How do you know which hearing aid is best for you?

Hearing aids are investment. Most people do not know where to begin.  Who do you go to? What hearing aid is best? Will I have the support that I need?

Who you go to is probably the most important decision.  To maximize your investment in your hearing, I recommend you see an audiologist.  Audiologists are uniquely trained to assess hearing and treat hearing loss.  You will receive a thorough audiological evaluation.  From this assessment we will know if you need medical care, hearing instruments or both.  This information, plus your lifestyle, personal preferences, and budget, will determine what is best for you.

Your audiologist will support you and the hearing aids.  First, there will be some fine-tuning visits to help maximize your hearing.  We will also discuss your hearing challenges and ways to approach them.  Though the audiologist will show you how to care for your hearing aids, you will want to have them clean and check the instruments periodically.

Having an annual hearing evaluation will also help maximize your investment.  If your hearing changes, the hearing aids can be reprogrammed to your current hearing abilities. Get started by scheduling an appointment.  

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

Jane Kukula, Au.D.
Paula Webster, M.A.

Advanced Audiology Concepts

8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848

Fax: 440-205-9818

http://www.aacHEAR.org

 Image obtained 2-4-14 at: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://add-vodka.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/timeless-investing.jpg&imgrefurl=http://add-vodka.com/5-tips-for-successful-investing/&h=302&w=500&sz=59&tbnid=ThLbtNLcwQuHcM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=149&zoom=1&usg=__R_ubxSIl90k3ezIWGDkK_lqAM8g=&docid=xsqLANeutmUtAM&sa=X&ei=yo3yUvm1HoqwygGcsIDIDQ&ved=0CF0Q9QEwAw

What is an extended wear hearing aid?

It is called Lyric.  It is the first and only extended wear hearing device that is worn 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for up to 4 months.  Lyric is positioned completely inside the ear canal and it uses the anatomy of the ear to provide natural sound quality.  This device can be worn during daily activities including showering, sleeping, exercising and talking on the phone.  

Lyric is designed for those with mild to moderately severe hearing loss.  An audiologist, who is trained specifically to fit the Lyric product, will assess a patient’s hearing loss, ear size and shape, as well as medical conditions and lifestyle to determine if this is the right product for them.   Approximately 50% of those with hearing loss may be candidates for Lyric.

Lyric is comfortably placed in the ear canal, by the trained audiologist, during a routine office visit.  This instrument is programmed for each patient’s specific hearing needs.  The patient can adjust the volume of the device as needed.  Every three to four months, the device will be replaced and programmed by the audiologist. 

For more information go to: http://www.phonak.com/us/b2c/en/products/hearing_instruments/lyric/overview.html

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

Jane Kukula, Au.D.
Paula Webster, M.A.

Advanced Audiology Concepts

8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848

Fax: 440-205-9818

http://www.aacHEAR.org

How does the Lyric fit in the ear?

The instrument, called Lyric, is actually hidden deep inside of the ear canal and fits approximately 4 millimeters from the ear drum.  This is not an implant and it can be removed with a very small tool.  It is worn 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  It has a unique long-term battery that lasts for about 3 to 4 months.  

A trained audiologist will place the Lyric (extended wear device) in your ear canal.  The instrument is programmed to your auditory needs.  Lyric works with the anatomy of your ear.  It takes natural sound and simply makes it more audible.  There is, therefore, no need for multiple settings and programs.  A magnet is used to control the volume and to turn it on and off.

Lyric is the first hearing device that can be worn effortlessly in almost any situation; i.e., talking on the phone, sleeping at night, exercising and even showering.  It is 100% invisible.  It cannot be seen from any angle, at any time.  It is generally so comfortable that you may even forget it is in your ear!

When the battery runs out, you simply return to your audiologist for a short visit, at which time it will be removed and replaced with a new instrument.  The advantage to this is you will automatically receive performance upgrades on the device and you have a hearing aid you do not have to maintain.

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

Jane Kukula, Au.D.
Paula Webster, M.A.

Advanced Audiology Concepts

8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848

Fax: 440-205-9818

http://www.aacHEAR.org

 

Image obtained 2-7-14 at: http://www.lyrichearing.com/what-is-lyric-hearing-aid/about-lyric-hearing-aid