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Key Takeaways:
- RIC hearing aids are the most popular hearing aid option on the market.
- Many people like how comfortable and discrete RIC hearing aids can be, in addition to their Bluetooth functionality.
- Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of this hearing aid style.
Receiver-in-the-Canal hearing aids (often called RIC) are hearing aids worn behind the ear with a speaker (the "receiver") that sits inside the ear canal.
RIC hearing aids are one of the most popular styles due to their wide fitting range and other popular features like Bluetooth streaming and rechargeable batteries.
In this post, we will discuss who can benefit from RIC hearing aids, the different parts of a RIC hearing aid, how to care for them, and the pros and cons of this hearing aid.
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Here's our receiver-in-canal hearing aid breakdown + pros and cons. 👇
Who Can Wear a RIC Hearing Aid?
There is a lot of flexibility with this style of hearing aid, with options for mild to severe hearing loss. For those with high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss, using a RIC with a vent or more open earpiece can help maintain normal low-frequency hearing while providing enough volume for other frequencies with more hearing loss. A RIC with an earmold will be the best option for moderate to severe hearing loss. Read more about earmolds here.
A RIC hearing aid is also an option for those with unilateral or asymmetric hearing loss. A CROS hearing aid system typically works with a RIC hearing aid on one ear and a microphone (CROS) worn on the other ear.
People that want a truly invisible device might try a custom-molded, in-the-ear product, and those who need more sound amplification for severe hearing loss might try a BTE.
For most people, though, RIC hearing aids strike the right balance between comfort, aesthetics, and features.
How Receiver-In-Canal Hearing Aids Work
There are several main parts to a RIC hearing aid:
- The body that houses the computer processor and the microphones
- The receiver (or speaker)
- The dome or earmold,
- The battery
Each part has its role in delivering the right volume to your ear. Let's take a closer look!
The RIC hearing aid body.
The body of the hearing aid houses the "brain" of the hearing aid - the computer chip and processing. Think of it like the control room.
The microphones on the hearing aid are located at the top of the body of the hearing aid. While wearing the hearing aid, these microphones are situated at the top ear. Why are the microphones important?
This part of the hearing aid picks up sounds, such as speech, in the environment. Captured sounds get converted to an electrical signal, and through an amplifier, the proper level of sound is delivered finally delivered to the ear. The whole process takes a few milliseconds.
The hearing aid receiver (or speaker).
The "receiver" (another word for speaker) is the part of the hearing aid that sends the amplified sound to the ear. A receiver wire links the body of the hearing aid to the speaker attached to the dome, which sits at the opening of the ear canal.
A dome or earmold is attached to the speaker at the end of the hearing aid wire to keep it comfortably well-placed in the ear.
When it comes to domes and earmolds, there are a range of styles that can work depending on the ear canal geometry and severity of the hearing loss.
RIC hearing aid batteries.
The battery in a RIC hearing aid will be either a disposable or a rechargeable.
Disposable batteries for RIC hearing aids are size 13 or 312, with 312 being the most common.
A 312 battery will usually last between 5 to 7 days, but it can depend on the degree of hearing loss, hours of wear time, and amount of Bluetooth streaming per day. Rechargeable batteries have become very popular in RIC hearing aids in recent years.
Rather than changing batteries, you'll place them in the charger each night.
Add a retention wire or canal lock to prevent movement.
Your earmold or dome tip should fit properly in the ear so that it is not moving around or sliding out.
However, chewing or moving your jaw can cause your receiver wire to move out of the ear canal.
Fortunately, there are some great solutions for this!
- Consider a retention wire with a dome tip. This little piece, sometimes called a sport lock, works like a kickstand on a bicycle. It provides extra tension to hold the dome tip in the ear.
- If you have a custom earmold you can request that your audiologist remake the piece with a canal lock. A canal lock works like a retention wire to provide additional support and prevent movement.
Caring for Your RIC Hearing Aid
It is important to clean your RIC hearing aid regularly to prevent a build-up of wax and debris.
Here are some simple tips to properly clean your hearing aid:
- Replace the wax guard regularly. On average, once per month is recommended. Timing can also depend on your ear and how much wax you produce. If the sound seems muffled, go ahead and replace the wax guard.
- When removing the hearing aid at night, wipe the earpiece off with a tissue or non-alcohol-based wipe. (Alcohol can be abrasive for the pieces and parts of the hearing aid.)
- Use a brush to remove any debris from the microphone ports.
- Consider using a dehumidifier, especially for humid climates or those who tend to sweat. Moving from indoors to outdoors throughout the day can also cause moisture build-up. Unfortunately, moisture and electronics don't mix well and can lead to corrosion in the battery compartment of the hearing aid or intermittent sound from the hearing aid. A hearing aid dryer, such as a Zephyr, will help keep moisture build-up in check.
Another option: take those desiccant bead packets (from buying a new purse or shoes, for example) and place them in your hearing aid charger.
Pros and Cons of RIC Hearing Aids
RIC hearing aids have many advantages. They are comfortable and discreet and offer options for a wide range of hearing loss. They also provide good sound quality and are easy to use.
