People in Wales with hearing difficulties could be among the first to benefit from a revolutionary new ‘100 per cent invisible’ hearing aid which can be worn 24-hours a day, seven days a week including during daily activities such as exercising, showering, talking on the phone and sleeping.
Hearing aid audiologist Gareth Morris carries out an examination before fitting
Hearing Aid Solutions, which is based in Carmarthen and with locations across South Wales, is one of only five independent hearing aid specialists in the UK and across Europe and the only one in Wales, chosen to stock and fit the new aid – called Lyric which has been invented and developed in America and Switzerland.
Hearing Aid Solutions recently opened a branch in Aberystwyth and has centres in Haverfordwest, Fishguard, Lampeter, Llandeilo, Swansea, Cardiff and Bridgend. Its services are also available across South Wales by appointments at GP surgeries in Pencoed, Taffs Well, Ystrad Cwrt Rawlin, Clydach, Penarth, Llanelli, Llantwit Major and two in Barry.
Founder and proprietor Martyn Scott is excited that his company has been chosen as one of the practices authorised to fit the device which could transform people’s lives.
He says he has already received enquiries from those who have seen details on the internet.
“Lyric is different from traditional hearing aids because it is placed deep in the ear canal, only four millimeters from the ear drum, and stays there for months at a time.
“The outer ear naturally directs sound towards the device, where sound is then amplified close to the ear drum. Deep canal placement helps improve sound direction, reduces feedback and minimises background noise,” said Mr Scott.
People cannot see Lyric in the ear, and wearers can talk on the phone normally because nothing is outside the ear to interfere with a phone or headset. iPods and MP3 buds can be used normally along with stethoscopes used by Doctors.
Invisibility also helps users forget they are wearing a hearing aid and women can wear their hair short, or up, or behind the ears without anyone knowing they are wearing a hearing aid.
There are no batteries to change, no maintenance needed and no daily fitting required. Lyric can be worn for up to 120 days at a time before needing a replacement, although individual replacement needs may vary.
Although Lyric is a unique hearing solution it is not the right solution for everyone – it is appropriate for people with mild to moderately-severe hearing loss.
But Lyric trained hearing professionals, such as Mr Scott, will assess hearing, ear size and shape, and medical conditions to evaluate if the device is right for each individual.
Mr Scott has attended various conferences, demonstrations and courses to receive full training.
