The document discusses the pluses and minuses of receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids. RIC hearing aids have the amplifier and microphone housed in a case behind the ear, while the receiver is in a small bud inside the ear canal. This design is less prone to feedback and occlusion, and provides a more natural sound. Additionally, the small and separate design makes RIC aids discreet and comfortable. However, RIC aids are also more vulnerable to moisture damage requiring repairs, easier to lose, and tend to be more expensive than other styles. Overall, the document presents RIC aids as a good option for many with their benefits, but also notes important disadvantages to consider.

1. Fidelity Hearing Center| (562) 275-3601| http://fidelityhearingcenter.com
Discover more great content here:
http://twitter.com/hearingcerritos
http://www.youtube.com/user/FidelityHearing
http://www.facebook.com/FidelityHearing
http://www.pinterest.com/fidelityhearing/
Pluses and Minuses of Receiver-in-Canal Model Hearing Aids
When you start shopping for hearing aids you will quickly encounter many
different styles to choose from among
them the receiver-in-canal (RIC). The
RIC hearing aid shares many benefits
with behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid
while possessing some distinctive
advantages particular to the RIC. This
article functions as a brief introduction
of the main pros and cons of the RIC
hearing aid.
Many readers will be familiar with behind-the-ear and in-the-ear hearing aids
where all the components are housed inside a single case. One of the key
differentiating factors of the RIC hearing aid is that it has two separate
parts. The case behind the ear contains the amplifier and microphone. The
receiver is separate in a small bud which fits in the ear canal. The receiver is
connected to the case by a thin tube.
Separation of the receiver into its own compartment has several advantages.
RIC hearing aids are less likely to inundate listeners with feedback, and
occlusion is generally less of a problem. With the ear canal open, wearers
generally report a more natural sound which is judged to be more
comfortable. RIC hearing aids are favored by people with mild to moderate
hearing losses because they amplify high-pitched sounds very well.
The physical configuration of RIC devices also provides a number of
advantages. Separating the two components allows the device to remain
very small, making it unobtrusive and easy to hide. Its small size also allows
it to fit very comfortably in and on the ear.
No device is perfect, and RIC aids do have some disadvantages. Compared
to other types of hearing aids, RIC aids are particularly vulnerable to
moisture in the ear, necessitating frequent repairs. Because they are so

2. Fidelity Hearing Center| (562) 275-3601| http://fidelityhearingcenter.com
Discover more great content here:
http://twitter.com/hearingcerritos
http://www.youtube.com/user/FidelityHearing
http://www.facebook.com/FidelityHearing
http://www.pinterest.com/fidelityhearing/
comfortable they are actually easier to lose: if you are not used to feeling
them in your ear, you may not notice when they are gone. Finally, these
devices tend to be high in price, making them difficult to obtain for some
listeners.
Receiver-in-ear hearing aids do have their flaws, but their numerous
advantages make them a worthwhile choice for many listeners. Seeking the
advice and assistance of a hearing specialist is the next step in selecting the
best hearing aid for your hearing loss and lifestyle.