Raves (Yes, It's True) for New Hearing Aid
By Parker-Pope, Tara; New York Times,Publication Date: April 15, 2008
Review of a new in-the-ear hearing aid. The Lyric is worn inside the ear canal, about one-sixth of an inch from the ear drum. Because it sits so close to the ear drum, it works more efficiently as sounds do not need to be amplified as much as in conventional hearing aids. It is worn 24 hours a day, and its batteries last 1-4 months. The Lyric is surrounded by a spongy material that allows moisture to escape, which obviates the need to remove the unit while bathing. A small magnet is used to turn the device on and off, control the volume, and remove it when the battery runs out. When the battery has died, a physician replaces the whole unit, for which the patient pays an annual subscription fee. To date, there are only about 500 of the hearing aids in use by patients, and some individuals’ ear canals are too narrow to accommodate the current model; however, the manufacturer’s planned newer version is estimated to work for about 85 percent of patients. Information about the Lyric can be found at www.lyrichearing.com.
Published by: New York Times Company (Website:http://www.nytco.com)
Link to text: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/health/15well.html?8dpc
