RIC vs. BTE Hearing Aids
Choosing the right hearing aid can be overwhelming, especially with so many types available. If you’re looking to find the right choice for your hearing loss needs and lifestyle preferences, why not start with two of the most popular styles: receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) and behind-the-ear hearing aid (BTE)?
While these two may look similar, each offers unique benefits tailored to different needs, lifestyles, and degrees of hearing loss. Let’s compare both so you can make an informed decision and improve your hearing experience.
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What Are RIC Hearing Aids?
RIC hearing aids are a small, discreet option with a thin wire connecting the main body to a receiver placed inside the ear canal.
Advantages of RIC Hearing Aids
Discreet Appearance
Since the RIC’s case doesn’t contain the speaker, it’s typically slimmer, smaller, and less noticeable than most BTE models. RIC styles also boast a thin electrical wire instead of an ear hook or tubing, which makes them barely visible when combined with a small, translucent ear dome.
Natural Sound Quality
With the speaker closer to the ear drum, sounds don’t need as much amplification and tend to be clearer. This positioning also minimizes feedback, which can be a common issue for some. Finally, their open and semi-open fit allows low-frequency sounds to escape, resulting in less magnification of background noise and a more natural-sounding perception of the hearing aid user’s own voice.
High-Frequency Hearing Loss
Their open design is most effective at addressing high-frequency hearing loss.
Comfort
The open-fit design allows for airflow, reducing the “plugged-ear” feeling.
What to Consider
- Trickier to Handle. Its smaller size can make it harder to insert, remove, adjust settings and clean, especially for those with reduced fine motor skills, from arthritis or diabetes.
- Vulnerable to Moisture. Because of its speaker placement, RICs may not be ideal for those with excessive earwax or moisture issues. This model requires regular maintenance to minimize damage.
- Less Amplification. While it can accommodate a wide range of hearing loss levels, RIC hearing aids may not be adequate for very severe or profound hearing loss.
What Are BTE Hearing Aids?
A behind-the-ear hearing aid rests behind the ear and uses a thin tube or earmold and tube to deliver sound into the ear canal. Because they’re larger than RIC models, they have space for additional features.
Advantages of a BTE Hearing Aid
Durability
Because the sensitive electronics rest outside the ear, BTE styles are less susceptible to moisture and earwax, the leading causes of hearing aid damage. Even when those issues are present, they can easily be cleaned, which means fewer repairs and a longer lifespan.
Powerful Amplification
Behind-the-ear hearing aids offer the most powerful sound amplification of any style, making them a good option for those with severe to profound hearing loss.
Easy Handling
BTE hearing aids’ traditionally larger size makes them easier to insert, remove, and adjust, which can benefit those with dexterity concerns.
What to Consider
- Larger and More Visible. Traditional BTE models tend to be bigger and thicker. For some, the bigger case can feel heavier or more uncomfortable.
- Less Natural Sounding. While ear domes are available for some BTE styles, many BTE hearing aids still require an earmold, which is typically more noticeable and can create a plugged-up feeling.
BTE vs. RIC Hearing Aids: What’s Similar
Design
BTE and RIC hearing aids have a hard case that rests behind the ear. This case has most or all electronic components, including the microphone, amplifier, microprocessor, and speaker.
Both styles also feature an earpiece placed in the ear, either a custom earmold or a non-custom ear dome. Depending on the style, it connects to the hearing aid via tubing and ear hook for a BTE hearing aid, or a thin wire and receiver for RIC styles.
Modern Capabilities
BTE and RIC hearing aids are equipped for a modern lifestyle. You’ll find the following capabilities in both styles:
- Direct streaming from your smartphone
- Tinnitus treatment
- Remote adjustment of volume/programs via a mobile app
BTE vs. RIC Hearing Aids: What’s Different?
Device Size
Since electronic parts must be housed inside the case, a BTE hearing aid is usually bigger than a RIC alternative. However, modern styles often have a slimmer, sleeker design.
In behind-the-ear hearing aids, the speaker and other electronic components are inside the hard case. RIC hearing aids place the speaker at the end of a thin electrical wire connected to the case. The speaker is enclosed inside a flexible ear dome or earmold placed in the ear, allowing it to be smaller.
Amplification Ability
The traditionally elongated shape of BTE hearing aids allows them to house a strong amplifier and large battery. They can magnify sounds in both the high-frequency and low-frequency ranges. RIC hearing aids can also offer considerable range, but those with severe or profound hearing loss may still need the extra boost from a BTE style.
Which Should I Choose?
The choice between RIC and BTE hearing aids depends on your individual needs.
Here are a few categories. Which one do you most identify with?
For active people
For social people
For severe loss
For techies
For active people
You’re active and love the outdoors: BTE
For social people
You’re social or like public speaker:RIC
For severe loss
You have severe hearing loss: BTE
For techies
You’re always on your phone: Either
FAQs about RIC and BTE hearing aids
BTE or RIC hearing aids: which is best?
Neither behind-the-ear (BTE) nor receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids is universally “best”—the right choice depends on your hearing loss, lifestyle, and comfort preferences.
BTE hearing aids are generally more powerful and durable. RIC hearing aids, on the other hand, often provide a more natural sound quality and greater comfort for mild to moderate hearing loss.
A hearing care professional can help determine which style fits your hearing needs, ear anatomy, and daily listening environments best.
How to insert a RIC hearing aid?
How to clean BTE hearing aids?
How to wear BTE hearing aids with glasses?
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