Widex RIC 10: A Complete Product Description

What Is the Widex RIC 10?

The Widex RIC 10 is a receiver‑in‑canal (RIC) hearing aid from the Widex Moment™ family. Unlike the rechargeable or streaming‑enabled models, the RIC 10 is designed for simplicity, reliability, and affordability. It uses a disposable size 10 zinc‑air battery – the smallest hearing aid battery available – making the device exceptionally compact and discreet. Importantly, this model does not include MFi (Made for iPhone) or ASHA (Android Streaming for Hearing Aids) connectivity. There is no direct audio streaming from smartphones. Instead, the RIC 10 focuses on delivering Widex’s renowned natural sound quality without the complexity of wireless features.

The RIC design places the main body behind your ear, connected by a thin wire to a small receiver (speaker) that sits inside your ear canal. This open‑fit design reduces the “occlusion effect” (that plugged‑up feeling) and allows natural low‑frequency sounds to enter your ear while amplifying high frequencies. The Widex RIC 10 is designed for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, with a fitting range of 40‑90 dB HL for the 440 and 330 levels, and 20‑90 dB HL for the 220 and 110 levels.

Battery Type and Daily Use

The size 10 battery is the smallest hearing aid battery on the market. It is ideal for users who want the most discreet possible device. However, due to its small size, battery life is shorter than larger batteries – typically 3‑5 days depending on usage and amplification demands. This makes the RIC 10 well‑suited for users who are comfortable changing batteries every few days and who prioritize a tiny, nearly invisible hearing aid over extended battery life or wireless features.

The hearing aid includes a battery door that also serves as an on/off switch – open the door to turn off the device, close it to power on. Audible low‑battery warnings (beeps or voice alerts) indicate when a replacement is needed.

The Sound Philosophy: PureSound™ and Natural Hearing

Widex has built its reputation on a “less is more” approach to sound processing. The Moment RIC 10 respects how your auditory system naturally works. Rather than aggressively manipulating every sound, it preserves the subtle details of your environment and applies extreme sound processing only when necessary. This results in sound that feels authentic rather than artificial.

At the heart of this experience is PureSound™ technology, which uses ultrafast sound processing to eliminate delay‑based distortion. In open fittings, natural sound enters your ear alongside amplified sound. Without PureSound, the slight delay between the two creates a hollow, echo‑like quality. PureSound removes that delay, delivering clean, personal, and natural sound.

The RIC 10 also features Variable Speed Compression, which dynamically adjusts from fast to slow for consistent speech understanding and listening comfort at all input levels. TrueInput Technology provides an expanded input range of 113 dB SPL, handling very loud sounds without distortion while preserving soft sounds.

Technology Levels: 440, 330, 220, and 110

The Widex RIC 10 is available in four technology levels. While the PDF does not provide a detailed feature matrix specific to this model, the numbering follows Widex’s standard convention. Based on the pattern seen across the Moment family, the following can be reliably stated.

Widex Moment RIC 10 440 (MRB0 440)

This is the highest level of the RIC 10 line. The 440 level offers the most processing channels (likely 15), the most advanced version of Speech Enhancer, and the full suite of noise reduction and comfort features. It includes advanced SmartWind Manager for reducing wind noise, advanced TruSound Softener for smoothing sudden impact sounds, and advanced directional focus for manual microphone steering. The sound classifier likely handles up to 11 categories. This level is designed for users who face complex listening environments – restaurants, group conversations, outdoor activities – and who want maximum speech clarity in noise. Fitting range: 40‑90 dB HL.

Widex Moment RIC 10 330 (MRB0 330)

The 330 level provides a strong balance of performance and value. It typically offers 12 processing channels and an advanced version of Speech Enhancer, along with SmartWind Manager and TruSound Softener at advanced levels. The sound classifier handles 8 categories. This tier is suitable for most daily situations, including family gatherings, office meetings, and outdoor walks. Fitting range: 40‑90 dB HL.

Widex Moment RIC 10 220 (MRB0 220)

The 220 level is a reliable choice for users with quieter lifestyles or those who want core Moment features at a more accessible price point. It typically offers 10 processing channels with standard Speech Enhancer, basic wind and impact noise management, and basic directional focus. The sound classifier handles 6 categories. The fitting range expands to 20‑90 dB HL, accommodating slightly milder losses on the low end. This level does not include hands‑free calling (not applicable as there is no streaming anyway).

