Private Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids

What is a Receiver in canal (RIC) Hearing aid?

Receiver-in-Canal hearing aids (RIC) are the international best-seller for digital hearing aids. Since their launch they have stormed the hearing aid world coupling together clever technology with great cosmetics and comfort.

Receiver in canal vs Behind the Ear or Open Fit Hearing aids

First came open fit behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE open fits) which coupled an “open” style dome earpiece on the end of a “slim tube” (a very thin tube which replaced the classic custom-made earmould of a BTE). The hearing advantage of this design were based mainly on less occlusion (blocking of the ear) which allowed a more natural sound with less “boomy” effects or echoing of ones own voice for those with milder hearing losses. Cosmetically, they are considered to look more discreet due to the loss of the larger style earmould which is more noticeable than a small dome earpiece which sits within the ear canal.

Then came RIC hearing aids. The design then changed from a standard “slim tube” to a “receiver wire” which basically means the hearing aid receiver(amplifier/speaker) sits within the ear canal of the wearer, underneath the earpiece, as opposed to being incased within the behind the ear section as with the BTE with slim tube models.

Effectively, what this means for the wearer is reduced chances of feedback and therefore potential for greater power levels of the device. Meaning these devices are suitable for those with greater losses. Not only that, but due to the amplifier no longer sitting in the BTE casing, the size of the behind the ear section can be made much smaller, again improving discretion of the cosmetics of the aids.

RIC hearing aid pros and cons (dropdown menu for pros/cons)

Pros

  • Discreet- virtually only visible when looked for.
  • Available in lots of colour choices from bright to matching skin/hair tone
  • Less chance of feedback that BTE style
  • Great for wearers with tinnitus and mild losses
  • Most comfortable -lightweight and less “blocked ear” feeling
  • Can be open fit- so more natural sounding with, less distortion/echo with own voice/ eating
  • Suitable for severe losses
  • Rechargeable and Bluetooth options available.

Cons

  • Receiver is susceptible to moisture/wax than BTE styles
  • Receiver wires often need replacement every so often – although easily done in house as part of your aftercare service.
  • Less discreet than invisible-in-canal (IIC) styles
  • Care needed when removing facemask to avoid potential loss

RIC Devices & Accessories including domes, receivers and ear wax filters

This style has great potential for longevity when compared to in-the-ear models (ITE) as the receiver wire can be changed to a higher power should your hearing deteriorate, avoiding the need for a new hearing aid.

Replacement parts for the hearing aid include the receiver wire, ear wax filters and earpieces/domes. Don’t worry, we will explain all necessary accessories, how often they will need replacement, what comes as standard or the replacement cost. Replacement accessory costs are minimal, however at Integrate Hearing we make sure you are up to speed with everything you need to know so there will be no hidden costs!

RIC hearing aids – are these devices available on the NHS? RIC or BTE Open Fit?

Recently some NHS providers have started to provide receiver in canal hearing aids although many still only provide BTE open fit. Although they may look similar due to both having a dome earpiece, they are different. Generally, Receiver in canal hearing aids are more comfortable, affected less by the wear of glasses and more discreet due to the behind the ear portion of the device being smaller.

Are private RICs right for you? How much do they cost?

At Integrate hearing we offer open fit receiver in canal hearing aids from all manufacturers, including rechargeable and Bluetooth models at all price points. To find out more about our 4 ranges of aids click here or contact us on 01978799387 to discuss our products and book a hearing aid assessment for a 14 day free trial.

Our Range of Hearing Aids

Find out more about the products we offer below.

Invisible in the Canal (IIC)

Extremely discreet. This is the smallest type of hearing aid, fitting deep within the ear canal making it almost invisible when worn. Suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss.

Completely in the Canal (CIC)

The CIC is the second smallest hearing aid which fits completely in the ear canal and dependent on the size and shape of your ear canal is also very discreet. Suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss).

Receiver in the Canal (RIC)

The most common style of hearing aid. Very comfortable, extremely discreet yet powerful. Virtually invisible this type of hearing aid sits neatly behind the ear. This device fits a wide range of hearing loss, designed to provide natural sound quality.

In the Canal (ITC)

Bespoke and discreet, slightly larger for increased ease of handling, power and battery life. This type of hearing aid sits in the outer portion of the ear canal and is smaller than the ITE style. It can fit a wide range of hearing loss.

In the Ear (ITE)

Fits comfortably in the outer ear. Great for people with dexterity issues. This hearing aid fits comfortably inside the bowl of the ear. Due to its size, it’s great for people with dexterity problems or needing more power. It fits a wide range of hearing loss.

Behind the Ear (BTE)

A more traditional style, fitting comfortably behind the ear and attaching to a custom-made ear mould. With this type of hearing aid, all of the components sit within a casing behind the ear. Suitable for people with mild to profound hearing loss.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth functionality in your hearing aids enables to you to connect and listen to a whole host of devices such as your phone, mobile, TV and tablet. Connectivity comes in multiple forms but the overall consensus is that the technology offers great advantages for audio sound quality for hearing aid wearers.

Rechargeable Hearing Aids

Rechargeable hearing aids have stormed the market since their release and for good reason. They are great option for those looking for more convenience and to reduce their hearing aid maintenance, particularly where limited dexterity or the frequency of battery changing is a concern.

Our Services

We offer all aspects of hearing care in Manchester city centre, Stockport, Cheadle Hulme, Romiley & Marple. Whether it be ear wax removal, hearing aids, hearing tests or tinnitus treatment, we can help. Please click on one of the following services for more information.

Hearing Tests

Hearing Aids

Ear Wax Removal

Tinnitus Management

Contact Us

For more information about our services or even for just a general chat regarding your hearing health, please do get in touch.

Private Hearing Aids

Hear well and stay integrated, with a choice of the latest hearing aids from the best manufacturer’s brands like Phonak, Unitron, Widex, Signia, Starkey or Oticon. Our honest, unbiased and comprehensive advice helps you understand your best hearing aid features and styles. We offer a 14-day FREE trial, moneyback guarantee and fully inclusive aftercare package on all our devices to prove our dedication to your satisfaction.

Hearing Aids

Invisible, rechargeable or Bluetooth, find the best digital hearing aid technology to suit you.

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Take your recommended pair home and try before you buy.

I would like to thank Olivia for her home visit to remove wax from my mother’s ears today. She was fantastically reassuring, professional, courteous and patient. Every step of the process was carefully explained and she was meticulous in her safety procedures. I would not hesitate to recommend Olivia to anyone needing any audiology services.
Richard

Olivia is absolutely brilliant. Can’t praise her too highly. Wasted 9 months at another clinic where none of my problems were ever solved. Olivia gave me back my hearing in under two. She is the Super Woman of hearing problems!

Leslie
Visited Olivia today at Cheadle for ear wax removal. I was very impressed with her professionalism and friendliness which I feel would put even a nervous patient quickly at ease. The treatment was trouble free and pain free and reached a successful outcome with complete removal of the wax. I would not hesitate to recommend Olivia to any potential patients.
Norman Wall
After having microsuction, I discussed the possibility of a hearing aid from Olivia after having problems with my NHS aid. At each appointment I found Olivia very thorough and professional. She was careful to ensure that I had exactly the right fit and that I was happy with it. She was helpful, pleasant and made me feel relaxed. I am very happy with my new neat hearing aid. Thanks Olivia!
Jean Silvester