Hearing Aids

Digital Hearing Instruments
A digital hearing instrument contains an actual computer, or microprocessor. Digital hearing instruments convert incoming sounds into digital code, manipulate the code to suit the user, and re-convert the code into sound.

An advancement for two reasons                                   
Broadly speaking, digital hearing instruments are considered an advancement in hearing technology for two reasons.

The first is sound quality. Users often report an improvement in sharpness and clarity compared to non-digital instruments, like hearing a recording on CD instead of tape.

The second reason is versatility. By turning sound into language a computer can understand, digital technology makes it possible to use computers to tailor sound in ways otherwise impossible.

                            

Distinguishes between types of sounds
Today's digital hearing instruments can distinguish between types of sounds based on their modulation. Low-modulation (monotonous) sounds, such as motors, fans, or the babble of many voices, can receive less amplification than high-modulation sounds, such as a single speaking voice.

SIZES and STYLES
OC: The Open-Canal instrument is the latest hearing aid design which uses a small device that sits on top of the ear and connects to a thin tube/wire that rests in the canal and leaves the ear canal open. This style allows for a more comfortable fit and a reduction in the occlusion effect, so your own voice sounds more natural. In some styles, the processor is physically separated from the receiver/speaker. This design offers comfort and acoustic options as the tiny processor is placed behind the ear, and the receiver/speaker is placed in the ear canal.

BTE: Behind-The-Ear hearing aids are the largest hearing aids, often the least expensive, and they are very reliable. BTEs have the most circuit options and they typically offer more power than custom made units. BTEs rest on the back of your ear. They are connected to the ear canal via custom-made plastic tubing; the earmold. The earmold is usually custom made from an ear impression to perfectly replicate the size and shape of your ear.

ITE: In-The-Ear units are often the most comfortable, the least expensive and the easiest to operate. They are also the largest of the custom made styles.

ITC: In-The-Canal units are usually more expensive than ITEs. They require good dexterity to control the volume wheel and they are smaller than ITEs.

MC: Mini-Canals are the size between ITC and CIC. A mini canal is a good choice when you desire the smallest possible hearing aid with a tiny volume wheel.

CIC: Completely-In-the-Canal units are the tiniest hearing aids made. They require a "removal string" due to their small size and the fact that they fit deeply into the ear canal. CICs can be difficult to remove without the pull string. CICs do not usually have manual controls attached to them because they are too small.

Lyric® is the world’s first and only 100% invisible extended wear hearing device. 

The device is comfortably placed in the ear canal and can be used 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for months at a time.* No surgery or anesthesia is required. Unlike many other hearing devices, Lyric is positioned deep inside the ear canal, so it uses your ear’s anatomy to provide exceptional sound quality in both quiet and noisy environments.  Lyric lets you hear better and live life to the fullest!

Once placed, Lyric is 100% invisible, allowing you to enjoy all the benefits of better hearing without anyone knowing you’re using a hearing device. There are no batteries to replace and no repairs to make. Just visit your ENT/audiologist office as needed to receive new devices with the latest Lyric technology.

Lyric is programmed for your specific hearing needs. You can adjust the settings and volume on your device as needed, as well as turn the device on and off.

Lyric was developed by InSound™ Medical, Inc. The company was founded by ENT physicians, hearing specialists, and engineers from the University of California, San Francisco and Silicon Valley. For more information and to watch a video on how Lyric works, please visit www.lyrichearing.com.

*Lyric can be worn for up to 120 days at a time. Individual replacement needs may vary.