Approximately 80% of hearing aid wearers have a receiver-in-canal (RIC) device that sits behind the ear. This style of hearing aid is popular for several reasons, including advanced sound quality, comfort, connectivity, and more.
Because of RIC’s popularity, dozens of options exist. Every leading brand has its take on the style, and that can make choosing the right one a challenge.
Our team has trialed nearly every receiver-in-canal hearing aid for comfort, quality, and features. We even dunk test them to check their waterproof claims.
Here are the best receiver-in-canal hearing aids on the market in 2025. 👇
- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
- 200+ hours each month spent researching brands and care options
- 2,000,000 people shopped on Soundly in 2024
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Read more about our company, services and process here.
Featured in this article
Group 1 – Over-the-Counter
This first group of hearing aids puts the power of tuning directly in your hands (with remote support). Each brand below is available online or at local retailers—no doctor’s visit required.
The key limitation? OTC devices are only suitable for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. Take our test here to see where you stand.
This option can save you money, and key studies show that self-customization can lead to greater comfort and satisfaction for many wearers.
Sennheiser All Day Clear
- Our favorite OTC hearing aids for under $1,000
- Manufactured by the largest hearing aid maker in the world
- Compatible with iPhone and Android devices
Here’s why we picked the Sennheiser All-Day Clear:
- Trusted Manufacturer: Developed by Sennheiser, a leader in audio, and backed by Sonova, the world's #1 hearing aid maker, ensuring high-quality sound and technology.
- Comfortable Design: Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear, available in both Slim and standard models to suit different preferences.
- Affordable Price: Offers premium sound quality and features typically found in prescription hearing aids, all for under $1,000.
- Easy App Control: The intuitive smartphone app allows for quick, user-friendly setup and self-programming, ideal for even mildly tech-savvy users.
Sennheiser All Day Clear reviews are about as glowing as you'll find among self-fit devices. Users comment on Sennheiser's lightweight comfort, clear sound and easy to use app. Some users wished that the battery life was longer for 16+ hours of wear. Here are some sample reviews:
- "One of the best over-the-counter hearing aids you'll find.They're extremely lightweight which I really appreciate because usually whenever I use any sort of earbuds I like it to wear I don't even feel like they're on my ear.The clarity of the audio that comes out of these small little hearing aids is very impressive." - Jay
- "The instructions are not complicated and the all day clear app for the phone is easy to use and works well for personal customization. You can use the hearing aids itself to control the volume and connect to other devices. The all day clear hearing aids are comfortable to wear all day. I feel more confident because I feel like I am apart of conversations and not alienated in life. The battery life is good but you will need to recharge if you are wearing them all day." - Kamille
- "I got my 72-year-old dad the Sennheiser hearing aid, and oh boy, it's a total game-changer! Dad's been dealing with some hearing trouble for a while, but this device has turned things around big time.Being far away from him, I sent the aid his way, and he managed to set it up all by himself using YouTube. Easy peasy! Now, he's raving about how it's like night and day. In group chats, he used to miss out on voices, but not anymore. He's hearing everyone loud and clear, even when Mom calls him from another room." - Britto
- Premium Sonova-built technology for less than prescription channels
- Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calls (Android and iPhone)
- Comfortable all-day form factor
- Charger must be plugged in while charging
- Requires a smartphone for programming
- All-Day Clear is an OTC product appropriate for mild-moderate hearing loss levels
- If you have more significant hearing loss you might consider local or Telehealth care. Read more about prescription Vs. OTC hearing aids here
- Available for purchase online via Soundly
- Does not require a prescription from a doctor
- Customize your hearing aids with the Sennheiser All-Day Clear app
- Soundly customers get a complimentary guided setup session
- Sennheiser offers impressive underlying background noise management technology
- We found this product performed at a similar level to top prescription brands
- Comfortable receiver-in-canal style is great for all day wear
- Sits behind the ear with a receiver (speaker) that reaches into the ear canal
- The form factor of Sennheiser All-Day Clear is comparable to leading prescription hearing aids like Phonak Lumity
- Available in a dual-tone black and silver
- Choose between slim and non-slim versions (we recommend the non-slim option for most people)
- Sennheiser All-Day Clear comes with rechargeable batteries
- 16 hours of wear on a single charge
- Recharge case must be plugged into the wall while in use
- All-Day Clear streams to all devices including iPhone and Android
