When selecting an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid, it’s important to consider what factors matter to you. Some common considerations include cost, technology specifications, or the style of the device. Two popular styles of hearing aids are the receiver-in-canal (RIC) and invisible-in-canal (IIC) styles. Each hearing aid style has its advantages and potential drawbacks. These differences may impact which device you select to help you hear clearly.
RIC hearing aids are worn behind the ear. The speaker, called the receiver, is housed at the end of a wire that sits in your ear canal. An ear tip is placed on the receiver to allow it to sit comfortably in your ear. The microphones, which pick up sound, are housed in the body of the hearing aid. The body of the hearing aid includes the battery compartment, the processing chip, and all the technology that allows your hearing aid to function. All these components work together to help you hear.
What are the advantages of the RIC hearing aid?
- Superior Sound Quality: The receiver on a RIC hearing aid sits inside the ear canal and delivers sound directly to the ear. RIC hearing aids can use a variety of ear tips that do not occlude the ear canal, allowing for more natural sound quality. RIC hearing aids also reduce feedback because the microphone and receiver are separated from each other. This reduces the risk of an annoying whistling sound coming from the hearing aid.
- Versatility: RIC hearing aids are intended for a wide range of hearing losses, from mild to severe. They can also fit diverse hearing loss types by using open or closed ear tips. If you pursue a RIC hearing aid through an audiologist, they may even create a custom earmold for your ear.
- Connectivity: RIC devices are able to house the technology needed for Bluetooth connectivity. RIC devices allow you to stream phone calls, music, and media with ease.
What are the disadvantages of the RIC hearing aid?
- Increased Maintenance: Because the receiver is inside the ear canal, it is at risk for wax and moisture damage. Ear wax can build up and find its way into the receiver. It’s important to follow the recommended care and maintenance tips provided by your hearing care provider.
- Dexterity Concerns: RICs require some level of manual dexterity. If the user experiences issues picking up or manipulating small items, they may have trouble placing the RIC in their ear canal. With practice and patience, many people are successful in inserting RICs.
An OTC invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aid is a non-custom hearing aid that sits entirely in your ear canal. As opposed to the RIC hearing aid, all components of the IIC are housed in a plastic case that goes inside the ear canal.
What are the advantages of the IIC hearing aid?
- Shorter Battery Life: Because the hearing aids are so small, they usually require the smallest battery size. This means the battery life is reduced and the batteries need to be replaced more often.
- Limited Connectivity: IIC hearing aids are too small to have space for more advanced technology, such as Bluetooth. This means you may not be able to take phone calls or stream music and media through the hearing aids.
- Increased Maintenance: IIC hearing aids fit inside your ear canal which is where earwax is produced. Like RIC hearing aids, this makes the hearing aid more susceptible to damage from moisture and wax.
Both styles of hearing aids provide unique advantages and challenges. Finding the right hearing aid style for you can depend on any of the above-mentioned factors, among others. Are you curious about other styles of hearing aids? Visit our Hearing Aid Styles: RIC vs. CIC that compares RIC hearing aids and CIC hearing aids. If you are interested in pursuing an OTC RIC hearing aid, consider the Concha Sol™ Hearing Aids, powered by Soundscope®.