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Last update on Jan, 29, 2025

RIC vs. BTE Hearing Aids

Get closer to learning which style might be best for you.
RIC hearing aid

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.

Man holding RIC hearing aid
Man inserting RIC hearing aid

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.

Hand holding BTE hearing aid
Woman wearing BTE hearing aid

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.
Someone picking up a hearing aid
Someone holding a hearing aid in their fingers

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:

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

Active living can often mean more sweat! Luckily, the BTE’s custom earmold easily detaches and can be soaked in warm, soapy water. These custom molds offer a secure, snug fit, making them a smart choice for those on the move. It’s important to note though that both RIC and BTE hearing aids are water resistant.  
Man biking

For social people

You’re social or like public speaker:RIC

RIC’s discreet design makes it less noticeable, and its amplification styles offer a more natural sound experience for outside sounds and your speaking voice.
Family BBQ

For severe loss

You have severe hearing loss: BTE

A more traditional BTE hearing aid with a custom earmold can give you a better boost in sound at high and low frequencies. 
Woman with ear pain

For techies

You’re always on your phone: Either

Both BTE and RIC hearing aids are available in models that offer direct streaming from your favorite Bluetooth devices.
Woman holding RIC hearing aid

Prioritize Your Hearing Health

Hopefully, this guide will help you figure out which hearing aid style is right for you. Still, you’ll want to meet with a licensed hearing care provider for a professional evaluation. They’ll work with you to recommend a style and model or hearing aid that best meets your degree and type of hearing loss as well as your lifestyle and preferences. Learning more about hearing aid styles and options

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