A RIC hearing aid is a modern alternative to a more traditional behind-the-ear hearing aid. It has a speaker (receiver) which sits inside the ear canal and is connected to the main unit using a thin, discreet wire. Because the receiver is separate from the microphone, this reduces feedback and provides users with a more natural listening experience.

Receiver-in-canal hearing aids work by capturing sound through a microphone which is located in the behind-the-ear unit. This sound is then processed digitally, and the signal is sent through a thin wire to the speaker in the ear canal. This placement improves sound quality and reduces distortion, especially for speech clarity.

If you’d like to learn more about receiver-in-canal hearing aids and find out if they’re the right option for you, we recommend booking a hearing aid consultation and hearing test.

The main difference between these two types of hearing aids is the placement of the speaker. In a RIC hearing aid, the speaker (receiver) sits in the ear canal (hence the name), while in RIC models, all components sit behind the ear with the sound sent into the ear via a thin tube. Receiver-in-canal hearing aids are generally more discreet and can offer clearer sound quality, while behind-the-ear models are more powerful and better suited for those with profound hearing loss. 

No, RIC hearing aids are not automatically better than RIC ones. It all depends on your hearing needs. RIC hearing aids are generally more discreet and offer excellent sound quality, making them ideal for mild to severe hearing loss. RIC hearing aids are often more powerful and may be preferred for those with profound loss or dexterity challenges.

Although receiver-in-canal hearing aids are more discreet than more traditional RIC models, they are not as discreet as more modern invisible, in-the-ear or in-the-canal models. In RIC hearing aids, only the thin wire is typically visible from the front, and the small casing can be colour-matched to your skin tone for a seamless appearance.

Yes, receiver-in-canal hearing aids can help with tinnitus. Some RIC models can with tinnitus masking features, which can help reduce the perception of tinnitus:

• Starkey Edge MRIC R includes Starkey's Multiflex Tinnitus Technology.

• Oticon Intent includes Oticon’s Tinnitus SoundSupport.

• Phonak Infinio & Infinio Sphere includes a Tinnitus Balance sound generator.

Yes, it is possible to wear receiver-in-canal hearing aids with glasses. However, it’s best to opt for thin or lightweight frames to minimise pressure behind the ear. It’s also recommended to put your glasses on first, then position your hearing aids for the best fit. 

If you’re struggling with wearing your receiver-in-canal hearing aids with your glasses, you might want to consider opting for an in-the-ear model instead.

Receiver-in-canal hearing aids can range in price from £1495 for one up to £3790 for a pair. Basic models are generally less expensive, while more sophisticated receiver-in-canal (RIC) models with advanced features and improved clarity in noisy environments typically come at a higher cost.

Receiver-in-canal hearing aids are a great choice if you're looking for a balance of power, comfort and discreet design. They’re ideal for mild to severe hearing loss and offer excellent sound clarity, a natural listening experience and advanced features like Bluetooth streaming, rechargeable batteries and tinnitus support. If you’re having trouble deciding between hearing aid models, we recommend booking a hearing aid consultation and hearing test.