An independent study was conducted in 2011 at the “Hörzentrum Oldenburg” (Hearing Center Oldenburg) in Germany to compare Lyric, a modern extended wear analog hearing aid, with digital hearing aids.

Participants

The 12 participants in the study were experienced users of digital hearing aids. These subjects underwent various tests at the beginning of the study while wearing their own digital hearing aids. The same tests were readministered after the subjects had been fitted and experienced a brief adaptation period with a Lyric device.

Testing

The test parameters consisted of speech tests in both quiet and noisy situations, a localization test, and a measure of the listening effort required under varying noise conditions.

Results

The results showed that Lyric performed as effectively as the digital hearing aids. Despite its analog technology and comparatively limited adjustment options, Lyric did not present any disadvantage for the user. No difference could be observed between the different measurement conditions of the hearing effort test. Lyric and the digital hearing aids received comparable ratings, on average.

However

For the case of Lyric, however, it was also revealed that it is not suitable for every user, beyond the high cost, due to its requirement to fit the anatomy of the ear canal.

Learn more

Based on subjective testimonials and official audiological tests as demonstrated here, the analog amplification must again be available in the world of audiology in spide of the monopoly of digital technology. This is why FrenchEar is creating the rebirth of this “old” technology into a very modern, connected, and “one size fits all” device called FE1+. Click here to learn more about it!