BTE aids used to be large and had to be large to deliver a high level of power.  Today, there are about three different size BTEs.  Two might be considered in the same category of the BTEs of the past.  Two BTEs are more suitably named RICs today.  RIC is an acryonym for “Receiver-in-the-Canal” and actually 80% of people today wear RICs versus custom hearing aids.  As a reminder, custom hearing aids are made from a mold and placed inside the bowl of the ear.  Devon will help you with any question you have about BTEs.

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As computer technology and integrated circuits have become smaller, it has allowed hearing aids to be made smaller and more effective.  The traditional BTEs and the newer RICs are available from all major manufacturers.  They are fit in a number of ways including:

  • RIC placed behind the ear and silicone dome placed in the ear
  • RIC fit behind the ear and custom mold placed in the ear
  • BTE fit behind he ear and custom mold placed in the ear

Smaller RICs use a size 10 small battery to match their size.  Most RICs use size 312 batteries while some use larger size 13 batteries to get a longer battery life.  The large BTEs use a size 675 battery which gives the user a 9-10 day battery life.

Signia’s Ace Primax is an example of a smaller RIC that uses a size 10 small battery.  This RIC is also unnoticeable behind one’s ear also.

 

Picture and diagram of BTE with mold insert

Picture and diagram of RIC with silicone dome insert