directly in the ear canal itself, you may find that it is more susceptible to damage from sweat and natural ear moisture etc than many other types of hearing aids.

You are more liable to lose RIC hearing aids

This is a common misconception, as 8/10 RICs sold are rechargeable, they are therefore the only hearing aids that you have to put in the box when you take them out, making it a lot less likely that you will misplace them.  Let's compare a few of the other hearing aid models with RIC hearing aids below:

RIC vs BTE hearing aids

What is the difference between RIC and BTE hearing aids?  Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC) hearing aids, also known as Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE) or canal receiver technology (CRT), offer a compact alternative to standard BTE models while retaining versatile features.

These RIC aids, like traditional BTEs, rest comfortably behind the ear. However, they differ in that their speaker is situated outside the housing, connected to a slim ear wire positioned near the eardrum.

Because sound travels a short distance with minimal loss, less sound energy and battery power are needed, resulting in an improved listening experience.  This design combines the benefits of discretion, comfort, and enhanced sound quality for wearers.

RIC vs CIC hearing aids

What is the difference between CIC and RIC hearing aids?  Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing aids have a small behind-the-ear component with a wire leading to the ear canal, making them versatile for various hearing loss levels. They offer advanced features and are less prone to feedback but are more visible.

Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) hearing aids are custom-made to fit deep inside the ear canal, making them virtually invisible. However, they suit mild to moderate hearing loss, have limited features, and may cause feedback and a sense of ear plugging. RIC strikes a balance between performance and visibility, while CIC excels in discreetness.

The choice depends on hearing needs, cosmetic preferences, and lifestyle. Consultation with an audiologist is crucial for the best decision.