- All Day Clear allows hands free phone calls on both iPhone and Android
- Streaming quality is similar to the top prescription products on the market
- All-Day Clear is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
- The All-Day Clear recharge case has ports that must be in contact for charging. This type of charger is more difficult than premium conduction chargers which do not require ports to be touching
- Sennheiser All-Day Clear hearing aids have an IP68 rating
- These devices can be submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes without damage
- The Sennheiser All-Day Clear app enables setup and customization of your hearing aids
- The smartphone app allows on-the-go volume and sound quality adjustments
- The All-Day Clear app has a music and automatic program but does not offer Tinnitus masking, program creation or other advanced features
Elehear Beyond
- Our favorite OTC hearing aids for under $500
- Compatible with iPhone and Android devices
- Bluetooth streaming and rechargeable
Here’s why we picked Elehear Beyond:
- Sound Clarity: Elehear Beyond’s noise reduction effectively separates speech from background sounds, providing clear listening in a variety of environments.
- Simple Bluetooth Streaming: Elehear Beyond connects directly through Bluetooth settings, similar to pairing regular headphones. It supports music and calls without requiring extra accessibility setup steps.
- Battery Life: The charging case provides up to 20 hours of use after a 90-minute charge, making it convenient for all-day wear without needing frequent recharges.
- Customizable Sound Settings: Through the Elehear app, users can adjust bass, treble, and volume to match their personal preferences, offering more control than pre-set options in higher-end models.
- Affordable Choice: Priced at $399 per pair, Elehear Beyond is an accessible option in the OTC market, with essential features suited for those who prefer handling adjustments independently.
- "These are amazing for the price! I bought them as a backup to my expensive prescription ones and I use them more often than the originals. The price is amazing for what you get. One suggestion is that there should be sport guards for them to protect from loss"
- "Good hearing aids for the price. They’re effective, but I’ve had some minor issues with background noise in crowded areas. Nothing major, but something to note"
- "I've had the Beyond hearing aids for a few weeks now. They work well, but I’m still getting used to adjusting the settings. Overall, a solid product, but a bit of a learning curve."
- "Thanks to customer support.My hearing aids arrived damaged, customer support was able to replace it in just one day"
- "Comfortable for All-Day WearI can wear these all day without any discomfort. They’re light and fit snugly in my ears. A great fit for daily use."
- "I can hear much better with theseI can hear much better with these, but they sometimes feel a little loose after wearing them for a few hours. Other than that, I’m happy with the sound quality."
- "Finally I can listen to musicI love bluetooth feature, listening my favorite songs directly to my hearing aids feels amazing!!!"
- Robust features for a very affordable price
- Bluetooth streaming (iPhone and Android)
- Tinnitus masking features
- Requires some tech savvy
- Newer company
- Slightly less advanced sound (although impressive for the price)
- Elehear Beyond is an OTC product appropriate for mild-moderate hearing loss levels
- If you have more significant hearing loss you might consider local or Telehealth care. Read more about prescription Vs. OTC hearing aids here
- Available for purchase online or at retail stores
- Does not require a prescription from a doctor
- Customize your hearing aids through dials and controls inside a smartphone app
- Elehear Beyond has the best sound quality we've seen at products under $500
- Comfortable receiver-in-canal style is great for all day wear
- Sits behind the ear with a receiver (speaker) that reaches into the ear canal
- The form factor of Elehear Beyond is comparable to leading prescription hearing aids
- Only available in silver
- Elehear Beyond comes with rechargeable batteries and a portable recharge case
- 20 hours of wear on a single charge
- New recharge case carries an additional 80 hours of portable charge (without being plugged in)
- Elehear Beyond is compatible with iPhone and Android Devices
- Bluetooth connection is managed through the settings app
- Elehear Beyond is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
- Elehear Beyond has an IPX5 raing
- In practical terms, an IPX5-rated device can handle splashes, rain, and some exposure to water but is not fully waterproof
- Adjust volume, sound quality and background noise
- Elehear Beyond comes with built-in tinnitus management features
Jabra Enhance Select
- Bluetooth enabled and rechargeable
- 100-day risk-free trial
- Nearly invisible with a sleek design
- Professionally programmed before shipping to your home
The Jabra Enhance Select 500 offers an impressive blend of clinic-grade technology, affordability, and user convenience. Here’s why it stands out:
- Professional-Grade Technology at a Lower Price: Jabra’s Enhance Select 500 provides the advanced sound quality of clinic-only brands like ReSound but at less than half the price.
