BTE w/ Custom mold vs RIC W/ Custom Mold

They get it first, BTE as well,but at a much later date.

That’s the first time I have heard that. How do know this? RIC is smaller than the hardware for BTE, so I would have assumed the more complex/sophisticated tec would start in the BTE models and then migrate to RIC, not the reverse.

By reading/watching when new models come out. RICs are first, then BTEs and customs. Latest models I can think of off the top of my head that are only available in RICs: Phonak Lumity, Resound Omnia and Oticon Real. My take is that they’re the biggest market so that’s where they start.

@jcech said:

RIC is smaller than the hardware for BTE

The BTE has the receiver in the part behind the ear making it larger. The sound then travels through a hollow tube through the mold to the eardrum. There are more audio losses after the receiver meaning the receiver is usually larger than those for RIE aids.

I’m currently trialing L90-RT after a lifetime of BTEs. To be honest, I can’t really tell much difference between my current Resound Enzo BTEs and the L90-RT with power receivers from a sound perspective. I have other issues with the L90 – particularly the tremendous instability of the LE Bluetooth connection to the MyPhonak app – but sound has mostly been as good or (in some specific instances) better on the L90s.

At age 65 I’m long past worrying how discrete the hearing aids are. But I do play a lot of soccer and tennis and my BTEs are always swinging around with the sudden movements. Also, the heavier Resound Enzos coupled with the weight of my glasses were something I normally felt at the end of the day. I do feel I’m carrying around less weight now with the L90s and I really don’t miss having to deal with tubing nor worrying about moisture.

Anyway, I could well end up back with BTEs (next stop is Oticon Real 1 with RIC), then possibly a BTE but or the moment I’m seeing some real advantages with a RIC.

@mdboy said:

Oticon Real 1 with RIC

You can get custom 100dB power molds. I think there are 105dB ones too.

Thanks very much for your reply. Using the power receivers (105db, I think) on the Lumity hearing aids and custom molds, my HCP is able to match my loss on her REM machine with, from what I can tell, room to spare. And, truthfully, I don’t notice any difference in my ability to follow conversations with the Lumitys and the discrimination is probably better in noisy situations with the Lumitys. Streaming and phone calls are equally clear with my BTEs and the Lumitys.

I feel like maybe I’m missing something here. I literally saw the match of my audiogram and the REMs when my HCP was doing the adjustments on the Lumitys. Is your feeling that the Lumitys with power receivers are being stretched beyond what is appropriate for my loss even if my HCP is able to align HAs and loss with her REM?

I do appreciate the comment that I should also look closely at continuing with a BTE and will discuss with my HCP – whom I trust completely – trialing an UP BTE after doing the Oticon Real 1 trial. Perhaps I can do better, regardless of the RIC experiences, with a BTE.

Thanks!

In answer to your question - only you and your HCP can answer that. I certainly feel that the BTE is better for music. I am actually unsure if that’s because it’s an Oticon or it’s just a power BTE - I suspect the latter. I think it’s the case that you need to carefully think about all the different environments and whether the RIC or BTE is the best for them all.

For example, for my own loss. I would say a little bit stretched. I have an Italian class, and with the volume maxed out, I struggle a little bit with the RIC. But on the other hand I may just need to reprogram them and boost the output a little. In your case, a similar situation may be on the football field - you will need to hear people over distance. Does the RIC have the horsepower in those situations?

Anyway, I wrote the post because I recognised that at this point in time, there is no current power BTE available by Phonak or Oticon - well - apart from the Naida and Xceed which I believe are 2 and up to 4 years old. I was wondering if you were looking at alternative BTEs, because they are more up to date, that was all.

Yes. Am aware. Please see my other post above. Thanks.

Thanks for your reply. I suspect my HCP thinks I can use RIC because she doesn’t think I have much, if any, useable hearing above 3000 Hz and it isn’t worthwhile trying to salvage the very high frequencies with a UP BTE. So, she concentrates on maximizing my narrow range below 3000 Hz, which is addressable through a 105db power receiver. I’ll definitely confirm that’s her strategy, but she’s mentioned my hearing range is very narrow. Thanks for your insights!

Odd that you need to replace receivers. Never had my OPN1 105 db 6 year old receivers replaced. Using them if I buy the Reals I’m demoing.