That young man on the young and the restless who used to star in "family matters." i believe his name was ?

richie on the show. now he is all grown up but i have one question. does anybody notice that thing behind his head and is also connected around his ear. did something happen to him or what because i am lost (mainly because i just started watching the young and the restless and i havent seen him in years since he was on "family matters")