- Professional Programmed Hearing Aids From Home: Jabra’s pre-programmed approach ensures a personalized fit without needing in-clinic visits—customers simply take or upload a hearing test, and Jabra's audiologists program the hearing aids before shipment.
- Seamless Bluetooth Streaming: Equipped with LE Audio, the Enhance Select 500 delivers high-quality, direct streaming for calls and media, with excellent sound quality and range.
- Purchase Perks: Jabra offers 100-day returns, unlimited remote adjustments, and seven-day-a-week customer support.
Overall
Users commend the Jabra Enhance Select 500 for its natural sound quality, discreet design, and effective customer support. Many report significant improvements in hearing clarity and comfort.
Positives
- Natural Sound Quality: "The sound quality is excellent, and the ability to adjust settings via the app is a great feature." — Timothy T.
- Discreet Design: "These hearing aids are virtually invisible and very comfortable to wear throughout the day." — Angel M.
- Customer Support: "The customer service team was incredibly helpful and guided me through the setup process with ease." — Damian.
Complaints
While the majority of feedback is positive, some customers have reported issues with device durability and the need for adjustments. However, these concerns are relatively infrequent compared to the overall satisfaction expressed by users.
For a comprehensive view of customer experiences, you can visit Jabra Enhance's review page.
- One of the most affordable and convenient ways to purchase online while maintaining professional care
- Comes with a 100 day free-return period
- Offers rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth streaming
- Remote care requires users to be somewhat tech savvy
- Jabra only offers styles that sit behind the ear
- Jabra Enhance Select is a fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for mild-severe hearing loss
- If you have severe hearing loss and struggle with feedback (squealing) you may need a custom earmold (not available through Jabra Telehealth)
- If you have profound hearing loss, you may be a better fit for a high-powered BTE style hearing aid (note available through Jabra Telehealth)
- Jabra is a remote care brand that programs and delivers your hearing aids through Telehealth
- Take or submit a hearing test and a Jabra professional will program your hearing aids and ship them to your door
- Three years of unlimited support is included with every purchase
- Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids come with the capability for remote adjustments. This feature means you don't need to ship your hearing aids back to get program updates
- Jabra Enhance Select is manufactured by GN Hearing (the makers of ReSound hearing aids)
- Jabra devices come with a strong set of background noise handling features and app controls
- Jabra Enhance Select comes in a small and comfortable receiver-in-canal style that is easy to wear all day
- Sits behind the ear with a receiver (speaker) that reaches into the ear canal
- The form factor of Jabra Enhance Select is comparable to ReSound hearing aids
- Choose between five colors including: Sparkling Silver, Champaign, Gold, Bronze and Warm Grey
- Jabra Enhance Select offers three levels of technology. Select 500 and Select 300 come with rechargeable batteries and as of May 2024, Select 50 also comes with rechargeable batteries
- 30 hours on a full charge
- Comes with a portable charger (does not need to be plugged in)
- All Jabra Enhance Select technology levels allow Bluetooth streaming, music listening, and phone calls.
