If you suffer from any degree of hearing loss, you may likely be looking for various hearing aid options available to help improve your hearing. One common choice is the Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing aid. It is discreet and powerful, combining the advantages of small, comfortable design with modern digital technology.

What Are RIC Hearing Aids?

RIC hearing aids are a type of open-fit hearing instruments that are placed behind the ear, with a thin, clear tube connecting to a receiver (speaker) placed in the ear canal. This design offers several advantages:

  1. Low Visual Appearance: Since the receiver is located in the ear canal, RIC hearing aids will be less visible compared to other designs and, as a result, will be a good option for people who would like to have an inconspicuous appearance.
  2. Comfortable: The open-fit design allows air to enter the ear canals, thus reducing the fullness or occlusion sensations some people may feel while using hearing aids.
  3. Versatility: RIC hearing aids can accommodate hearing loss from mild severity to severe. The open fit is particularly beneficial to those with high-frequency hearing loss, since it lets one preserve low-frequency hearing.

Advantages of RIC Hearing Aids

  1. Advanced Technology

Many RIC hearing models come along with features such as Bluetooth connectivity—this allows you to stream audio directly from your smartphone, television, or any device. Therefore, the models will provide better sound quality, enhancing the individual-listening experience when either listening to music, podcasts, or when making calls.

  1. Better Sound Quality

RIC devices with the receiver fitted in your ear canal make it easier to send sound to your eardrum. This way, the user gets a more natural and all-round listening experience. One great features added to the latest RIC models are noise reduction and feedback cancellation. This filters off undesired background noises and helps prevent whistling sounds at the same time.

  1. Easier to Use

The RIC hearing aids are designed to be user-friendly. Controls in many models are intuitive, like volume wheels or push buttons, which easily let you make adjustments on the go. Some have accompanying apps, which help you control your hearing aid devices from your smartphone—from remote controlling to other automated tasks.

  1. Comfort and Convenience

RIC hearing aids are very light and comfortable to wear. They feature an open-fit design with a slim profile, making them much less obvious to observers compared to previous models of a similar design. The fact that these RIC devices do not have a bulky casing behind the ear also means more comfort when wearing glasses or hats. In addition, many RIC models come with a rechargeable battery feature, eliminating the hassle of changing disposable batteries repeatedly.

While selecting RIC hearing aids, several factors are to be kept in mind. These include the following:

  1. Hearing Loss: Consult with an audiologist to classify your case of loss as per its seriousness and degree. They can suggest the most appropriate RIC model that fits your specific needs.
  2. Lifestyle: Put into consideration your daily activities and the best way in which you would like your hearing aid to be integrated into your life. If you're active, or even an outdoors-loving person, you need to look for ruggedized and water-resistant RIC models.
  3. Features: Consider the must-have features you want your RIC device to have. This could include Bluetooth connectivity, the presence of noise cancellation, and compatibility with specific models of smartphones, among others. Compare models of RICs and pick the one that provides the features you are looking for at an affordable rate.
  4. Fit and Comfort: Proper fit is key to both good performance and comfort. Your audiologist will evaluate your ears for a custom fit, and he or she might have to do some modifications in the fitting process to ensure comfortable and secure fit.

Caring for Your RIC Hearing Aids

To get high performance and many years from Your RIC hearing aids, care and maintenance are very important. Here are some of the tips to consider using:

  1. Clean the Hearing Aids Regularly: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe off dirt or any other debris. Clean the receiver and tubing with a brush or pick.
  2. Replace Wax Guards: Change the wax guards of your RIC hearing aids periodically in order to avoid wax accumulating in them and give you a clear sound.
  3. Proper Storage: Proper storage is crucial for your RIC hearing aids when not in use. Store them away from heat and humidity, and consider a dehumidifier or drying kit to drain off to prevent against moistures.
  4. Schedule Regular Check-Ups: Have your audiologist check and clean your RIC hearing aids on a regular basis, which both ensures proper function of your hearing aids and provides any necessary adjustments.

 

Conclusion

RIC hearing aids allow you to live your life without the frustrations of consequences of hearing loss. With high technology, good sound quality, and user-friendly designs, RIC hearing aids can greatly improve your listening experience and improve life as a whole. Do not let the crippling effect of hearing loss go on any longer. Learn more about the benefits of RIC hearing aids and make this the starting point toward better hearing today. Check our website for the right pair of hearing aids.