More than meets the eye
Say bye-bye to bulky hearing aids and hello to the invisible. For many of the hearing impaired there is a degree of self-consciousness that goes along with having to wear a hearing aid. However a new invisible hearing aid, the Lyric, may be able to put some of those uncomfortable feelings at ease.
The dime-sized aid is invisible to the eye and clear to the ear. It is placed deep in the ear canal, non-surgically, just millimeters from the ear drum.
According to Syracuse Audiologist, Dr. Dana Oviatt, with any new technology there are always advantages and disadvantages.
“Some advantages are that you can leave the aid in for up to 2-3 months at a time without having to change the battery, and it’s, of course, invisible,” said Dr. Oviatt. “The aid is not recommended for those with very small, very large, or tortuous ear canals,” he said. The aid is also not recommended for avid swimmers due to the fact that the invisible aid is not waterproof, although it is water-resistant.
“At this point, the aid is expected to only fit about 50% of patents who suffer from some form of hearing loss,” said Dr. Oviatt.
Advantages
- Invisible
- No surgery required
- Long battery life (2-3 months)
Disadvantages
- Not water proof (No swimming)
- $$$-Expensive (more than 5 times the traditional hearing aid)
- Must be implanted by an Audiologist
Invisible hearing aid
According to Dr. Oviatt, there are a couple of things you should do before purchasing the invisible hearing aid.
“First of all have your hearing tested, that’s the first thing you have to do,” said Dr. Oviatt. “See a physician or audiologist because it may be that you’re not having an issue with your hearing at all, it may be a problem that can be taken care of medically,” he said.
“Secondly, don’t be afraid, hearing aids add a tremendous dimension to your life. They are easy to fit and easy to wear nowadays,” said Dr. Oviatt.
The invisible aid becomes available in Syracuse/CNY beginning August 27th.
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