Lyric Hearing Aid

This is a question we hear regularly at Advanced Ear Care. Here Stuart will give some background on what the “Lyric” hearing aid is all about: “At this time there are a number of “gimmicky” hearing products that companies are spending a fortune on to entice you to try them. The first that comes to mind is a product called the “Lyric”. This is a small hearing device that is inserted deep into your ear canal. The company claims it will last 3-4 months withoutever having to change the battery or extract it from your ear.

The big attraction to this product is proclaimed ease of use. 85% of this product’s appeal is the battery issue. (However, I have yet to see a battery last three months). “One person I know had the battery go dead while on a trip and could not find anyone that handled the product to remove it for him. He had to continue wearing the device, causing an annoying earplug affect. This left him nearly unable to communicate with those around him for the remainder of his visit. Needless to say, he had it removed when he returned and has never worn it again.

“The circuit is an old-fashioned analog technology that we were fitting 10-15 years ago. I have done deep-in-the-canal fittings for patients and understand the strategy of getting the hearing device deep into the canal. This product idea is not anything new, the battery life claim being the exception. It cannot be worn while swimming, in a spa or steam room. Perspiration in hot weather causes difficulties and accelerated earwax causes itching which requires a visit to have the Lyric hearing aid removed for ear cleaning. There are reports that, for ear health, the Lyric has had to be removed for a time in order to let the ear “air out” as infection has occurred.

“The Lyric concept is designed with a “subscription” (think “contract” or “program”) attached to it. The idea is to sign up for an annual ubscription, giving you four device changes per year. At the end of the subscription period, you sign a new contract committing to the next twelve months at a hefty price tag of about $3300.00 EVERY YEAR. A traditional hearing aid can serve you well for a minimum of five years, and most people replace traditional aids every eight-to-ten years. If you do the math, you can see the striking cost comparison. For argument’s sake, using a six-year period, the Lyric will cost you just under $20,000 compared to $4-6,000. for traditional style of hearing aid.

For that kind of money, I can think of a lot of reasons to change my own battery. “I have seen ear canals torn up and bruised very badly on unsuccessful fittings. And even though the little “ear caps” you wear when you take a shower are very cute, they can fill with water during showering which can cause a “pooling” effect. Obviously, these conditions will rust and/or damage the battery and electronics. “I give kudos to the manufacturer for their advertising blitz. but great marketing doesn’t make this product help you hear better. Maybe enhancements will make it more appealing in the future and we can be more enthusiastic then Next month, I will talk about another highly promoted product: hearing aid that have rechargeable batteries.”

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