The first "invisible" hearing aid device that is inserted deep into the ear canal has now been launched in the UK.
The hearing aid, which is 16mm in length can be worn for 24 hours a day for up to four months at a time. It was designed to be so unobtrusive that users can effectively 'forget' they are wearing it.
Around 9 million people are hearing-impaired in the UK, according to the RNID and this figure is expected to rise.
However, many are often reluctant to wear traditional over the ear devices, not wanting to draw attention to a problem often associated with aging.
Jon Law, 31, a Global Brand Manager, has been trialing the device for four months.
He said: 'I got German Measles when I was six months old and was then diagnosed with hearing loss. I've tried so many hearing aids over the last 25 years and the Lyric finally makes me feel connected.
'The fact that it is invisible is superb. You don't feel you different to anybody. I can be around friends and just feel normal. I forget that I have a disability.'
The Lyric hearing instrument is inserted just 4mm from the ear drum. This allows the outer ear to direct sound into the ear canal more naturally.
InSound Medical, the devices creators say this improves the wearer's ability to work out what direction a sound is coming from and reduces feedback.
It can be worn whilst sleeping, in the shower and during exercise. A magnetic tool is used to adjust the volume or switch the device on or off.
A spokesman said: 'Unlike traditional devices, there are no batteries to change, no maintenance needed and no daily insertion or removal is required.
'Users need to visit their audiologist once every three to four months, whereupon Lyric is replaced with a new device. It is placed in the ear canal by a specially trained hearing aid audiologist, with no surgery or anaesthesia.'
However, the Lyric is far more expensive than traditional hearing aids, costing £100 per month, which works out as £6,000 for five years.
It will be available on a subscription basis from private audiologists around the country.
The device has been approved by Europe and the FDA. It is currently available in the U.S and Germany and there have been 150 trials in the UK prior to the British launch.
Lyric Hearing AidDESIGNED TO MEET CUSTOMER NEEDS
100% Invisible – Lyric is completely invisible; only people wearing Lyric will know they are using a hearing device. Invisibility removes the stigma associated with having hearing loss.
Effortless Hearing, 24/7 – Lyric can be used during daily activities, such as showering, sleeping, exercising, and talking on the phone, so hearing is uninterrupted.
Natural Placement, Natural Sound – Lyric uses the ear’s anatomy to direct sound into the ear canal, creating a natural sound quality. Its placement in the ear canal minimizes occlusion and feedback.
Lyric® Hearing is the breakthrough in hearing aid technology you’ve been waiting for: the first and only 100% invisible extended wear hearing solution designed specifically to meet your patients’ needs.
Developed by ENT physicians and audiologists, Lyric was built around three key concepts that hearing professionals have known for years:
Sound quality improves with proximity to the tympanic membrane.Many people with hearing loss are dissatisfied with their hearing aid options.Consumers desire a hassle-free, invisible solution.Lyric technology features:
Biocompatible soft foam seals engineered to contour to the ear canal; safe to wear 24/7, months at a time*
Proprietary mechanical and coating technology developed to protect the device from moisture and cerumen
- A proprietary battery designed to last up to 120 days
- A programmable sound processing system designed to work millimeters from the tympanic membrane and allow for both microphone and receiver placement deep in the ear canal
Additional Lyric system technology:
Lyric HandFit®: A wireless programming system that allows for quick and easy customizable device programming based on a patient’s specific hearing loss
Lyric SoundLync®: A magnetic adjustment tool that allows the patient to adjust device volume, turn the device on and off and put the device in sleep mode, and remove the device if needed.
*Lyric can be worn for up to 120 days at a time.
100% INVISIBLENo one will know why you’re hearing better except you.
Unlike traditional hearing aids, Lyric®’s small size and placement in the ear canal make it totally invisible. Lyric allows you to enjoy the benefits of better hearing without anyone ever knowing you’re wearing a hearing aid.
EFFORTLESS HEARING, 24/7With Lyric, you can forget the hassles of traditional hearing aids.
Lyric allows you to hear 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for months at a time.* You can use Lyric during your activities – such as sleeping, showering, exercising, using external headphones, and talking on the phone. There are no batteries to change, no maintenance is needed, and no daily insertion is required. Lyric is a hearing solution that lets you lead your life day-to-day without consistently being reminded of your hearing loss.
NATURAL SOUND QUALITYLyric is designed to take advantage of your ear’s anatomy. Lyric’s unique design and placement works with your ear’s natural anatomy to deliver exceptional sound quality. Lyric uses your outer ear to naturally direct sound into the ear canal without the need for multiple settings or complicated programs.
The exterior of Lyric is made of a soft material specifically designed to contour to your ear canal. Lyric is comfortably placed in your ear canal during a routine visit to your Lyric trained hearing professional. Your ENT physician and audiologist will work together to make sure your Lyric device is fitted and adjusted specifically for your individual hearing needs. Once you are wearing Lyric, you can still adjust the volume if needed, as well as turn the device on and off.
90% of Lyric users report that Lyric's sound quality is more natural than their prior traditional hearing aid.**
For more details on this amazing Hearing Aid, visit Insound Medicals website.