However, there are some factors that are important to consider with RIC hearing aids as well.
RIC Hearing Aid Pros:
Latest technology is almost always first introduced as a RIC
The majority of hearing aid users wear a RIC. For this reason, the newest technology tends to come out as a RIC first. If you're interested in hearing aids, consider a RIC, especially if you're interested in the latest technology.
Both rechargeable and disposable battery options
These hearing aids offer something for everyone. While rechargeable options are the most popular, there are also disposable battery options available.
Excellent sound quality
This style of hearing aid has the receiver directly in the ear, funneling sound right to the ear. Modern feedback control has also advanced in recent years with this technology. What does that mean? Far fewer concerns with whistling or squealing sounds in the ear.
RIC Hearing Aid Cons:
Not the most dexterity-friendly option.
Dexterity concerns can pose a problem grasping both the piece that sits behind the ear and guiding the earpiece into the ear canal. Other options, such as an ITE, may be easier to pick up and manipulate.
Not suitable for those with more severe hearing losses.
Individuals with severe or profound hearing loss will do best with a BTE to provide more amplification.
Receiver directly in the ear.
Proper care and maintenance are necessary to keep the receiver from being plugged up and not functioning correctly. Do you produce a lot of earwax or have drainage from the ear? There may be better options than a RIC due to the possibility of blockage or damage to the speaker in the ear.
6 of our favorite receiver-in-canal hearing aids available right now. 👇
Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids are made by the world's 4th largest hearing aid manufacturer (ReSound). Jabra Enhance (originally called Lively) made a name for itself by recreating the full-service audiology service online.
Instead of requiring you to come into their office, Jabra reduces the cost by programming remotely and shipping to your home.
All Jabra products come with a 100-day return policy and 3 years of unlimited remote care. You can find the same product for sale at a local clinic for around $4,500.
Get started by filling out Jabra's online survey via the right-hand corner of their website.
- Overall notes: If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, are on a budget, and want a hearing professional to program your hearing aids to match your hearing loss, this is one of the most compelling products on the market.
- Price: $1,395 for a pair of battery-powered - $1,695 for a pair of rechargeable, $1,995 for enhanced sound quality
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth (not hands-free), Behind The Ear Style
- What audiologists say: “Their audiologists can personalize and program Jabra hearing aids in real-time; highlighting the benefits of telehealth and competent professionals.” - Garrett Thompson, AuD
One of the most affordable and convenient ways to purchase online while maintaining professional care
Comes with a 100 day free-return period
Offers rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth streaming
Remote care requires users to be somewhat tech savvy
Jabra only offers styles that sit behind the ear
ReSound unveiled NEXIA in October 2023. If you’ve read our past reviews, you might know that ReSound is a regular innovator in the hearing category.
The brand was the first to partner with Apple for Bluetooth streaming back in 2013. In 2022, ReSound released an impressive algorithm update with improved beam-forming tech that boasted a 150% improvement in background noise.
ReSound is also the only manufacturer that places a microphone inside the ear to use the natural shape of the pinna to sort out background noise. Those popular features will remain with ReSound NEXIA with some exciting additions.
The first is a visible reduction in size. Impressively, NEXIA maintains a 30-hour battery life while cutting 25% off the overall size—big thumbs up from us.
The second big announcement is that NEXIA has an updated Bluetooth capability that allows Auracast streaming in public places. If you aren’t familiar with Auracast, check out our guide to the topic here.
ReSound is among the best in the industry at separating speech and noise in a background situation. Our lead audiologist recently put NEXIA in a test box and found the hearing aids could consistently provide up to 8-10 dB of background noise reduction.
ReSound NEXIA is on most of our shortlists for the best premium, receiver-in-canal hearing aids on the market.
- Overall notes: ReSound NEXIA is an all around excellent product with an innovative approach to microphones and one of the smallest form factors in the industry. ReSound NEXIA has strong Bluetooth connection that now boasts Auracast compatibility.
- Price: The national average price for ReSound NEXIA is $7,410 per pair. In our price research we've found some national providers with prices as low as $3,198/pair. Click here for more on prices.
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth with hands-free calling for iPhone and iPad, Small behind the ear style
- What audiologists say: “ReSound offers elegant design and good (if not elite) sound quality. These hearing aids are high quality and reliable.” - Garrett Thompson, AuD
Great for background noise management
Auracast compatible
Small form factor and an optional 3rd microphone in the ear
More expensive compared to direct to consumer and OTC options
NEXIA's in-ear M&RIE microphone is a bit larger and can be uncomfortable for some
Signia Pure Charge&Go hearing aids were released in October 2023. They are among the smallest behind-the-ear devices on the market in 2023 and amazingly hold nearly 40 hours per charge (second only to Starkey Genesis AI). Signia is known for limiting background noise by using motion detection to gather information about your surroundings as you move from one space to the next. Their new IX line of devices uses updated beam-forming to track multiple conversations at once. The hearing aids automatically sense when you start walking or sit down and make intelligent decisions about where to focus.
