How does the RITE hearing aid work?
A RITE hearing aid functions like a standard behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid. The hearing aid shell rests behind the ear and with a component that goes into the ear canal. Unlike a standard BTE, the speaker of the hearing aid goes into the ear canal instead of a traditional custom earmold, making it a less visible hearing aid.
A coated wire connects the speaker to the shell behind the ear. Various earpieces, called domes, are made of soft, flexible material for a comfortable fit and come in multiple sizes to best match your ear. As you will not have to wait for a customized earmold to be made, your hearing aid can be instantly fit for your hearing loss without delay.
Once you have selected the best RITE hearing aid for you, your hearing care specialist will program them to provide you the best sound experience to counter your hearing loss. This is accomplished through the hearing aid and its sound processing functionality. This basic functionality uses a straightforward process:
- The microphones, located within the main shell behind the ear, pick up the sound and convert the sound waves into electrical signals.
- The electric signals are processed by the microchip and then move to the amplifier, where it increases the volume of the signal.
- This amplified sound is transferred via the wire to the receiver (speaker) into your ear.
What are the different components in a RITE hearing aid?
The receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing aid comprises three main components.
The main shell section
The RITE shell sits behind your ear and contains the electronic components, including the microphone, amplifier, and processing chip. The shell also has a battery and buttons for easy program and volume changes. As the receiver is not located in the shell, the hearing aid shell is generally smaller and less visible than a standard BTE. Furthermore, it is available in a range of colors to match your hair and skin tone.
The speaker unit
This component includes the wire and receiver, or speaker, as a single unit. It comes in different lengths to best match the size and shape of your ear.
The earpiece
RITE hearing aids are fitted with instant fit domes made of a soft, pliable material. The domes are available in different styles and sizes to best match your hearing loss and your ear canal's size and shape. And, when needed, a custom earpiece can be made for the greatest flexibility in your fitting.
The advantages of a RITE hearing aid
The receiver-in-the-ear hearing aid is a more discreet hearing aid that can help make sounds more audible to help you feel more confident and comfortable. There are several advantages to choosing a RITE as your hearing device; these include:
- it fits a wide range of hearing losses.
- smaller and more hidden BTE.
- it offers a more open fit.
- sound can enter the ear naturally.
- improved own voice quality.
- instant fitting possible.
- less chance of feedback (whistling).
- more flexible fitting options (speaker units and domes).
The RITE hearing aid has many advantages to improve your listening experience. Talk to your hearing care specialist to find out if this option is right for you.
More open to natural sound
The RITE hearing aids are considered open-fit hearing aids. This means the ear canal is left less occluded or blocked by the earpiece. This allows sound to naturally go in and out of the ear canal while the hearing aid amplifies the sounds you need. An open fitting helps your voice sound more natural by reducing the chance of occlusion.
What is occlusion?
Occlusion occurs most commonly amongst people whose hearing aids fill much of their ear canal without sufficient venting. This causes their voice to be perceived as louder and take on an echo-like quality. With a more open fitting, the sound can leave the ear canal and prevent this uncomfortable effect.
What about whistling and feedback?
If you have been to a conference, a concert, or even karaoke, you have most likely experienced something called feedback. Feedback occurs when a loudspeaker sits too close to a microphone causing a screeching or whistling sound. This whistling sound can also occur with hearing aids, which also contain a speaker and microphone.
When a hearing aid whistles or has feedback, it can distract you and others or even cause embarrassment. A hearing aid is a tiny device with limited space in the shell. This narrow space makes it difficult to separate the microphone and speaker. This increases the chance of feedback as the volume from the loudspeaker is increased.
Is feedback a problem for RITE hearing aids?
The special design of the RITE hearing aid automatically increases the distance between the microphone and the speaker, reducing the chance that feedback will occur.
RITE versus standard BTE hearing aid
After learning more about the RITE hearing aid, you might wonder which hearing aid is better, the RITE or standard BTE? The better question is, which one is right for you? The best hearing aid is the one that fits your hearing loss, lifestyle, and needs.
Both RITE and standard BTEs can fit an extensive range of hearing losses. A standard BTE will better accommodate those with more profound hearing loss than a RITE hearing aid. But a RITE hearing aid is smaller than a standard BTE, as the receiver is now in the ear. This makes a RITE hearing aid a good option for those seeking a less visible hearing aid. Your hearing care specialist can help explain the best options for your level of hearing loss.
Learn more about the RITE hearing aids
Read more about the features and capabilities of the newest miniRITE T R and miniRITE T supported by the AI technology. In addition, if you are also after further insight into the different types of RITE hearing aid models available on the market, here are links to the rechargeable miniRITE T R product page, miniRITE product page and miniRITE T product page.
Get to know your options
Finding the right type and style of hearing aid for you can depend on many factors. It could be the degree of hearing loss you have, your lifestyle preferences, or cosmetic concerns.