- Jabra Enhance Select 500 uses Bluetooth LE Audio (Auracast ready) and is handsfree for iPhone (11 and newer) and compatible Android models
- Jabra Enhance Select 300 allows iPhone users to take calls hands-free, while Android users must keep their phones close to pick up outbound audio
- Jabra Enhance Select 300 uses Apple's MFI connection and Android's ASHA connection to stream content through Bluetooth
- Jabra Enhance Select is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
- If dexterity is a concern we recommend Select 300, which is larger and easier to grasp than the microRIE (Select 500)
- The Jabra Enhance Select charge case uses induction charging and is fairly easy to handle
- All levels of Jabra Enhance Select have an IP rating of 68
- These hearing aids can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes
- Customization: Treble/bass, volume, microphone directionality
- Jabra Enhance Select includes Telehealth capabilities through the Jabra app
Group 2 - Locally Prescribed
Local audiologists prescribe this second group of hearing aids. They are typically more expensive ($3,000-$8,000 for a pair) and come with top-tier technology and hands-on support.
A few big hearing aid brands manufacture nearly all locally-prescribed hearing aids. The "Big 5" spend millions in R&D and typically lead the way on tech.
There are style and philosophy differences between these traditional options, but they offer the same features and generally the same prices. Think of them as BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus. Different, but also a lot the same.
Signia Charge&Go
- Excellent all-around sound processing—one of our top picks
- 39-hour battery life on a single charge
- Compact design: one of the smallest receiver-in-canal (RIC) devices available
- Custom-programmed by an audiologist at your local clinic
Signia Charge&Go is a standout for those seeking a well-rounded prescription hearing aid that combines advanced features, sleek design, and extended battery life. Here’s why we love it:
- Long Battery Life: With up to 39 hours of power (34 hours with streaming), it’s perfect for reliable, all-day use without constant recharging.
- Speech Clarity: Multi-beamforming technology sharpens speech even in noisy environments, helping users focus on conversations with ease.
- Advanced Features: Includes Own Voice Processing (OVP) and Bluetooth LE Audio for smooth streaming from both iOS and Android devices, enhancing audio quality.
- Comprehensive App Support: The Signia smartphone app offers fitness tracking, remote care (after the first appointment), and Signia Assistant, adding customization and convenience.
Customer reviews for Signia Pure Charge&Go are generally positive with nearly all customers celebrating crisp and clear sound. Some customers even report improvements in tinnitus using Signia's in-app tinnitus features. Like all hearing aids, some users find that adjustment to hearing more sound is a process. See more reviews from our partners at ZipHearing.
- "I can hear again!! No more asking people to repeat what they said, turn up the TV, or be staring blankly because I wasn't sure someone was addressing me. I can hear the water that I accidentally left running outside (old pipes in an old house). It's wonderful!!" - Mary
- "I LOVE my new Signia Pure Chareg&Go 5 IX hearing aids. I'm 81 and these are my first so I wondered if I'd have trouble adjusting to the sound or the aids. The answer is neither! The sound is very natural - I'm now hearing highs I haven't heard for decades. From the first day I've been wearing them for 16 hours per day and don't even know they're there." - Jeff
- "The sound quality is very good .Ive had chronic tinnitus for over a year and three months. I use ocean sounds for my therapy , it sounds like you are there. They are discrete and easy to wear . I have reduced my tinnitus by 65 to 70 percent In just about 3 months. Take the step , put in the time and results will follow." - Harly
- "Sound quality is very tinny but from what I've read, that is to be expected. I know my family and friends are happy to not be repeating themselves over and over again. It's very hard to review a product when you have nothing to compare it to." - Colleen
- Among the smallest body size on the market
- Second longest battery with 39 hours per charge
- Excellent in background noise
- Fully customizable with premium sound processing
- Only sold through local clinics at $3,198 - $7,000 a pair
- Does not include a Find My Hearing Aids feature
- Signia Pure Charge&Go is a fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for mild-severe hearing loss
