With untreated hearing loss approaching what many medical experts consider epidemic proportions, a new invisible hearing device has come along at a perfect time. “The device has no batteries to change, is concealed from view when worn and can improve hearing and reduce tinnitus” said Dr. Pitt, an audiologist with offices in Swainsboro and East Georgia.
"The single best thing about this revolutionary device is the fact that you are independent, you’re not tied to having batteries in your pocket. You do not have to worry where you are going to have a conversation, you are not restricted in terms of your activities. You’re back to where you were when you did not have a hearing deficit," said Stu, a hearing aid user from California.
The Silk C&G is the first of its kind. Similar devices have been available in for over three years and finally Dr. Pitt has brought this helpful device to citizens of Georgia. “Even a mild degree of hearing loss, if it is not appropriately treated, can negatively impact family and social interactions,” said Dr. Gabriel Pitt, a Doctor of Audiology with American Hearing Associates. Untreated hearing loss is associated with depression, loneliness, reduced alertness, and stress and puts personal safety and overall health at risk. It is also costing the U.S. billions of dollars in lost revenue.
While hearing aids can help 95% of people with hearing loss, only one in four people who could benefit use hearing aids. Vanity, cosmetics, and the negative stigma associated with hearing aids are common reasons why people do not want to try hearing aids. “Eight of ten people I see are concerned about visibility,” continues Dr. Pitt, “But now there is a 100% invisible solution when worn, no more excuses to not improve your hearing.”
The device is made of biocompatible materials which are engineered to contour to the ear canal. It is safe to wear during most waking hours. It utilizes proprietary mechanical and coating technology developed to protect the device from moisture and ear wax. The device has a programmable sound processing system designed to work millimeters from the ear drum and allow both the microphone and receiver (speaker) to be placed deep in the ear canal. The device is programmed to an individual’s hearing loss, so a hearing test has to be performed to properly fit the device. When the patient leaves with the device they are provided with a magnetic adjustment tool which allows them to turn the device on and off and adjust the volume. They are able to be adjusted through your cell phone controls. You can improve clarity, reduce background noise and make other adjustments through some simple adjustments on your phone. “The sound quality with has shown to have improved directionality and localization, less feedback, more high frequency gain and a reduction of wind noise because it fits so deeply in the ear,” said Dr. Pitt. “Some people do not qualify for the device based on their degree of hearing impairment and other anatomical and lifestyle factors,” said Dr. Pitt. “The only way we can determine candidacy for the device is to perform a comprehensive hearing consultation and look in the ear canal”. While this device is not for everyone, there are many other hearing devices on the market that have been proven to help the hard of hearing even in background noise and on the phone. Hearing aids with directional microphones have shown to help people understand speech in the presence of noise better than any other hearing aid technology. The advent of nanotechnology, or science on the molecular level, has allowed hearing aids to become compatible with telephones. “95% of our patients who do not qualify for the Lyric have been successfully fitted with a traditional device” Pitt said. “We have a very high success rate because we have the most advanced digital nano-technology devices to treat even the most severe hearing loss.”
Not only have hearing aids like this device and others proven to help people hear and understand speech better, but they have also proven to help reduce tinnitus – that annoying sound in the ears and head that can be bothersome. Approximately 10% of the population suffers from tinnitus and for many people it can be extremely bothersome. Whether an individual is bothered by the tinnitus or not, the perception of the sound can be reduced with the use of amplification. “Approximately 80% of our patients who suffer from tinnitus have either a complete elimination or a significant reduction in the tinnitus with the use of hearing aids,” said Dr. Pitt. “The only way to find out whether an individual will receive benefit is to try the device, which is why we offer a 30 day trial with all of the products we provide.” Our patients love the “try before you buy” to ensure satisfaction before a commitment.
