Looking for a hearing aid comparison to find the best hearing aid style for your needs? You can choose from many different types of hearing aids, including RIC (Receiver-in-the-Canal) and BTE (Behind-the-Ear) hearing aids. While these two popular hearing aid styles may look similar on the outside, there are several key differences worth understanding.
Let’s dive deeper into the key features and benefits of note when comparing receiver-in-canal vs. behind-the-ear hearing aids. This can help when choosing the right hearing aids for your unique needs.
Both RIC and BTE hearing aids feature a hard case, or shell, that rests behind the ear. This case houses most (or in some cases, all) of the hearing aid’s electronic components, such as the microphone, amplifier, digital chip and speaker.
Both styles also feature an earpiece that’s placed in the ear—this earpiece can be either a custom earmold or a non-custom ear dome. The earpiece connects to the hearing aid via tubing, an ear hook or a thin wire, depending on the style.
In terms of technology, both BTE and RIC hearing aids are equipped to make the most of modern living. You can find the following capabilities in both styles, depending on the model:
Both types of hearing aids come in a variety of models to suit different lifestyles and listening needs. Here are a few things to consider before comparing hearing aid features.
Below, we’ll cover some of the benefits and drawbacks of receiver-in-canal hearing aids.
Since the case of a receiver-in-canal hearing aid doesn't need to house the speaker, it’s typically slimmer and smaller than most BTE models. RIC styles also boast a thin electrical wire instead of an ear hook or tubing, which—when combined with a small, translucent ear dome—makes them barely visible to others.
Sounds tend to be clearer and more natural with RIC hearing aids, as the speaker rests closer to the ear canal. And distancing the speaker from the microphone minimizes another common complaint: feedback.
RIC hearing aids’ open- and semi-open-fit ear domes also allow low-frequency sounds to escape, resulting in a more natural-sounding speaking voice.
The smaller size of receiver-in-canal hearing aids may make it more difficult to insert or remove the devices, adjust settings and clean them—especially for those with limited fine motor skills. And while RICs can accommodate a range of hearing loss levels, they do not offer as much amplification as BTE styles.
The placement of the speaker in the ear canal also makes a RIC device more vulnerable to moisture and wax buildup, requiring regular maintenance to minimize damage or sound issues.
Below, we’ll cover some of the benefits and drawbacks of behind-the-ear hearing aids.
Behind-the-Ear hearing aids offer the most powerful sound amplification out of any style, making them suitable for all levels of hearing loss—particularly those with profound and/or high-frequency hearing loss.
Since all of the sensitive electronics are in the case outside of the ear, BTE styles are less susceptible to moisture and wax—the two leading causes of hearing aid damage. Even when those elements are present, they can be easily cleared out of the tubing with an air blower or washed from the earmold by detaching and soaking it in warm, soapy water. The result? Fewer repairs and a longer lifespan.
BTE hearing aids’ traditionally larger size also makes them easier to insert/remove, adjust settings and replace the battery—a big benefit for those with dexterity concerns.
Both types of hearing aids come in a variety of models to suit different lifestyles and listening needs. Here are a few things to consider before comparing hearing aid features.
