RIC vs BTE Hearing Aids: Which Is Right For You?

If you have been advised by your audiologist that you require hearing aids, you might be wondering which model you should choose. There are a surprisingly large number of choices when it comes to buying hearing aids and making the right decision can make all the difference to your hearing. Two of the most popular styles are receiver-in-canal (RIC) and behind-the-ear (BTE) devices, so to help you make the right decision about which is right for you, we will compare RIC and BTE hearing aids below.

What Do RIC and BTE Hearing Aids Have in Common?

RIC and BTE hearing aids are pretty similar in some ways and pretty different in others. Right now, we’ll focus on the similarities, which start with the fact that both hearing aids are made up of an outer case with inner components inside.

Both models are usually worn behind the ears and use, and wire, ear hook, or tube to connect the earpiece to the rest of the unit. Both RIC and BTE hearing aids, your audiologist will confirm, are very good at handling all of the modern sounds you will want to hear from the voices of your family to the music you play.

Additionally, both  RIC and BTE hearing aids come with a range of important features like allowing you to listen to streaming media and tinnitus relief, depending on the models you choose, of course.

What are the Differences Between RIC and BTE Devices?

There are a few key differences between RIC and BTE devices that are worth knowing before you make the decision on which model to choose for your hearing loss.

Speaker location

One of the biggest differences between the two devices is the position of the speaker. BTE hearing aids tend to have the speaker fitted inside the hearing aid case along with the other components, whereas RIC hearing aids tend to have the speaker located on the end of a wire that is fixed to the case, with the receiver being located in an earmold that is fitted into the ear canal.

This generally means that you get less feedback when using an RIV device than a BTE hearing aid, but you should always speak to an audiologist before making the final decision.

Size of the hearing aids

Generally speaking, BTE hearing aids will have a bigger casing because they contain all of the components within, whereas RIC devices tend to be a lot more slimline. That being the case, all modern hearing aids are getting smaller and less bulky, so this may not be a major deciding factor when it comes to buying your hearing aids.

Amplification

Due to their wide shape and design, BTE devices are great at fitting sizeable amplifiers and batteries into their casing, and this means they can pick up sounds and amplify them more effectively, even if they are very high or low-pitched.

RIC hearing aids may work well enough in general, but if you are looking for a high level of amplification and clarity of sound, BTE devices are almost always the better option for most people who have hearing loss.

RIC vs BTE Hearing Aids: Which is Right for You?

Choosing the right hearing aids for you is a personal decision. You need to weigh up the pros and cons of each and choose the one that fits best with your lifestyle. For example, if you spend a lot of time outdoors running, hiking, and things like that, then a BTE hearing aid is probably the better choice as it is more easily cleaned and looked after.

Whereas, if you are someone who spends a lot of time talking with people and you want to be able to hear well while keeping comfortable and not having an obvious hearing aid, then a RIC device could be perfect for you.

Of course, it is always a good idea to speak to a professional audiologist who will be able to help you determine whether RIC or BTE hearing aids are the best choice for you and who can help to fit your hearing aids, so that they really are the perfect fit for you.

If you would like to know more about the differences between RIC and BTE hearing aids, or if you would like to speak to an experienced audiologist about your hearing loss, do not hesitate to get in touch with Hinderliter Hearing Services by calling 248-430-8425. We’re here to help you take the first step towards better hearing!