- Overall notes: Signia Charge&Go IX is a hearing aid for someone on the go. It's the smallest, has the most extended battery life, and offers best-in-class motion-based adjustments.
- Price: The national average price for Signia 7IX hearing aids is around $7,400 per pair. We've found some national providers with prices as low as $3,198/pair. Click here for more on prices.
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth, Behind The Ear Style
- What audiologists say: “Signia offers hands-free streaming (for iOS) and connectivity with their app. It is a solid device with impressive specs and design." - Garrett Thompson, AuD
Among the smallest body size on the market
Second longest battery with 40 hours per charge
Fully customizable with premium sound processing
Only sold through local clinics at $3,198 - $7,000 a pair
Does not include a Find My Hearing Aids feature
Phonak Audéo Sphere Infinio hearing aids are new in 2024 and build on the success of the Audéo Lumity series. The Sphere Infinio is Phonak’s most advanced hearing aid, featuring a first-to-market dual-chip architecture and onboard AI technology for real-time sound processing. This device promises more robust background noise management, Bluetooth connectivity, and durability. Think of this hearing aid as the cutting edge of modern hearing technology, designed by one of the world’s most trusted hearing aid companies.
Overall Notes: Audéo Sphere Infinio stands out for its powerful AI-driven sound management, enhanced Bluetooth range, and improved durability. If you’re looking for a premium clinic-prescribed hearing aid that adapts to complex auditory environments, this device will meet your needs with ease. The real-time AI processing and robust Bluetooth streaming capabilities make it a top contender in the market.
Price: The national average price for Phonak Audéo Sphere Infinio is $6,500 per pair. Some providers offer lower prices starting at $4,598/pair. Click here for more on prices.
Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth with hands-free calling via iPhone and Android, behind-the-ear style, dual-chip architecture, real-time AI processing.
Top of the line customization, Bluetooth connection and rechargeable batteries
Enhanced background noise reduction using artificial intelligence
Highly water-resistant option available for active lifestyles
Sphere is a premium product with an average price of $4,598 per pair.
Phonak products are not sold directly to consumers and require a visit to a local audiologist.
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Oticon is the second most popular hearing aid brand (after Phonak). The brand has built a fanbase around its “open” sound philosophy by using advanced methods to support natural sound. Their newest device, the Oticon Intent, goes a step further, offering open sound quality customized to the user’s intent.
The newly designed devices continuously adapt based on four built-in sensors. Together, the brand calls this MoreSound Intelligence 3.0.
- Conversation sensors: Search your soundscape for speech sounds.
- Head sensors: Track your movement to gather information about where you are focused.
- Body sensors: Track your movement through the room and open the field of sound when you walk
- Acoustic sensors: Analyze background noises, echo and room dimensions
None of these sensors are brand new to the world of hearing aids, but Oticon claims to be the first brand to use all four together in one connected system. Add in Oticon's already impressive Deep Neural Network and you get what might be the smartest hearing aid in the industry.
- Overall notes: Oticon Real is an undisputed leader among top-tier hearing aids. If you are attracted to the idea of hearing more of the sounds around you vs. solely focusing on voices, this product is a great choice.
- Price: The national average price for Oticon Intent is $6,330 per pair. In my price research I found some national providers with prices as low as $2,898/pair. Click here for more on prices.
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth LE Audio, Behind The Ear Style
- What audiologists say: “Oticon is among the best. If you are looking for all-around, top-of-the-line technology, this is an excellent choice.” - Ramsay Poindexter, AuD
Open sound quality that many users prefer
Bluetooth streaming from Android and Apple devices
Offered with both rechargeable and disposable batteries
Oticon Real hearing aids start at $2,898 and can cost as much as $7,000 with walk in care
Oticon Real hearing aids require a visit to an in person audiologist and are not sold online
This product sells for just $849 per pair at Best Buy (compared to the national average of $4,500).
To achieve this lower price, Bose did two things:
- Bose created a clinically-proven method for hearing aid wearers to program their own devices using a smartphone app. The process cuts out the middle man and saves (quite literally) thousands.
- Bose formed a partnership with Lexie Hearing. Lexie backs up the Bose name with unlimited, lifetime hearing-specialist support.
If you are looking for an affordable hearing aid with a proven brand track record and quality care, Lexie B1 Powered By Bose is among the best.
Overall notes: If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, are comfortable with smartphone tech, and are on a budget, Lexie is one of the most compelling products on the market.
Price: $849 per pair with 60-day risk-free returns at Best Buy
Features: Self-fit, simple to get started, affordable
What audiologists say: “It you're not interested in streaming phone calls and don't mind changing hearing aid batteries, Bose is a budget-friendly option with easy to use app and customer support.” - Garrett Thompson, AuD
Affordable
Self-tuned
Discreet and modern appearance
No Bluetooth streaming
Disposable batteries
Less background noise suppression
Conclusion:
RIC hearing aids are popular for many people with mild to severe hearing loss. They come in a range of styles from a wide selection of brands.
If you are looking for the latest technology and all available features, you'll want to consider RIC hearing aids first.
If you are set on invisible hearing aids or need more power through a BTE, you might enjoy our guides on those options.
