Introduction
In recent days, among the various hearing aid technologies, RIC hearing aids have become the top preferred hearing aids for their discreet design and advanced features. In this blog post, you can find all the necessary details about RIC hearing aids, such as their function, features, and benefits. A complete overview has been included to suggest the best way to choose the most suitable RIC hearing aid to get a better hearing experience.
What is RIC (Receiver-in-canal) hearing aid?
The RIC (Receiver-in-Canal) hearing aid is an advanced, technology-based, high-powered digital hearing device. This device includes a speaker or receiver inside the ear canal. The main body of the healing machine rests behind the ear. These two parts are connected with a tiny wire. As the receiver of the device is placed inside the ear canal, it provides a seamless and natural listening experience by enhancing the sound quality. The RIC hearing aid is extremely lightweight and barely visible after wearing.
How does the RIC hearing aid work?
Receiver-in-Canal hearing aid is designed by placing the receiver or speaker in the ear canal and the microphone, as well as the amplifier, set behind the ear. Sound is picked up by the microphone, then processed by the amplifier and delivered directly to the ear by the receiver. This process of separation helps to enhance the quality of sound.
Most of the RIC hearing aids are digital and run on a battery. Some models with rechargeable batteries are also available.
Advantages of RIC hearing aid
Latest technology-based RIC hearing aids are designed with several features that offer numerous benefits to the user. Here, the benefits are discussed in the following points:
1. High quality and Natural hearing experience
One of the most notable advantages of RIC hearing aids is the sound clarity. As the receiver is placed inside the ear canal very close to the eardrum, the sound does not need to travel far, so it provides a clearer sound. The high-quality hearing aid offers a natural hearing experience.
2. Convenient and cozy design
Receiver-in-Canal hearing aid can be the best choice for users who prioritise comfort as well as aesthetics, with their smaller size and lightweight design. Unlike the traditional design of the BTE behind-the-ear hearing aid, the wire of this hearing aid is almost undetectable. The hearing aid is also almost blended into the skin and hairline. High demand can be seen mainly in metropolitan cities where style and comfort matter.
3. Integrated advanced technology
RIC hearing aid is packed with numerous latest features by using advanced technology that makes it more attractive.
- The Bluetooth connectivity feature offers the facility to connect your hearing aid with your phone, TV, and computer to enjoy seamless audio streaming.
- AI-based sound adaptation helps to eliminate unnecessary noise of the surroundings and provides clear sound even in a noisy environment.
- Telehealth support and remote programming enable your audiologist to fine-tune settings without visiting the clinic.
- Most of the users prefer hearing aids with rechargeable batteries for sustainability and convenience.
4. Suitable for a wide range of hearing loss
The models of the traditional hearing aids are limited to moderate or mild hearing loss. On the contrary, the RIC hearing aids are perfect to accommodate mild to severe hearing loss. The latest models come with power upgrades and a customisation facility. RIC hearing aids are most popular because they amplify high-frequency sound efficiently. This feature makes it suitable for any range of hearing loss.
5. Improve speech understanding
As the RIC hearing aids are placed inside the ear canal can transmit the sound directly into the ear, which significantly improves speech comprehension. This feature enables a user to participate in social conversation even in noisy places and ensures their safety on busy roads.
6. Easy maintenance
You can easily clean your hearing device to maximise its lifespan. The receiver component can be replaced, which means if it falls or is damaged, the total unit need not to be changed. The receiver and dome can be cleaned with a soft cloth.
7. Durability
The dust, dirt, and humidity of India’s climate are harmful to any kind of electronic device. RIC hearing aid is designed with a moisture and dust resistance feature, ensuring longevity even in harsh weather conditions.
Disadvantages of RIC hearing aid
RIC hearing aids are becoming more popular these days, but they have several drawbacks. The disadvantages of using this modern hearing device are as follows:
- Risk of damage
As the receiver is set in the canal of the ear, there is every possibility of damage by sweat, moisture, etc.
- Potential for loss
There is a potential risk of losing due to its tiny size.
- Expensive
This type of hearing aid is very expensive, and for this reason, it is not used widely.
- Not suitable for severe hearing loss
RIC hearing aids are unable to provide sufficient amplification to users suffering from severe to profound hearing loss.
How to maintain RIC hearing aids?
Proper maintenance of a device is essential to ensure its longevity as well as optimal performance. You can take care of your RIC hearing aid by following the tips:
- Daily cleaning
Cleaning your hearing aids by using a soft cloth or brush to remove the dirt, debris, and moisture. Avoid using cleaning agents or water that can damage your hearing aids. Wax guards need to be replaced as recommended by your hearing care provider.
- Protection
You should protect your heating aid from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture to increase its lifespan. You can use a dry case to store it.
- Battery replacement
You should check the condition of the battery frequently and replace it whenever it needs to be. Keeping an extra battery is recommended.
- Check up
Having an appointment with an audiologist is essential to make sure that your hearing device is working properly.
How to choose the right RIC hearing aid?
Several factors need to be assessed while choosing the best RIC hearing aids.
1. Degree of hearing loss
Before buying a hearing aid, you need to assess the type and severity of your hearing loss. This understanding is crucial to choosing a suitable hearing aid for you. You can contact a hearing aid provider who can assist you with the best RIC hearing aid model according to your needs and preferences.
Aural Care, one of the most trusted hearing aid clinics in Kolkata, offers a wide range of services including hearing tests, tinnitus treatment, vestibular function test, and speech therapy. Our team of expert audiologists is ready to assist you in choosing the best hearing aids tailored to your preferences. We emphasize looking into the root cause of your hearing loss to provide you with the best solution.
Visit us today to explore our wide range of hearing aids and to make the first step towards an improved hearing experience.
2. Comfort and fitting
Proper fitting of your hearing aid is necessary for long wearing time throughout the day, as well as for comfort. A specialist can recommend the right fit, ensuring maximum comfort.
3. Lifestyle consideration
Your daily routine and living style need to be assessed before selecting a hearing aid. If you spend most of the time in crowded places, then you must choose the best RIC hearing aid model having a noise reduction feature with speech enhancement capacity.
4. Customized fitting
RIC hearing aids offer various features and the facility of customization for the ease of the users. You can choose the features of RIC hearing aids according to your requirements and preferences.
Conclusion
RIC hearing aid is a blend of discretion, comfort, and advanced features, making it the perfect choice for the individual suffering from hearing loss. It offers a natural as well as clear sound quality and enhances speech understanding. This modern technology-based hearing aids possess various features such as Bluetooth connectivity, moisture and dust resistance features. You can also customize the features to meet your unique needs. You must contact an audiologist to choose the right RIC hearing aid for you.
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