Receiver-ln-The-Ear (RITE) Hearing Aids
Streamlined Sound with External Receiver
Receiver-ln-The-Ear (RITE) hearing aids are very similar to RIC hearing aids. They also have the main unit housing the microphone, battery and sound processor. The main unit transmits the sound via a wire connecting the main unit to the dome.
The dome also contains the receiver, or speaker, which sends the sound into your ear canal. However, the main difference is that the receiver for RITE hearing aids sits just outside your ear canal and on the concha. The concha is the bowl of the ear next to, but not inside the ear canal.
There are no dramatic differences between RITE and RIC hearing aids in terms of size, appearance, or functionality, but there are good reasons why one or the other may be more suited to your needs. With the receiver just outside your ear canal, it is less prone to moisture damage and earwax blockage. It may also be better suited to people prone to ear infections.
Advantages
- Less susceptible to feedback from the hearing aids
- Less prone to moisture damage, earwax blockage, and less likely to cause pain from chronic ear infections than RIC models
- Smaller and more discreet main unit than BTE hearing aid models
- Has a more open fit, which provides a more natural sound quality of the wearer's own voice
- Still a bigger size for larger batteries, and longer battery life
- Common to have rechargeable battery models
- Still typically more powerful sound amplification and advanced technology and features
- The receiver can be replaced separately from the main unit
Disadvantages
More visible and less discreet than other, smaller hearing aid types- May pick up more wind noise than other styles
- May not be suitable for people who wear eyeglasses
- Smaller units can be more difficult for people with dexterity issues to use, especially mini-RITE model
- Still more prone to damage from moisture and blockage from earwax than BTE models
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Which Type of Hearing Aid is Right For You?
Choosing hearing aids involves considering various factors, including your level of hearing loss, ear size and shape, budget, preferred features, and stylistic preferences.
Your ideal choice may not align with your initial preferences, as factors like profound hearing loss or small ear canals may limit certain options.
Consulting with a hearing care expert during a clinic visit, where a full hearing test and consultation are conducted, will help you identify suitable types based on your needs and preferences. From there, you can explore different brands and models to find the right fit within your budget with the desired features.
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