- If you have severe hearing loss, your care provider may fit you with a custom earmold to reduce feedback
- If you have profound hearing loss, you may be a better fit for a high-powered BTE style hearing aid
- Signia Pure Charge&Go is a prescription device fit and programmed by a professional
- After an initial fitting, you can connect with your care provider remotely through the Signia app
- Signia uses a unique Split Processing technique helps isolate background noise and boost speech clarity
- Signia's Own Voice Processing (OVP) helps take the edge off of that uncomfortable sound quality of the user's own voice that many patients experience when adjusting to hearing aids
- Signia Pure Charge&Go comes in in a small and comfortable receiver-in-canal style that is easy to wear all day
- We prefer Signia's dome tips to other brands for comfort and performance
- Sits behind the ear with a receiver (speaker) that reaches into the ear canal
- Signia Pure Charge&Go is one of the smallest receiver-in-canal hearing aids on the market
- Choose between ten color schemes including: Black, Graphite, Dark Champagne, Silver, Pearl White, Fine Gold, Deep Brown, Sandy Brown, Rose Gold and Beige
- Choose between disposable and rechargeable batteries
- 36+ hours on a full charge
- Popular charger options: Portable charger with induction charging, or plugin Dry & Clean charger
- Signia Pure Charge&Go BCT IX uses Bluetooth Classic to connect with a wide variety of phones and devices
- Signia upgraded their connection strategy in 2025 and is now among the most connected hearing aids in the industry
- Signia Pure Charge&Go is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
- Signia Pure Charge&Go uses a pin charger with magnets that makes daily charging fairly easy
- Signia Pure Charge&Go is water resistant with an IP rating of 68
- This hearing aid can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes
- Signia Assistant: Built in app feature that uses natural language to prompt changes
- Remote care: Included in the Signia app (not a separate app)
- Customization: Treble/bass, volume, microphone directionality, Signia Assistant
- Tinnitus masking: Customizable options through your hearing care professional
- Find my hearing aid: Not available
- Health tracking: Step tracking, activity (e.g., high intensity versus low), and wear time
ReSound Vivia
- ReSound Vivia is a market leader in AI-powered sound processing
- Vivia is one of the smallest RIC hearing aids available
- Auracast-enabled for seamless Bluetooth streaming, developed in collaboration with Bluetooth SIG
- Impressive 20-30 hour battery life on a single charge - even with AI features enabled
- Custom prescription programming provided by a local audiologist
ReSound Vivia is ReSound’s most advanced prescription hearing aid yet—engineered for natural sound, effortless streaming, and top-tier comfort. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- AI-Sound Processing: Vivia features ReSound’s newest 6th-generation chip and a new AI-powered sound management system that helps in loud environments like restaurants or group conversations. Vivia also supports Auracast for future-ready audio streaming in public spaces.
- Design Notes: Vivia is one of the smallest RICs on the market and sits comfortably behind the ear—comfortable even for glasses wearers. It comes in several colors to match hair or skin tone and is built to withstand sweat and water (IP68-rated).
- All-Day Battery Life: Rechargeable models offer up to 30 hours on a single charge and come with a convienient portable charging case. This length of battery life is impressive given the powerful new AI features onboard.
If you’re looking for a small, high-performance hearing aid with cutting-edge AI features, ReSound Vivia is one of the best available today.
Read more reviews via our partners at ZipHearing.
- Noticeable Improvement Over Previous Devices
Many customers say Vivia is a significant upgrade from earlier ReSound models like the Linx Quattro or older analog hearing aids. - Exceptional Sound Clarity
Multiple reviewers highlight Vivia’s ability to deliver natural, nuanced sound and make conversations easier to understand—even in noisy environments. - Great for First-Time or Returning Users
Some users returned to ReSound after years away and found the Vivia to be intuitive, effective, and worth the switch. - Comfortable and Discreet
Wearers appreciate the small size, subtle design, and comfortable fit—even with glasses. - Mixed Feedback on Music and Sound Environments
One reviewer noted that music listening and sound handling in restaurants were still challenging, though they acknowledged the technology may be better suited for different types of hearing loss.
