Receiver-In-The-Canal (RIC)
RIC hearing aids are made up of two parts. The hearing aid itself sits discretely behind the ear and the loudspeaker (receiver) sits in the ear canal. The two are connected by a very fine speaker cable. Hearing condition permitting, RICs can be fitted in a way that does not block your ear canal at all. This provides a very natural sound quality which makes this type of hearing aid easier to get used to than some other options. Also, they directly connect to mobile phones and other Bluetooth devices. This allows you to take and receive calls, listen to music and watch tv.
RIC hearing aids are made up of two parts. The hearing aid itself sits discretely behind the ear and the loudspeaker (receiver) sits in the ear canal. The two are connected by a very fine speaker cable. Hearing condition permitting, RICs can be fitted in a way that does not block your ear canal at all. This provides a very natural sound quality which makes this type of hearing aid easier to get used to than some other options. Also, they directly connect to mobile phones and other Bluetooth devices. This allows you to take and receive calls, listen to music and watch tv.
The RIC Hearing Aid have different power levels for their loudspeakers (receivers) and different dome types. You can also have a custom-made ear tip which fits over the loudspeaker. This enables us to fit almost all hearing problems. It also enables us to more easily adapt to a deterioration in your hearing over the life of the product.
RICs are available with several different battery types lasting anywhere from 3 to 14 days. Generally speaking, the larger the device behind the ear, the longer the battery life. RICs are also available with rechargeable batteries. These will typically last all day and are recharged overnight.
In terms of limitations, the RIC is not always helpful when using the phone, although this can normally be remedied with some additional technology where necessary. If you don’t have a problem with the phone prior to using a hearing aid, then a RIC hearing aid will not hinder this.
They are not always suitable for people with poor dexterity, however having a rechargeable system that requires no fiddly battery changes can be a real advantage. The RIC isn’t as small as some one-piece options. However, if the wearer has hair to conceal the main body of the device, the earpiece is similar in size to an Invisible-In-The-Canal (IIC).
Lyric, our extended wear hearing aid
Invisible-In-The-Canal (IIC)
Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC)
In-The-Canal (ITC)
In-The-Ear (ITE)
Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
Rusty Dawson's case study
Rusty was in her late 40s when she experienced early onset age related hearing loss. She describes her experience and how it made her world a more exciting place again.
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