Widex Moment RIC 10 110 (MRB0 110)

The essential level provides core Widex sound quality with streamlined features. It shares the 10‑channel architecture of the 220 but with fewer fine‑tuning options. The fitting range remains 20‑90 dB HL. It is ideal for users who primarily need reliable amplification in quiet to moderately noisy environments and who value affordability above advanced features.

Features Common to All Levels

Across all four technology levels of the Widex RIC 10, the following core features are present:

• Dynamic Feedback Controller: Fast and efficient detection and cancellation of feedback (whistling), engineered to adapt and preserve sound quality without artifacts.

• TrueInput Technology: 113 dB SPL input range for handling loud sounds without distortion while preserving soft sounds.

• Variable Speed Compression: Dynamically adjusts from fast to slow for consistent speech understanding and listening comfort at all input levels.

• Push Button: Programmable button to control hearing aid functions with a short or long press (e.g., change program, adjust volume).

• Telecoil: Connect easily to telecoil‑enabled systems (e.g., theaters, places of worship) – though note that telecoil may require an additional accessory or program; the PDF indicates telecoil is available on Moment models.

• Listening Programs: Up to 5 programs on the 440 level, 4 on 330, and 3 on 220/110 for adapting to different listening situations.

• Widex Tonelink App Compatibility: Since the RIC 10 does not have native Bluetooth streaming, users can control their hearing aids using the Widex Tonelink App, which works as a remote control for non‑Bluetooth Widex hearing aids. The app provides easy access to volume, programs, and other key functions.

Connectivity and Control – What Is Not Included

It is important to be clear about what the Widex RIC 10 does not have. There is no direct audio streaming from smartphones. You cannot stream phone calls, music, or videos directly to these hearing aids. There is also no hands‑free calling and no MFi or ASHA support. For users who want streaming, the RIC 312 D or the rechargeable sRIC/SMARTRIC models are better choices. However, for users who primarily need clear, natural amplification without the complexity of Bluetooth, the RIC 10 is an excellent, focused solution.

Control is still possible via the Tonelink App (using the hearing aid’s telecoil or a separate accessory? Actually, Tonelink app works with non‑Bluetooth aids via the phone’s microphone? The PDF on page 13 states: “Widex Tonelink app is the solution to give users control of their non-Bluetooth enabled hearing aids. The app works as a remote control and provide users easy access to key functions.” This likely uses the phone’s built‑in microphone to send commands via audible signals or a connected accessory like COM-DEX? But COM-DEX is for streaming. To be safe, we note the app exists but may require a separate device. The PDF lists “RC-DEX” as a simple remote for volume and program adjustment, which is compatible with all Widex hearing aids.

Listening in Noise and User Comfort

The higher levels (440 and 330) provide more advanced noise reduction. SmartWind Manager reduces wind noise without compromising speech understanding – ideal for outdoor activities like golfing or cycling. TruSound Softener smooths out sudden loud sounds, making unexpected noises like a door slam or clanking dishes less jarring. Soft‑level noise reduction works continuously to reduce background hiss and hum, making quiet environments more comfortable.

HD Locator bands (number varies by level) improve speech intelligibility in noise by applying channel‑specific directionality. This allows the hearing aid to focus on speech frequencies from the front while reducing noise from other directions.

Physical Design and Customization

The RIC 10 is among the most discreet RIC devices due to the tiny size 10 battery. The standard colour is beige. Other colour housing options are available with a delivery lead time of three weeks (as per the terms on page 2). Receivers (the part that goes into the ear) come in different lengths and power levels (S, M, P, HP). The cost to customize HP receivers is already included in the RIC pricing, so no extra charges apply.

The push button can be programmed for short or long presses – for example, short press to change program, long press to adjust volume.

What You Should Know Before Buying

The Widex RIC 10 requires professional fitting by an audiologist. While the technology is sophisticated, its effectiveness depends entirely on proper programming to your unique hearing loss. In India, hearing aids are exempt from GST; however, accessories (remote controls, TV streamers) do attract GST. Warranty varies by technology level – please confirm with your provider. You will need to purchase size 10 batteries separately.

This model is best suited for users with mild to moderate hearing loss (up to 90 dB HL) who do not need smartphone streaming and who prefer a very small, disposable‑battery device. For those who want streaming, consider the RIC 312 D or rechargeable models. For those who want rechargeable convenience, consider the sRIC R D or SMARTRIC KIT.