How to Read Danavox Model Names (RIC, BTE, DRW, CIC)

AudiologyOctober 13, 20268 min read

Hearing aid model codes such as XC361-DRWC look cryptic, but in the Danavox catalogue on our site most parts follow a consistent pattern. The first two letters point to the family, the next digit lines up with the technology level, the next two digits line up with the style, and the letters after the hyphen help tell rechargeable models from battery models. Some letters are never explained in the catalogue, and we say so plainly below.

Knowing how to read a code helps when you compare models, read a quote or check which hearing aid you already wear. It does not tell you which model suits your hearing; that still depends on your hearing test and a conversation with your audiologist. The patterns below are our reading of the published catalogue, checked against every listed model, not an official Danavox naming guide.

A worked example: XC361-DRWC

Take the KLAR model XC361-DRWC and split it into parts:

XC: the family prefix. In the catalogue, every model starting with XC belongs to KLAR.
3: the technology digit. In KLAR, 3 marks Essential and 4 marks Essential Plus.
61: the style digits. Every model with 61 in this position is a RIC (receiver-in-canal) hearing aid.
DRWC: the suffix. In the catalogue, every suffix ending in C belongs to a rechargeable model.

The catalogue confirms the reading: XC361-DRWC is listed as a RIC, rechargeable, Essential, 8 channels. Its neighbour XC361-DRW is the same style and technology level, but it uses a size 312 zinc-air battery. One letter changes the power source.

Part 1: the family prefix

All Danavox codes in the catalogue start with X followed by a second letter:

XC: KLAR
XA: BARANI and Anthe
XD: Boreal
XF: Brisa
XH: Astro Core
XG: Astro Pro and Astro Pro SP

Two prefixes are shared between families, so the prefix alone is not always enough. For example, XA588-DWT is a BARANI Power BTE, while XA588-DWHT is an Anthe Power BTE. Always read the full code, or check the family name shown on the KLAR family page or the relevant family page.

Part 2: the technology digit

The digit straight after the prefix matches the technology level listed for every hearing aid in the catalogue:

3: Essential (KLAR and Astro Core)
4: Essential Plus (KLAR and Astro Core)
5: Select
7: Advanced
9: Premium

So XD560-DRWC, XD760-DRWC and XD960-DRWC are the same Boreal MiniRIE design at three technology levels. Higher levels are listed with more channels in most families: Select 12, Advanced 14 and Premium 17. In KLAR, Essential has 8 channels and Essential Plus 12; in Astro Core both levels have 12.

There is one exception. The three CROS transmitters start with 1 after the prefix: XF160S-DRWC and XF177-DWC in Brisa, and XG160S-DRWC in Astro Pro. They are listed at Premium level without a channel count, and they are transmitters, not hearing aids: a CROS transmitter sits on the ear without usable hearing and sends sound to the hearing ear.

For what the levels mean in daily life, see our article on hearing aid technology levels.

Part 3: the style digits

The next two digits line up with the style in the catalogue:

60: a small receiver-in-ear design: MiniRIE in Boreal, MicroRIE in Brisa and Astro Pro, and RIC in Astro Core. Every 60 model in the catalogue is rechargeable.
61: RIC. Most use a size 312 battery, but the KLAR models XC361-DRWC and XC461-DRWC are rechargeable.
67: Mini BTE (BARANI only, size 312).
77: Standard BTE.
88: Power BTE.
98: Super Power BTE.

The CROS transmitters follow the same idea: XF177-DWC is a BTE-style transmitter, and the two 160S transmitters are RIC-style.

The catalogue's own notes use these numbers as shorthand, for example "Telecoil in BTE 77 and 88" or "Optional metal hook for 88-DWC". The style digits do not tell you the battery on their own: a 77, 88 or 98 model may use a disposable battery or be rechargeable depending on the family, so look at the suffix too.

What does the S mean?

Some codes have an S after the style digits. In the catalogue, the S appears on the MicroRIE models of Brisa and Astro Pro and on the two RIC-style CROS transmitters. Boreal's MiniRIE models do not carry it. The catalogue does not explain the letter.

Part 4: the suffix after the hyphen

This is the most useful part for everyday questions.

The final C and rechargeable models

Every suffix ending in C (DRWC, DWC, DWHC) belongs to a model listed as rechargeable, and every rechargeable model in the catalogue has one of these suffixes. Codes without that final C use disposable zinc-air batteries.

The exception is the CIC: XC3CIC and XC4CIC end in C because of the letters "CIC", have no hyphen and use a size 10 zinc-air battery.

The R and receiver-in-ear styles

Every code containing R (DRW or DRWC) is a receiver-in-ear style: RIC, MiniRIE, MicroRIE or a RIC-style CROS transmitter. Every DRW code without the C uses a size 312 battery.

Letters the catalogue does not explain

D and W appear in every hyphenated code. The catalogue gives no definition. The two CIC models, which have no such suffix, need a cabled fitting and are not wireless; we cannot confirm more than that from the catalogue.
H appears in DWH, DWHT and DWHC. Some BTE notes mention a metal hook, but the catalogue does not say what H stands for.
T appears in DWT and DWHT. These models cover several styles and battery sizes, including 312, 13 and 675, so T does not point to one battery or style.

When a letter is not explained, the reliable way to learn a model's features is its own page in our hearing aid catalogue, where battery, style, technology level and notes are listed.

Reading the CIC codes

The two KLAR CIC models, XC3CIC and XC4CIC, follow a shorter pattern: prefix, technology digit, then "CIC". Both use a size 10 zinc-air battery, need a cabled fitting and are listed with LP, MP and HP receiver options. More generally, NIDCD notes that canal aids are used for mild to moderately severe hearing loss and that their small size leaves less room for extras such as a telecoil.

How to use model codes in practice

Comparing quotes: check that the full code matches, including the suffix, because one letter can mean a different battery type.
Finding your current hearing aid: the code helps your audiologist identify the model you wear.
Narrowing options: codes help you see quickly which models share a style or technology level, but the final choice is made with your audiologist after a hearing test, at a Danavox hearing aid fitting appointment.

Frequently asked questions

Does a C at the end always mean rechargeable?

In the catalogue, every suffix after a hyphen that ends in C belongs to a rechargeable model. The CIC models are the exception: their codes end in "CIC" and they use size 10 batteries.

Do XA codes belong to one family?

No. XA is shared by BARANI and Anthe, and XG by Astro Pro and Astro Pro SP. Check the full code and family name.

Does a higher first digit mean a better hearing aid?

A higher digit matches a higher technology level within the same scale. That does not make it the right choice for everyone; the level should match your hearing and listening needs.

What do D, W, H and T stand for?

The published catalogue does not define them. Check each model's page for its listed features.

Book an appointment

If you want help reading a quote or identifying your hearing aid, book an appointment at our clinic in Bousher, Muscat, opposite Oman Mall, or call or WhatsApp +968 9171 8373. No referral is needed for a hearing test.

Sources

NIDCD (NIH) — Hearing aids
Danavox product portfolio as published in our hearing aids catalogue on this site.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a qualified professional.

Hearing Aid Selection, Fitting, Programming & Follow-up