Search Articles
Browse Categories
The First Truly Invisible Hearing Aids!
By Dr. Deborah Dempesy
Deep fitting hearing aids—those that sit invisibly deep in the ear canal—are the latest in new hearing aid technology. This article describes two currently available deep fitting aids: the Lyric (by InSound), and Otolens (by Starkey). Although both are deep fitting, they are two very different aids.
“Deep Fitting” means that the hearing aids fit very close to the eardrum.
The Lyric
The Lyric is used much like disposable contact lens for the eyes. That is, your Doctor of Audiology determines a prescription to “correct” your hearing. You wear the aids for approximately 2-3 months and then you get them replaced with new ones. The Lyric is inserted by your Doctor of Audiology and is worn day and night. There is a small tool that you can use to turn the aids to “off” or “mute” for sleeping at night or the aids can be kept on at night for safety reasons, such as being able to hear any warning sounds that one might not otherwise hear when sleeping. The Lyric’s internal battery lasts 2-3 months and then you schedule another appointment to see your audiologist for removal of the old and insertion of a new set of Lyric hearing aids. You buy a yearly prescription. The cost ranges from $3,800 year to $4,600 per year for a pair of Lyric aids.
The Otolens
The Otolens is made and operates similar to custom “Canal” hearing aids. Your Doctor of Audiology makes a silicon impression of the ear canal, and Starkey manufactures the aids to fit that ear canal. The Otolens runs on a small removable battery. Your Doctor of Audiology can set the volume and programs, and, if you want the option, you can use your cell phone to change the volume settings and programs yourself. There is a small invisible removal line to remove the hearing aid at night. The aid must be cleaned every night and put in a desiccant jar (to keep the circuits dry). The lifespan of the Otolens is approximately 4 years if they are cared for properly. The cost for the Otolens is comparable to the cost of other high-end custom aids -- approximately $7,000 to $8,000 for a pair.
Is a Deep Fitting Canal Aid for You?
Not all people with hearing loss are good candidates for deep fitting canal aids. Here are some tips. To be a good candidate the ear canal has to be of sufficient depth and diameter, that is, big enough, to accommodate the aid and the sophisticated circuits. The skin in the canal has to be intact; dry, fragile skin in the canal is not conducive to deep fitting hearing aids. People on blood thinners are usually not good candidates as there may be potential bleeding.
If YOU would like to determine if you are a candidate for a deep fitting canal hearing aid, or other hearing aid, call All Ears Hearing Center at 508-747-4055 to schedule an appointment for a hearing evaluation and consultation!
Dr. Deborah Dempesy
Dr. Dempesy obtained her Masters in Audiology at Northwestern University in Evanston IL in 1982. She received her Doctorate in Audiology at the Salus University (previously known as The Pennsylvania College of Optometry and Audiology) in Pennsylvania in 2007. Dr. Dempesy worked with developmentally delayed hearing-impaired children in the Chicago area for two years from 1980-1982, moved back to her home state of Massachusetts and was Clinical Director of Audiology at Boston’s Beth Israel Hospital for 14 years. She consulted, performing research with manufacturers of hearing devices and volunteered on the Massachusetts Infant Hearing Screening Task Force until a law was passed that required all infants to have their hearing screened before discharge from the hospital or birthing clinic.
Dr. Dempesy has been a board member of the Massachusetts Academy of Audiology, volunteering her time to continue quality education of audiologists in the Massachusetts area.
Recently Dr. Dempesy worked for a major hearing device manufacturer, providing training and education on new technology to audiologists in the New England area. The combination of these experiences gives her an exceptionally well-rounded perspective that she passes on to her patients.
In addition, Dr. Dempesy is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the American Tinnitus Association, Educational Audiology Association and the Aural Rehabilitation Association. She is licensed to practice as an audiologist in the state of Massachusetts.
Personally, Dr. Dempesy’s immediate family consists of her partner and 23 year old daughter. In her free time, Dr. Dempesy loves to ocean kayak, run, rock climb, hike, read, watch movies and spend time with her sisters, brother and parents in western Massachusetts.
All Ears Hearing Center, Inc.
59 Industrial Park
Plymouth, MA 02360
www.allearshearing.net
(508) 747-4055 (800) 649-4054 (617) 510-5254
Unrated
Comments
- No Comments Found. Submit Comment
|
Article Options |
Share your Opinion and WIN!
Take our quick survey & enter to WIN a gift certificate.