- Great for background noise management
- Auracast compatible
- Small form factor and an optional 3rd microphone in the ear
- 30-hours of battery life
- More expensive compared to direct to consumer and OTC options
- Vivia's in-ear M&RIE microphone is a bit larger and can be uncomfortable for some
- ReSound Vivia is a fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for mild-severe hearing loss
- If you have severe hearing loss, your care provider may fit you with a custom earmold to reduce feedback
- If you have profound hearing loss, you may be a better fit for ReSound high-powered BTE
- ReSound Vivia is a prescription device fit and programmed by a professional
- After an initial fitting, you can connect with your care provider remotely through the ReSound app
- ReSound Vivia is an excellent choice for background noise management. The new onboard AI chip is focused on increasing clarity in the toughest listening settings
- Vivia uses a combination of beam forming microphones and noise reduction algorithms to single out speech in complex noise environments
- ReSound Vivia is a discreet and comfortable product, but some users with smaller ear canals find the M&RIE receiver uncomfortable in their ears. M&RIE can be removed by your care provider and replaced with a standard receiver.
- ReSound Vivia hearing aids sit behind the ear
- Vivia is one of the smallest behind-the-ear style devices on the market. Vivia's size is particularly impressive given the new dual-chip architecture and strong battery life.
- Vivia comes in a wide range of colors, including new Navy Blue and Red options.
- Vivia comes with three battery options, including micro RIE rechargeable (30 hours), a larger disposable battery version (size 13), and a second disposable battery option (size 312).
- A rechargeable version of Vivia is also available with a CROS (for single-sided deafness)
- Vivia is one of the first hearing aids on the market to release Auracast-compatible hearing aids. Auracast will take a few years to roll out in public spaces. Still, once it is available, it will allow users to stream public announcements, movies, and other shared audio experiences directly to their hearing aids.
- Of course, Vivia also allows standard Bluetooth streaming from iPhone and Android devices. iPhone users can take calls hands-free, while Android users must keep their phones close to pick up outbound audio.
- Vivia uses Apple's MFI connection and Android's ASHA connection to stream content through Bluetooth
- Vivia is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
- Vivia's recharging cases use conduction charging, which is easier to handle
- Vivia has an app feature that uses your phone camera to check that the hearing aids are in the ear properly
- ReSound Vivia is water resistant with an IP rating of 68
- This hearing aid can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes
- Remote care: After an in-office activation, the remote care option is available on the app
- Customization: Volume control, treble/bass, streaming treble/bass, programs
- Tinnitus masking: Customizable programs with a hearing care professional or use the Resound Relief app to experiment with masking noise
- Find my hearing aid: Yes, feature is included in the app
- Check my fit: An app feature from Resound to check the hearing aids are in the ear properly
Read our full review of the ReSound App here.
Phonak Sphere Infinio
- Flagship device from the world’s top hearing aid manufacturer
- Industry-leading onboard AI processing with advanced Spheric mode for enhanced clarity
- Best-in-class Bluetooth streaming, compatible with both Android and iPhone
Phonak’s Infinio and Infinio Sphere models, released in mid-2024, quickly caught industry attention with groundbreaking features:
- Real-Time AI Processing: Phonak leads in AI innovation with its dual-chip architecture, powering real-time adjustments that make listening easier in complex, dynamic environments. This level of AI-driven sound processing sets Infinio Sphere apart as a top choice for clarity and adaptability.
- Extended Bluetooth Range: Enjoy hands-free streaming and calls with 2x the Bluetooth range, making Phonak an ideal pick for both iOS and Android users who value reliable connectivity.
- Waterproof and Durable Design: Built with an IP68 rating, Infinio Sphere withstands water exposure and daily wear, appealing to users with active lifestyles who want durability alongside performance.
Phonak’s Infinio line combines onboard AI with practical, user-focused features, making it an excellent choice for those seeking top-of-the-line performance and versatility in hearing aids.
