Lyric^® Hearing Aid: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Lyric^® hearing aid?
The Lyric hearing aid was introduced in 2007. It is the first and only hearing device that is inserted completely in the ear canal. It works 'round the clock for up to 4 months. 

More than 19,000 people now wear Lyric. Patients who have the device say they "love it!" They particularly like that no one knows they're wearing a hearing aid. Patients also like that the device is a "hassle-free extended-wear" device they can wear while sleeping, showering, exercising, and talking on the phone. Many patients say the sound quality is outstanding.

The size and shape of the Lyric aid limits who can wear the device; however, many people can wear the device comfortably and successfully. Your audiologist can tell you if you're a candidate for the Lyric hearing aid.

How does Lyric differ from other hearing aids?

• It is the only hearing aid that is placed inside the ear canal
• It is the only completely concealable nonimplantable hearing aid
• It can be worn 'round the clock for up to 4 months, while sleeping, showering, exercising, and talking on the phone
• It delivers clear, natural sound quality and minimizes background noise
• It has no batteries to change

Will Lyric help me hear better?
Yes! The Lyric hearing aid uses the outer ear to capture and direct sound naturally. For this reason, Lyric allows the listener to hear the direction from which sounds come. It also helps listeners localize sounds. Wearers of Lyric suggest they hear less feedback and less background noise. They suggest it provides better high-frequency hearing compared with other hearing aids. People who wear Lyric say it offers more natural sound quality than other hearing aids.

How is Lyric fitted and placed in the ear?
Your audiologist will program, adjust, fit, and place the Lyric device in your ear. Placing it does not require surgery or anesthesia. It usually takes no more than an hour to insert it properly. Once the device is in place, your audiologist will give you instructions about Lyric and tell you when to return for follow-up visits. He or she will show you how to adjust the volume on the device.

Who is a candidate for Lyric?
Lyric is designed for people with mild to moderately severe hearing loss. 

Can I take Lyric out of my ear?
Yes. Your audiologist will give you a small tool that you can use to remove the device. He or she will show you how to use it. Once it is in place, though, most patients do not remove Lyric because they are pleased with it.

How long does Lyric last?
Lyric hearing aids last 60 to 90 days. Some people get as many as 120 days' use from their Lyric devices. Earwax, perspiration, and the amount of power each wearer needs determines how long the device will last.

Can I adjust my Lyric hearing aid?
Yes. You can adjust the volume on your Lyric device. You also can turn it on and off yourself. After your audiologist programs it to meet your needs, he or she will show you how to use a small magnetic tool known as the SoundLync to adjust your Lyric aid.  SoundLync is convenient. It fits on your keychain so you won't lose it easily.

What will Lyric feel like when it's in my ear?
The exterior of Lyric is covered with a soft sponge-like material that fits the contour of your ear canal. After an initial adjustment period (approximately 7 to 14 days), most patient suggest the device is so comfortable they don't even know it's in the ear.

Can I swim, shower, and exercise with Lyric?
Lyric is designed to wear all the time, during all your activities. It is not, however, recommended for underwater swimming or scuba diving. Lap and surface swimming is okay with Lyric.

Is Lyric safe?
Yes, Lyric has been safely worn by more than 19,000 patients since 2007.

Can I use headsets and earbuds with Lyric?
External headphones and external hearing protection are recommended with Lyric. Because they might dislodge Lyric, do not use insertable ear devices such as earbuds and earplugs when Lyric is in place. It's okay to use standard iPod earphones with Lyric.

Must I remove Lyric if I have a magnetic resonance image (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan?
Lyric MUST BE REMOVED before you have an MRI! It is okay to leave your Lyric device in place if you are having an X-ray or CT scan because neither technology uses a magnet to create an image. Always tell your doctor, surgeon, and technician that you are wearing a Lyric hearing aid. If you are having an X-ray or CT of the head, your doctor might ask you to remove it so that it does not obscure the image.

Is it okay to fly with Lyric?
Yes, flying is safe when you are wearing Lyric.

Will Lyric set off a metal detector?
No. The metal components in Lyric are too small to set off a metal detector.

When I need a new device, do I have to return to the office?
Yes. A trained professional will replace your Lyric device in as little as 10 minutes.

Can I use my cell phone and land line when I'm wearing Lyric?
Yes. One of Lyric's benefits is that it can be worn while you're talking on a mobile or land line.

Can Lyric be used to mask tinnitus?
Although Lyric was not specifically designed to mask tinnitus, it offers some patients relief from the condition. Severity of tinnitus and extent of hearing loss affect the ability of Lyric to mask tinnitus.

Does Lyric contain nickel?
The Lyric device does not contain nickel; however, the SoundLync tool is housed in a container that includes some nickel. People with a nickel allergy should not carry the SoundLync keychain next to their skin.

Is Lyric latex free?
Lyric does not contain natural rubber or rubber latex. The device has passed all tests for biocompatibility.

If I'm away from home, can I go to another office to have my Lyric device refitted? Is there an extra charge?
A certified Lyric provider can fit you in any office. He or she will charge you for an office visit, not exceeding $100.

Can children wear Lyric?
The ear canal must be long and wide enough to accommodate the Lyric device; otherwise, a person of any age can wear it. Ask your child's audiologist if Lyric is right for him or her.

Will Lyric work for patients who have nerve damage?
Yes. Lyric can help people with sensor neural hearing loss.