RIC vs. BTE Hearing Aids: Which One Is Right for You?

by Dr. Tracy Board Doctor of Audiology | Sep 3, 2024 | Hearing Aids, Patient Resources

Choosing the right hearing aid can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and options available today.

Audicles Hearing Services often helps patients decide between two popular styles: receiver-in-canal (RIC) and behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. While both styles have their advantages, the best choice depends on your specific hearing needs, lifestyle, and preferences.

To help you make an informed decision, let’s dive into the positives and negatives of both RIC and BTE hearing aids.

What Are RIC Hearing Aids?

Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids are one of the most discreet and versatile hearing aid styles available. They consist of two main parts: a small device that sits behind the ear and a thin wire that connects to a speaker placed inside the ear canal.

Positives of RIC Hearing Aids:

Discreet Design:

RIC hearing aids are small and less noticeable, making them an excellent choice for those who prioritize discretion. The thin wire connecting the device to the speaker is almost invisible.

Natural Sound Quality:

Because the speaker is positioned directly in the ear canal, RIC hearing aids can deliver a more natural sound quality, reducing the “plugged-up” feeling that some users experience with other styles.

Comfortable Fit:

The design of RIC hearing aids offers a comfortable fit, as they do not block the entire ear canal. This can reduce the risk of ear infections and provide a more natural listening experience.

Versatility:

RIC hearing aids are suitable for a wide range of hearing losses, from mild to severe. They also come with various features like Bluetooth connectivity, directional microphones, and noise reduction, which enhance the overall hearing experience.

Negatives of RIC Hearing Aids:

Maintenance:

The speaker in the ear canal is more exposed to earwax and moisture, which can lead to frequent maintenance or repairs.

Not Ideal for Profound Hearing Loss:

While RIC hearing aids are versatile, they may not be powerful enough for individuals with a profound hearing loss.

Fragility:

Due to their small size and delicate components, RIC hearing aids can be more fragile and easier to damage if not handled carefully.

What Are BTE Hearing Aids?

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are a classic style, where the main device sits comfortably behind the ear. A tube connects this device to an earmold or a speaker that fits inside the ear canal.

Positives of BTE Hearing Aids:

Power and Performance:

BTE hearing aids are known for their powerful amplification, making them suitable for a broad range of hearing losses, including mild, moderate, and profound.

Durability:

With the main components housed in a durable casing behind the ear, BTE hearing aids are less susceptible to damage from earwax or moisture, making them more durable over time.

Easier to Handle:

The larger size of BTE hearing aids makes them easier to handle and adjust, especially for individuals with dexterity issues or vision problems. They also offer longer battery life due to their size.

Advanced Features:

BTE hearing aids can accommodate a wide range of features, including volume controls, program buttons, and connectivity options for streaming audio directly from smartphones, TVs, and other devices.

Negatives of BTE Hearing Aids:

Visibility:

BTE hearing aids are generally larger and more visible than RIC models, which may be a drawback for those who prioritize discretion.

Potential Discomfort:

For some users, wearing a device behind the ear can be less comfortable, especially when wearing glasses, hats, or other accessories.

Feedback Issues:

Due to the distance between the microphone and speaker, BTE hearing aids can sometimes be more prone to feedback, especially if they are not properly fitted.

Which Hearing Aid Style Is Best for You?

Choosing between RIC and BTE hearing aids depends on several factors, including your degree of hearing loss, lifestyle, comfort preferences, and cosmetic concerns.

If you prefer a discreet design and natural sound quality and you have a mild to severe hearing loss, RIC hearing aids might be the ideal choice.
If you need powerful amplification, durability, and ease of handling, particularly for moderate to profound hearing loss, BTE hearing aids could be the better option.

Consider a Professional Hearing Assessment

Ultimately, the best way to determine which hearing aid style is right for you is to schedule a professional hearing assessment.

Audicles Hearing Services’ team of experienced audiologists can evaluate your hearing needs, discuss your lifestyle and preferences, and guide you toward the perfect hearing solution.

Request A Callback

Do you know somebody that needs to see this? Why not share it?

Dr. Tracy Board Doctor of Audiology

Dr. Board began her career in audiology after completing her undergraduate degree at The University of Texas at Austin and the doctoral program at The University of Texas at Dallas. She has been fortunate to work in a plethora of healthcare and educational settings. As a result, she has perfected the art of effective adult and pediatric treatment. When she is not at the clinic, Dr. Board works directly with her state and national organizations to not only improve the quality of audiological healthcare in Texas, but also to advocate for her patients.