Is A Ric Hearing Aid Right For You?

By Author: Jeanne Ward
Total Articles: 4
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Before the RIC (receiver in the canal) hearing aid was invented, all hearing instruments were either “behind the ear” models (all the fittings were encased in a shell that fit behind the ear) or “inside the ear” models – all the fittings were encased in a shell that fit into the ear canal. Both models offered improved hearing but feedback, occlusion and overall ease of use were common problems. The RIC aid combined the two technologies, placing only the small receiver directly in the ear and the remaining mechanisms in a small casing that fits behind the ear.

The result is a hearing device that offers more versatility and better, more natural sound than its predecessors. But no single hearing device is perfect for every user. The RIC hearing aid has both its pros and cons:

Pros

• Comfortable and easy to fit
• Wireless technology available
• No occlusion
• Good sound quality
• A natural amplification of high-pitched tones
• Potential relief from tinnitus
• One of the least noticeable hearing instrument styles

Cons

• Frequent repairs ...
... due to ear moisture in the receiver
• Comfort level makes them easier to lose (you don’t notice that it’s gone)
• Not telephone friendly
• In the mid- to high-price range

Brands and Features

Most major manufacturers offer at least one model of RIC hearing devices. Different brands and models include different features.

Siemens offers three different models of RIC hearing aid, the 301, 501 and 701. The 301 is the most basic RIC offering 8 channels, the 501 includes “Sound Brillance” (technology that provides a fuller range of sound) and “TruEar” (natural sound). The most sophisticated RIC sold by Siemens is the 701. It includes 16 channels, Sound Brilliance, TruEar and “SpeechFocus” – a feature that focuses on speech automatically.

Beltone, one of the most well-known names in hearing devices, offers several styles of RIC (or RIE, receiver in ear, as they are defined by the Beltone brand). The Beltone True is the slimmest RIC available. It comes in a variety of colors to match skin tone or hair color and is available in both wireless and non-wireless technology.

Starkey brand hearing products makes a standard-sized and a miniature RIC aid. They offer five models of RIC in both sizes. The Ignite series by Starkey is the most value conscience. It includes directional settings, feedback control and automatic noise management for hearing in loud places.

Most manufacturers of RIC aids also offer complimentary technologies to make telephone use, listening to music or watching television more enjoyable. A qualified audiologist can advise you on the best RIC hearing aid for your type and degree of hearing loss as well as your lifestyle and budget.

Premium Hearing Solutions (PHS) opened in August 1999. Since then, PHS has successfully provided quality hearing care, educated patients on hearing and hearing aids, stayed abreast of technology changes, and has never forgotten the most important business aspect: personalized attention! Visit us at Premium Hearing Solutions for up to date hearing aid information.