Receiver-in-canal (RIC)

Open-fit hearing aid that used a thin, plastic micro tube extending into the ear canal.

This hearing aid is placed like an earplug in the ear canal. Once inside, it is virtually invisible to the naked eye. Some devices have an antenna-shaped tab to pull them out. In-the-ear hearing aids are available in different designs, which differ in size, performance and fit. To ensure optimal comfort, the hearing care professional takes a print of your ear canal to customize the shell.

Phonak Audéo™ Marvel Phonak Audéo™ Paradise

Description

Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aids—also referred to as receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) or canal receiver technology (CRT)—are smaller than standard BTE models, but are easy to maneuver and can still house a variety of features. Like standard BTEs, they can be worn comfortably behind the ear. However, unlike regular BTE hearing aids, the RIC’s loudspeaker or “receiver” is located outside the housing and positioned at the end of a thin earwire, placed near the ear drum. Since generated sound only has to travel a very short distance with lower transmission loss, less sound energy (and battery power) is required to produce a superior listening experience.

Pros

No “plugged up” feeling
Minimizes sounds of your own voice by allowing sounds to escape ear canal
Small, virtually unnoticeable casings
Nearly invisible tubing
Larger batteries for longer battery life

Cons

The receiver end is vulnerable to moisture
Less intrusive placement than other hearing aid styles means it can be easy to lose them and not notice

More than half of hearing care patients are good candidates for RIC hearing aids. If your loss is in the mild to moderately severe range and you have the ability to manipulate small objects, these hearing aids may be a good option for you.