Explainer: the invisible ‘contact lens for your ear’
Hearing aid technology is always progressing, and one of the greatest innovations in recent years is the Lyric, perfect for those who want complete invisibility.
Conventional hearing aids don’t suit everyone, with some not liking the look or feel of certain models.
What’s different about the Lyric?
The Lyric model, described as a ‘contact lens for the ear’, is 100 per cent invisible, can be worn comfortably 24/7 and can even stay in for months at a time.
Developed by Phonak, it is the size of your finger-tip and is inserted into the ear canal. It’s put quite far into the canal – for optimum performance – which makes it incredibly discreet. It’s also comfortable to wear, so much so you might forget you have a hearing aid in.
How does it work?
Perfect positioning makes this little marvel so powerful. It sits just next to the ear drum, allowing the ear to capture and funnel sound just as it would naturally if you didn’t need assistance. According to the developers, the Lyric offers pure, natural sound quality, and improved hearing in noisy background situations.
The unique design makes it 100 per cent invisible, designed to be worn day and night for months at a time – and you never need to change the battery. While it is not waterproof it is water-resistant, so you don’t even need to take it out while washing your hair.
What do users think?
93 per cent* of Lyric users would recommend it to a friend or loved one, and 86 per cent** say the sound is natural.
“I was able to hear sounds I hadn’t heard in years ... it was just like turning on a switch, it was amazing,” said Libby, a Lyric wearer, while Pete said: “I completely forget about my hearing loss because you never take it out, you never put it back, you feel like a regular person. You’re all whole again.”
Fairfield Hearing Edinburgh
Stephen Fairfield, owner of Fairfield Hearing, said: “We are all unique, and different hearing aids suit different people. We have a full range of products to suit everyone’s needs.
“The Lyric is just one of the styles we offer, and it’s perfect for those who want complete invisibility.
“It’s designed for extended wear, so it is not inserted and removed every day, you can keep it in while you sleep, shower, or exercise, and it never needs a new battery.”
If you want to find out more, contact Stephen Fairfield at Fairfield Hearing at 2 Stafford Street, Edinburgh EH3 7AU. You can call 0131 378 5800 or email [email protected]
*Based on results from two surveys of 109 patients who had worn Lyric for at least 30 days.
**Based on results from a survey of 113 patients who had worn Lyric for at least 30 days.