receiverincanal

Receiver-in-canal, abbreviated as RIC, is a type of hearing aid in which the receiver (the component that produces sound) is placed in the ear canal while the electronics and microphone stay behind the ear. A thin flexible wire or tube runs from the behind-the-ear housing to a small receiver positioned in the ear canal, often accompanied by a dome or a custom earmold.

Design and fit

In an RIC system the behind-the-ear unit houses the battery, microphone, and signal processor, with a short speaker wire extending to the receiver in the canal. The receiver may be housed in a discreet dome that sits just inside the ear canal or in a tiny shell embedded in a custom earmold. RICs are commonly offered in open-fit configurations, which leave much of the ear canal unobstructed to improve ventilation and reduce the occlusion effect. The electronics are designed to be compatible with a wide range of hearing losses, with power output and frequency response tailored during fitting.

Advantages and limitations

RIC devices are valued for their discreet appearance, lighter feel behind the ear, and often improved high-frequency amplification due to the placement of the receiver closer to the eardrum. They typically offer flexible fittings and easier replacement of the receiver if needed. However, because part of the system resides in the ear canal, they can be more sensitive to moisture and earwax and may require more maintenance. Some users may experience occasional feedback or windnoise, depending on the fit and seal.

Suitability and history

The RIC design became popular in the late 1990s and has since become a common option for adults and many older children. It is suitable for a broad range of hearing losses, including many mild to severe cases, though exact suitability depends on ear anatomy and audiologic judgment. Regular programming and verification by an audiologist help optimize performance.