RIC stands for Receiver-in-Canal. It’s a very popular and modern style of hearing aid. It has two main parts: a small, discreet unit that sits behind your ear, and a tiny speaker (or receiver) that rests comfortably inside your ear canal, connected by a thin, nearly invisible wire. This design allows sound to be delivered directly and naturally to your ear, providing excellent clarity.

The main difference lies in where the speaker is located. In a BTE hearing aid, the speaker is inside the unit behind your ear, with a tube delivering sound. With a RIC, the speaker is placed inside your ear canal. This position reduces distortion and makes the sound feel much more natural, especially with high pitched tones.

It depends on your model. Rechargeable RIC devices usually last a full day on a single charge, even with Bluetooth streaming. If you are using disposable batteries, they may last 4-7 days depending on usage.

RIC hearing aids can be fitted with different receivers (speakers), making them flexible. For mild to severe hearing loss, they work wonderfully well. For profound hearing loss, your audiologist might recommend a different type such as BTE (Behind-the-Ear).

Yes! Modern RIC hearing aids come with Bluetooth connectivity. You can stream calls, music and even TV audio directly into your ears, giving you a clearer, more enjoyable listening experience.

RIC hearing aids are generally recommended for adults and older teenagers due to their delicate size and handling needs. For younger children, audiologists often suggest BTE hearing aids as they are more durable and adaptable for growing ears.

Since the speaker is in the ear canal, it can be susceptible to earwax and moisture. We’ll show you how to perform a simple daily cleaning routine, which usually involves wiping the device with a soft cloth and brushing the tiny speaker to keep it clear. Regular check ups with your audiologist are also key to ensuring they stay in top working condition.