Phonak Infinio Sphere receives highly positive reviews, with many users noting significant improvements over previous Phonak models and competing brands. Wearers praise its sound quality and robust Bluetooth streaming. The main complaints we found relate to the larger size and occasional automatic mode switching. Some highlights from our partners at ZipHearing.
- "Wearing these new Phonak Sphere Hearing Aids has been very comfortable and an easy adjustment for me. These are my first hearing aids and the sound with them on sounds very natural. I've been able to understand my friends in a crowded restaurant and have been able to turn off the closed captioning on my TV. The Bluetooth feature has worked well for both streaming music and phone calls. I haven't found any drawbacks yet!" - Eileen
- "I have been wearing hearing aids for 6 years. I started my journey with ReSound which lasted nearly 5 years. I then went to Costco and discovered Costco aids are fine for people with modest hearing loss, but I needed more. I then went with Phonak Sphere and have been very happy. I am active and discovered early on the aids I had purchased were being negatively impacted by sweat. Phonak replaced them with water resistant aids for a very small charge. I am very pleased with my new aids." - David
- "Sound quality is excellent. Definitely an improvement over previous HA. Still trying it out in noisy environments but I definitely see an improvement when in noisy situations in understanding speech." - Ken
- "I am currently wearing the Phonak Audio Sphere 90 hearing aids. Had them about two weeks now and the sound quality is very good. I am a bit frustrated with the Automatic program selection as it does not really seem to pick the correct program for the situation. I have not noted the sphere function working as of yet, even though I have been in a few very noisy situations. They are comfortable and only took a few days to adapt to the thicker design of the body. The battery life is exceptional. After wearing them for 15 to 16 hours they still have 45 percent batter life. The only other complaint is the charger case. It is not easy to get they in and almost kink the wires to the domes. I wish they were bigger like my previous Marvels." - Brian
- Top of the line sound processing (thanks in part to onboard AI)
- Best-in-class Bluetooth connection
- Highly water-resistant option available for active lifestyles
- Sphere is a premium product with an average price of $4,598 per pair.
- Shorter than average battery life of 16 hours per charge
- Phonak Sphere is larger than most hearing aids on the market (due to a larger battery and two onboard chips)
- Phonak Infinio is a fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for mild-severe hearing loss
- If you have severe hearing loss, your care provider may fit you with a custom earmold to reduce feedback
- If you have profound hearing loss, you may be a better fit for Phonak's high-powered Naída Paradise
- Phonak Infinio is a prescription device fit and programmed by a professional
- After an initial fitting, you can connect with your care provider remotely through the myPhonak app
- Phonak is one of our top reviewed products for background noise management
- Phonak Sphere Infinio uses a first-to-market onboard AI processing chip which makes up to 7 million adjustments per second
- Phonak Infinio comes in in a comfortable receiver-in-canal style that is easy to wear all day
- Sits behind the ear with a receiver (speaker) that reaches into the ear canal
- Phonak Infinio offers a rounded, modern form factor and a comparable size to other leading devices
- Choose from a variety of colors including: Chestnut, sandalwood, sand beige, silver gray, graphite gray, velvet black, beige, champagne
- Phonak Infinio comes with rechargeable batteries only
- 24 hours on a 3-hour charge (including 80 min of streaming); 30 minute quick charge provides 6 hours battery life
- Standard charger uses inductive charging
- Phonak Infinio is among our top choices for Bluetooth capabilities
- Allows simultaneous connection to up to four devices
- Allows hands-free calling for both iPhone and Android devices
- Users can tap their hearing aid to answer calls
- Telecoil is available
- Infinio uses universal connectivity for all Bluetooth devices (other leaders use MFI and ASHA)
- Infinio offers 2X the Bluetooth range (distance from your device) compared to older models
- Phonak Infinio is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
- Infinio devices come with an onboard toggle switch for volume and program changes
- Phonak Infinio is water resistant with an IP rating of 68
- Infinio has even stronger waterproofing than previous models from the brand
- This hearing aid can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes
- Remote care: Available through the Phonak app in coordination with your provider
- Customization: Volume, treble/bass, adjustable custom programs in the app
- Tinnitus masking: Available through your healthcare provider
- Find my hearing aid: N/A
- Health tracking: Tracks length of wear time and step count
Receiver-in-canal hearing aids all share the same design.
