Hearing aids have been getting smaller and more powerful. Now a new unit called the Lyric can be put right into the ear canal, instead of traditional units that expose the microphone to wind and other noise.
These units are not available in Canada yet but have been on the U.S. market for just over one year.
The Lyric is smaller than a dime and comprises a miniature microphone, a microchip, and a tiny speaker all wrapped in a small layer of foam. The device takes advantage of the ear's natural shape to collect and process sound.
And because the battery and microchip are so deep in the ear that it's invisible. A small computer is used to program each hearing aid.
"So many people who could benefit greatly from wearing hearing aids won't wear them because of the cosmetic issues," said Dr. Michael Scherl. "But suddenly when they're given a hearing aid that no one can see they become addicted to it."
But there are drawbacks. The Lyric doesn't work for patients with small ear canals. Some users have reported itching or irritation.
And it costs about $1,700 per ear for a one-year-subscription. Traditional hearing aids cost about the same but last three to four years.
