When you think about hearing aids you probably imagine those big, bulky devices that your grandpa used to wear, right? They sit on top of the ear and whistle when you give him a hug.
Lucky for us, technology has come a long way since then!
In 2011,the Phonak Lyric hearing device was launched as the world’s first and only 100% invisible hearing aid. It is completely wearable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for months at a time.
Lyric was designed by the world’s top research scientists, ear, nose and throat specialists and audiologists to create a hassle free totally invisible hearing solution.
There were several key concepts that went into the development of this particular device, the first being that clients with hearing loss resisted wearing hearing aids due to the stigma associated with it – people wanted an invisible option. They also wanted hassle-free, security of fit, improved localisation, reduction of wind noise and the ability to use a telephone or listening device (headphones) without feedback. .
To make sure all these concepts were incorporated into the device, its fit is deep in the ear canal, 4mm from the eardrum to improve sound quality. As it sits so close to the ear drum, it allows the wearer to hear high frequency sounds, which also prevents the blocked up effect that many hearing aid users experience.
Lyric shows significant psychosocial benefits.
In a field study conducted by Phonak in August 2017 they concluded that ‘patients fit
with Lyric show more positive outcomes than those who wear conventional daily-wear hearing aids on psychosocial measures assessing benefit.’
A reason for such positive self-report is a first-time Lyric wearer does not have to adjust their habits to accommodate their hearing aids when holding the telephone, wearing a hat or glasses, or exercising. It closely resembles the experience of having normal hearing and takes away the negative emotional response to hearing loss.
To read the full study, just click here.
Melbourne University have also been evaluating if Lyric can help with tinnitus and has found very positive results in reducing annoying tinnitus at night. These results will be published soon.
Lyric supports an active lifestyle.
The Lyric hearing device is all about supporting an active lifestyle. It can be worn in most situations, such as various sports, swimming (we provide custom plugs), in the shower, wearing headphones or a helmet and even while you sleep. It is great for the people who don’t need the hassle of a high maintenance device and once it is fitted you can enjoy quality of hearing for months at a time. Golf players and bike riders absolutely love Lyric as wind noise is no longer a concern, as it can sometimes be with bigger devices.
Another concern for parents suffering with hearing loss is the inability to hear their children at night. As Lyric is worn while you sleep it gives the wearer piece of mind when they can hear baby monitors, door knock and fire alarms at any hour.
Is Lyric the right hearing aid for you?
The nature and severity of your hearing loss is usually the key factors in determining the device that is right for you. Lyric is designed to fit patients with a mild to moderately-severe hearing loss, and to establish this, one of our well-trained Hearing Specialists will assess the level of your hearing loss, ear size and shape, lifestyle and medical conditions.
By examining the exact degree and type of hearing loss, it enables us to program the Lyric to best suit you and your characteristics. As the size and shape of ear canals differ from person to person, this can also affect the selection of your device.
Is Lyric Safe?
Lyric is an FDA cleared device and has been extensively studied in hundreds of clinical research patients since 2001. Lyric was commercially launched in 2007 and has been safely worn by thousands of patients since then. Hearing Sense clinicians, Kelly & Pavel have been fitting Lyric for almost 5 years and their new clinician Rhiannon is also Lyric accredited.
What happens if I’m not a candidate for Lyric?
If Lyric is found not to be your best option, you will be given alternative options, which better suit your hearing loss and your individual needs. At Hearing Sense this may include an extensive variety of other invisible hearing aid options, or you may decide to go in another direction with a Behind-the-ear hearing device.
Check out are amazing feedback from happy lyric customers below!
“I had a free trial with the Lyric, and was blown away with how small it is, how well it performs, and how well hidden it is! Yes I am a bit vain, and at 55 years of age still think I am too young to need a hearing aid. But, I do. And now I am no longer embarrassed by the fact I am wearing a hearing aid, but I am still really happy that it is invisible to the naked eye. Even better – I can hear what is going on around me, I can join in conversations, and I am no longer missing out on the fun and banter on social occasions.
It does take a bit of getting used to, but after a couple of weeks you don’t even know it is there. The 6-8 week replacements only take a 10 minute visit, and give me a chance to have any adjustment made.” Annette Travers, 55
“After the initial trial month using the LYRIC I have found that my life has improved immeasurably, I’m back socialising again and can hear the grand-children!
With the loss of hearing I was withdrawing from social events as I could not contribute or understand the conversations, thank you, life is good again.
I highly recommend the LYRIC to those people that don’t want to be seen wearing a hearing aid. It’s not for everyone but for me it has given me back my confidence.” Wendy Butler.
