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18 LIVE IT UP! THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015 SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL H earing devices are a boon to those experiencing hearing loss. They allow patients to reconnect with friends and loved ones, and to participate in activities they might otherwise avoid. But hearing devices are not without their drawbacks. They must be removed every night, cannot get wet, must be cleaned regularly, batteries need replacing every few days, etc. Lyric hearing devices are the perfect solution to those problems. Lyric is an extended-wear hearing device that is worn continuously, 24/7, for months at a time. There are no batteries to replace, and the unit is perfectly safe to wear while sleeping, working out, showering and talking on the phone. It utilizes the natural anatomy of the ear canal to direct sound to the device, where it is then amplified and transmitted to the eardrum. This translates to a natural, clear sound and allows the patient to more easily determine which direction sounds are originating from. Because the Lyric device is implanted deep within the ear canal—approximately 4 millimeters from the eardrum—there is minimal occlusion and feedback, and the unit is invisible to others. It is protected from moisture and earwax by a special coating, and soft foam seals enable it to remain securely and comfortably in place, regardless of the patient's activity level. Patient satisfaction is high; 94 percent of users say it is more comfortable than other hearing devices, and 86 percent sound quality as "very natural." Unlike other hearing devices, Lyric is sold on a subscription basis, typically for a one-year period. A Lyric-trained professional will replace the device every four months or so during a simple in-office procedure. Lyric devices aren't the perfect solution for every patient, but if you've got mild to moderately severe hearing loss and are interested in a hassle-free hearing solution, contact Santa Cruz Hearing Aid Center at 831-460-6170 to learn if you are a viable candidate for Lyric hearing devices. Live It Up With Lyric!