These days, people who struggle with hearing loss have a lot of options. The first choice they have to make is what style of hearing aid to wear. This article will offer some insight into one popular model type called a receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid.
What Are RIC Hearing Aids?
Receiver in canal hearing aids, or RICs, are specialized types of hearing aids that feature nearly invisible receivers placed inside the ear canal. With most models, the hearing aid’s body sits behind the ear, as with traditional hearing aids. However, that body contains only the microphone and amplifier. The receiver, itself, is placed in an earmold and connected to the body via a small wire.
The Pros of RIC Hearing Aids
RICs are a fantastic option for people with mild to moderate forms of hearing loss. The benefits of RIC hearing aids for these users include:
More Natural Sound
Because they transmit sound directly into the ear canal instead of feeding it through the tubing, RIC hearing aids typically sound more natural than traditional behind-the-ear (BTE) models. These hearing aids are less prone to both feedback and occlusion, and they’re more effective at amplifying high-frequency sounds.
Greater Level of Comfort
If a wearer’s hearing aid is uncomfortable, they will be less likely to use it when it’s needed most. Thankfully, RICs are reportedly more comfortable than most other hearing aids. This is due in part to the fact that they are smaller, but also to improvements in the wearability of the models’ earmolds/domes.
Less Noticeable
There’s no reason to be ashamed of having hearing loss, but some people feel self-conscious about wearing large, bulky hearing aids. The fact that RICs sit entirely within the ear canal and feature only slim wires to attach the receiver to the body makes them less noticeable to others than traditional models.
The Cons of RIC Hearing Aids
Nothing in this world is perfect, and hearing aids are no exception. Even people who love their RIC hearing aids find that there are also disadvantages to wearing them, such as:
Susceptibility to Moisture
Unfortunately, the receivers for RIC hearing aids are highly susceptible to both moisture and heat, including sweat and heat from the body. As a result, these models are a poor choice for heavy exercise.
Easy to Misplace
The same characteristics that make RICs less noticeable to others than traditional BTE hearing aids also make them easier to misplace. Since hearing aids aren’t cheap, frequently losing track of smaller RIC hearing aids can leave wearers dealing with significant added expenses. People who tend to be absentminded may want to stick with larger models that are easier to keep in place and harder to lose.
Increased Cost
Miniaturization almost always increases the cost of electronics, including hearing aids. As a result, RICs are typically more expensive than comparable models of BTE hearing aids. Not all health insurance plans cover hearing assistance devices, so this difference in pricing can be a dealbreaker for some wearers.
Get Help Making This Important Choice
RIC hearing aids are just one of many available options for managing hearing loss. The best thing for anyone investigating hearing assistance devices for the first time to do is to contact an expert who can explain those options and help with the decision.
