Hearing Aid Style Showdown: RIC Vs. BTE

Hearing aids come in various styles, but two of the most popular are RIC hearing aids, also known as Receiver-in-Canal and Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids. If you’re shopping for a new hearing aid, you might be wondering which one suits you best. Let’s break it down in a humorous yet informative way, so you can make the best choice for your ears!

What Are RIC Hearing Aids?

Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC) hearing aids are sleek, small, and lightweight. They consist of two main components:

• A case that sits behind the ear and houses the microphone, processor, and amplifier.
• A receiver (aka the speaker), which is placed inside the ear canal and connected to the case by a thin wire.

Pros of RIC Hearing Aids

1. Discreet and Lightweight – The case is smaller, and the wire is thin, making them nearly invisible.
2. Natural Sound Quality – The receiver sits closer to the eardrum, reducing sound distortion.
3. Comfortable Fit – Open-fit designs prevent the ‘plugged-ear’ feeling.
4. Great for High-Frequency Hearing Loss – Perfect for those struggling with higher-pitched sounds.
5. Modern Technology – Supports Bluetooth, smartphone integration, and remote programming adjustments.
6. Customizable Fit – Various ear tips and domes allow for a tailored fit.
7. Secure Fit – Stays in place, even during movement.
8. Rechargeable Options Available – Many RIC models offer rechargeable batteries for added convenience.
9. Directional Microphones – Help improve speech clarity in noisy environments.
10. Wide Range of Models – Available in different price ranges to suit various budgets.

Cons of RIC Hearing Aids

1. More Susceptible to Moisture and Wax – The receiver sits inside the ear canal, exposing it to earwax and sweat.
2. Trickier Handling – Small size can make insertion, removal, and cleaning challenging.
3. Limited Power – Not always suitable for profound hearing loss.
4. Frequent Maintenance – Requires regular cleaning and wax guard replacements.
5. Fragile Components – The thin wire connecting the case and receiver is more delicate than BTE tubing.
6. Battery Life Considerations – Smaller batteries may need more frequent charging or replacement.
7. Environmental Sensitivity – Some users report sensitivity to wind noise due to the microphone placement.
8. More Repairs – Because the receiver sits inside the ear canal, it may require more frequent servicing.

Find out more about how earwax can cause hearing aid problems and what you can do. 

RIC Hearing Aids Available at Injoy Hearing

At Injoy Hearing, we offer some of the best RIC hearing aids on the market, ensuring you get advanced technology, comfort, and clarity. Here are some top options:

• Phonak Sphere – Known for its exceptional sound quality and advanced noise reduction capabilities.
• Phonak R Infinio – Features Bluetooth connectivity and long-lasting rechargeable batteries.
• Phonak Lumity – Designed for clearer conversations, even in noisy environments.
• ReSound Omnia – A great option for those who need natural, immersive sound and reliable speech enhancement.
• Starkey Genesis AI – Uses artificial intelligence to adapt to various listening situations seamlessly.
• Starkey Edge AI – Provides superior speech clarity and customizable settings through an intuitive app.

These RIC hearing aids are designed for people who lead active lives, want modern connectivity features, and don’t require the extra power of BTE devices. If you’re looking for discretion, comfort, and advanced features, contact Injoy Hearing. 

Learn about the different models of Phonak Audeo hearing aids.

What Are BTE Hearing Aids?

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids are a classic style. They also have a case that sits behind the ear, but instead of a wire connecting to a receiver inside the ear, the speaker is inside the case. Sound is transmitted through a tube into an earmold or ear dome inside the ear.

Pros of BTE Hearing Aids

1. Powerful Amplification – Suitable for mild to profound hearing loss.
2. Durable and Long-Lasting – Less prone to damage from moisture and wax.
3. Easier to Handle – Bigger buttons and controls make them simpler to adjust.
4. Custom Earmold Fit – Secure fit for active users.
5. Longer Battery Life – Larger size allows for bigger, longer-lasting batteries.
6. Less Maintenance – Earmolds are easier to clean than delicate RIC receivers.
7. Consistent Performance – Sound quality remains stable due to the enclosed speaker design.
8. Ideal for Severe Hearing Loss – Provides more amplification than RIC models.
9. Better in Humid Conditions – Less exposure to moisture and earwax means fewer breakdowns.

Discover more about the best rechargeable hearing aids. 

Cons of BTE Hearing Aids

1. Larger and More Noticeable – The case is bigger, making it more visible.
2. Potential Occlusion Effect – Some users feel a ‘plugged’ sensation due to the custom earmold.
3. Less Natural Sound – Because sound travels through a tube, it may not sound as crisp.
4. May Require Custom Molds – Properly fitted earmolds are necessary for comfort and effectiveness.
5. Can Feel Bulkier – Some users prefer the lightweight nature of RIC models.
6. Reduced Discretion – Larger casing is more visible, which may not appeal to everyone.
7. Limited Bluetooth Features – Some BTE models lack the advanced connectivity found in RIC devices.

Final Thoughts: Why RIC Hearing Aids Are the Best Choice for Active People

When choosing between RIC and BTE hearing aids, it ultimately comes down to your lifestyle and hearing needs. RIC hearing aids are ideal for people who:

• Lead active lifestyles and need a comfortable, lightweight design.
• Have mild to severe hearing loss but do not require the maximum amplification of BTE models.
• Want modern features like Bluetooth, AI sound processing, and rechargeable options.
• Prefer discreet hearing aids that blend in seamlessly.
• Enjoy versatility with interchangeable ear domes and tips.
• Want the convenience of buying online without the need for custom earmolds.
• Need adaptive noise reduction for social settings and outdoor activities.

If you’re someone who enjoys socializing, staying on the move, and taking advantage of the latest hearing technology, a RIC hearing aid from Injoy Hearing is the perfect solution!

Still not sure? Injoy Hearing is here to help! Contact us today to speak with a hearing care provider and try our hearing aids before you buy. Your ears will thank you!