Hearing aid body:
The body of the hearing aid sits behind the ear, with a small wire that reaches over the top of the ear and down into the ear canal.
Wire and speaker:
Inside the canal, a tiny speaker (called a receiver) plays amplified sounds from the world around you.
Microphones and processor:
Most receiver-in-canal hearing aids have two microphones on the body of the hearing aid. These microphones gather sounds from the world around you, then the chip inside the hearing aid processes and amplifies sound and sends it to the speaker in your ear through the receiver wire. The whole process takes less than half a millisecond.
Reciever-in-canal and another style, called BTE hearing aids, are sometimes confused. Instead of a speaker inside the ear, BTE hearing aids house the speaker on the body of the device (behind the ear) and broadcast sound down through a rubber tube into the ear. BTE hearing aids are most commonly prescribed for severe to profound hearing loss where more power is necessary. Read our full breakdown of the two styles here.
Why are receiver-in-canal hearing aids so popular?
More space for technology.
The first reason is practical. The space behind the ear is a convenient and comfortable place for your hearing aid to rest. Most receiver-in-canal hearing aids are still relatively small, but they are larger than most in-the-ear styles.
That extra space is used for features like Bluetooth, telecoil, and rechargeable batteries. Alternate styles of hearing aids have less space to work with and typically cut out these extra features.
RIC hearing aids are comfortable.
Receiver-in-canal hearing aids also tend to be the most comfortable style of hearing aids due to the lightweight wire and speaker that sit in the ear.
RIC hearing aids get first-dibs on new features.
Receiver-in-canal hearing aids are also popular because the style typically takes priority when new technologies are released.
Most manufacturers launch their latest algorithm updates and sound enhancements to receiver-in-canal hearing aids before rolling them out to other styles (usually 6-12 months later).
So how did we choose the list of products above?
In general, we weighted sound quality, ease of use, and manufacturer credibility heavily when selecting the products featured in this guide. We also considered the feedback and return rates from our thousdands of customers here at Soundly.com.
The devices that made the cut represent a balance between top-of-the-line premium technology and more affordable options for budget-conscious buyers.
In the prescription channel, Signia Pure Charge & Go stands out as our top choice for all-around value. It delivers excellent battery life, a comfortable fit with well-designed ear tips, and consistently strong sound quality. We also recommend ReSound Vivia and Phonak Sphere Infinio for their excellent sound performance, refined noise management, and all-day comfort.
In the over-the-counter category, we highlighted products at three distinct price points. For under $500, ELEHEAR delivers impressive performance at an entry-level price. Sennheiser All-Day Clear earns our pick for the best overall OTC device, offering a seamless balance of comfort, usability, and audio clarity. For those willing to invest a bit more, Jabra Enhance Select provides a premium OTC experience with strong app support and reliable build quality.
Between these six products, you’ll find a range of choices to suit different budgets, preferences, and listening needs—ensuring there’s a strong option for just about anyone.
Final Thoughts
Receiver-in-canal devices are popular for a reason. They’re comfortable, discreet, and packed with features like Bluetooth streaming, rechargeability, and advanced sound processing.
Here at Soundly, they’re not only our most commonly purchased style—they’re also returned the least, a testament to their reliability and user satisfaction.
The key to finding the right receiver-in-canal device starts with choosing your care path (OTC Vs. Prescription), which will shape your budget and how your devices are set up.
From there, focus on the factors that matter most to you—sound quality, comfort, size and features that fit your lifestyle.
If you have questions or want help narrowing your options, our team is here for you. Call or text us anytime, or email [email protected].
