CIC and RIC a Hearing

CIC and RIC A hearing aid is a device that helps amplify sound for those who have limited hearing capabilities. Earlier historical devices were passive amplification cones or ways to gather sound and direct it to the ear canal, but in the modern era there are a number of types including electroacoustic devices, invisible canal aids, extended wear devices, open fit devices, bone anchored aids, eyeglass aids, and cochlear implants.

All have different purposes in wear, function and price; and all help individuals in varying degrees depending on the individual auditory issue (Bentler, et.al., 2000). Two major types of hearing aids are CIC (Completely in the Canal) and RIC (Receivers in the Canal). CIC hearing aids are the smallest model hearing aid device. They are suitable if one has a mild or moderate degree of hearing loss. The CIC has a custom made shell that contains all the electronic components necessary to amplify sound.

The shell, for instance, is placed deeply into the ear canal, resulting in almost no showing of the device. Many consumers find that the aesthetic advantage to this type is important since no one can actually see the hearing aid (CIC Instrument, 2007). CIC hearing aids provide a much closer coupling of the device to the eardrum and are almost invisible. They aid in reduction of wind noise, normal use of the telephone, and the occlusion effect (the individual's voice is distorted and/or a feeling of pressure blocks the ear).

These units, as noted are ideal for those with moderate hearing loss, particularly those who have specific high-frequency issues. They are not suitable for severe hearing loss, if the patient cannot handle small objects, or if there is a chance the unit will be damaged through sporting impacts, etc. Different brands are available on the market at different price points. The complexity of the unit and the circuit design is often the reason for price differentiation.

Some brands, in fact, have digital signal processing chips that automatically adjust sounds entering for optimum hearing. The units also are formed so that they do not block the ear's natural ability to direct sound. However, these units require more precision and need a professional to cast and fit them individually (Tierney, 2011). RIC, or receiver in canal, models are a newer development in hearing aid technology and are more suitable for those with mid-severe hearing loss.

When compared to a classic behind the ear hearing aid, the receiver of the RIC (the actual loudspeaker) is place on the ear-tip instead of in the housing, which drastically reduces the size of the unit. The RIC model actually has three parts: the housing that sits behind the ear (1); a thin wire that connects the housing to the receiver (2), and the receiver that goes directly into the ear canal (3). Despite its size, the RIC model is very discreet and automatic (Dillon, 2012).

RIC's are similar to Behind the Ear devices but house the speaker in the ear by replacing the tube and a flexible piece to improve sound quality and reduce extraneous "noise." They are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and even have color tones to match the individual's skin. Studies show that RIC instruments tend to amplify sounds.