Technological advances have made hearing aids smaller and more accessible than ever before, with one of the most popular types being the receiver in canal (RIC) hearing aid. RIC hearing aids are convenient to use and discreet, making them an excellent choice for those who want to hear their best without sacrificing their style and comfort. While the RIC hearing aid may be the perfect choice for you, here are some factors to consider before getting one installed by your doctor or audiologist.
What are RIC hearing aids?
Receiver-in-the-canal or RIC hearing aids are a special category of hearing devices that are essentially invisible to others. They look like earplugs and fit snugly inside your ear canal, but since there’s nothing on your outer ear, you won’t even realize that you have them. For people who want to be discreet about their hearing impairment, RIC hearing aids can be a good option. The fact that they are virtually invisible can also make people feel more comfortable about wearing them and having them seen by other people, thus improving their self-esteem.
How do RIC hearing aids work?
There are two main types of hearing aids: Behind-the-ear and In-the-canal. Generally, these devices use a microphone to pick up sound waves, which are then processed and amplified. They send information through a tube that connects to your ear, where an external portion of the hearing aid is held by a small magnet or adhesive. Behind-the-ear devices sit just behind your ear; they have a tube that rests outside of your ear canal but still gets sound into your eardrum. In-the-canal models work like BTEs but have no tubing—they sit inside your ear canal, so you can hear what’s going on around you clearly.
What RIC hearing aids are available?
RIC hearing aids come with a receiver that sits just inside your ear canal. In-the-ear hearing aids use similar technology, but they sit farther back on your ear. RICs are a good choice for mild to moderate hearing loss. They’re discreet and can be worn all day without interfering with eyeglasses or hairstyles. Plus, you won’t have to worry about headbands or wires getting in your way at work or play. If you like to listen to music, then RICs may also be a great choice for you—their small size allows them to fit comfortably inside most headphones and earbuds. Your audiologist will work with you to determine which type of hearing aid is best for your needs and lifestyle.
How does an audiologist decide which RIC hearing aid is right for me?
When you see an audiologist, they’ll go through a questionnaire that will help determine which kind of hearing aid is right for you. From there, it comes down to personal preference and what you think works best for your lifestyle. Some people like having RIC hearing aids because they can keep them inside their ear canal all day. If you enjoy swimming or being around water frequently, RIC might be a good option since it’s more difficult to damage these devices than open-style hearing aids. Others prefer to have an open-style hearing aid so that they can access different accessories without removing them from their ears all day long. RIC and open-style hearing aid both come with pros and cons, but deciding on one vs.
How much does RIC Hearing aid cost, and how do I pay for them?
The great thing about RIC hearing aids is that you can receive them for a fraction of what you’d pay for traditional, hard-to-hear aid models. Because these devices are miniaturized and more powerful than those of previous generations, they do not require as much power—the number of batteries required to run them. What does this mean? This means that you won’t have to sacrifice quality or style when choosing your next pair of hearing aids. You also won’t have to break your bank account because of it! Many insurance providers will cover at least part of your hearing care expenses, so call yours today to see how much help they can give you.
What if I lose my RIC hearing aids, or they get broken? Is there any additional cost?
No, you have a pair of hearing aids, so there is no additional cost to replace your RIC hearing aids. You may purchase from another retailer or from us. If you purchase from another retailer, contact them for details on their return/repair policies. Please be aware that fitting adjustments are not covered by insurance and may cost extra if performed by an audiologist outside of our office.
Conclusion
Most audiologists and hearing aid dispensers are well versed on what RIC hearing aids are and can guide you towards some options. If you want to learn more about RIC hearing aids online, there is information out there, but be sure it is from a reputable source. You can start by searching for RIC online or receiver in the canal as keywords. The internet has a vast amount of information regarding these types of hearing aids. However, many blogs/websites write their own reviews based on personal experience, which may or may not apply to your situation. I would recommend you find an audiologist near where you live who uses these types of devices with a specific interest in custom-fit RIC devices.
