Thursday, July 22, 2010

Updated Swim Test

First off, I'm happy to report another 3 month replacement period. I went 88 days and my left one started to make some noise. They still hadn't quite or failed, so I've been really happy with the duration lately.

Now down to business...

We finally got our pool setup in the back yard and I've been dying to do some good swim tests when I haven't been worried about them failing right before a road trip or something. So, for two weeks I've been swimming several times, doing just normal activities in the pool and they've worked great. The old models used to cut out as soon as they got wet and then would occasionally turn back on once they dried out. These don't do that at all.

Happy to say at this point I'm leaving my ear plugs behind and loving the new design. I've got a scout camp coming up in two weeks. The past two years I've had to mostly sit out the water activities which has been a real bummer. Now I've got 3 days of water activities planned for them and I'm really looking forward to it. I'll try to get an update afterward with my experience.



34 comments:

Win said...

do you have the normal lyric model and can swim???S

Dane said...

Yes I do. Lyric started using a new version around the first of the year. Unless your audiologist has some old models on the shelf, all the new ones have the new membrane that covers the microphone and is more waterproof.

Unknown said...

I had no idea! And you'll actually go under without plugs? I have a brand-new set.

Dane said...

Yup, under the water without plugs. It's awesome. Now I've just been swimming for the most part, I haven't gone diving down to the bottom of the pool or anything, mainly because my pool is only 4 or 5 feet deep. But I'm headed out to scout camp next week and they have the big diving platforms. I'll at least give the bottom one a try. We'll see how it goes and I'll let you know.

Unknown said...

Fantastic. I guess I'll verify with Lyric that these are the new ones (my audiologist said they were from a brand-new shipment), and if so, I'll take them swimming, maybe even tomorrow. I do a lot of ocean swimming, and I do like to go underwater 5 or 6 feet or so.

Dane said...

Cool. Let me know how it turns out.

Unknown said...

Hmmm. I called Lyric to verify, and the customer service people are being cagey about the whole thing, saying that the waterproof ones aren't available yet. I can't take the chance of ruining them because I'm traveling next week. Can you account for what they're telling me? Again, I was told these were the newest, but I suppose that can't be verified without the numbers of the units.

Luxilon said...

Hey Dane - I may have beaten your record for now :) - got my last replacement around the end of April and now, almost mid-August, lyric is still going strong. The one I had replaced in April also lasted me over three and a half months. I leave it on the same setting the whole time, even at night, so for the most part, I don't even think or remember about it. Also - tried swimming with it (not diving - just swimming) and any water that gets in does not seem to impact it in any way.

Unknown said...

Has anyone experienced the magnet tool not working? My lyric is still working but there is no effect with my tool. The set is only on day 2. Ideas?

Dane said...

That is strange. I've never had the magnet not make the activation, but it's just a little coupler which could certainly fail. Sounds like you need a new replacement. I'm not sure if you have a stronger magnet you could try in the meantime? I once had to buy a refrigerator magnet while on a road trip to make some setting changes after losing my adjustment tool.

Unknown said...

Refrigerator magnet. Very clever solution. I'm picking up a new tool later today. I'll report with the results. Thanks for your input and for this wonderful blog. It's fantastic for a newbie lyric wearer like me.

Unknown said...

Hmmm. I am baffled. The new magnet tool didn't work either so it is the lyric afterall. Serious bummer because I am away from home for the next 10 days and there is no lyric person closer than about an hour away. Yet, the lyric does still seem to be working --- just at a low volume. When I touch it with my finger I get a windy sound and if I touch it with my fingernail I get feedback. Wouldn't you think that shows it is still working? Am I missing something?

Dane said...

Sounds like a defective unit to me. Maybe it was damaged upon insertion or had some other failure. They use the same coupler to program the device as you would to make the adjustments, so something failed after it was initially turned on. Glad it's still working a little. Sounds like it's time to get it replaced though. Good luck!

Unknown said...

Sorry if you've answered this question already but I've been researching and wondering if Lyric is for me. May I ask just how severe your hearing loss is?

Great blog. I think user experiences with them carry far more weight than many audiologist I've met who don't live with hearing loss.

Dane said...

Hi d.

I'm glad to hear my experience has helped. I too find it much more helpful to talk to others will hearing loss over most audiologists.

My hearing loss is Moderate to Severe for everything 500Hz and above. It becomes Severe around 3000kHz.

Let me know if you need any more info!

Dane

ADMEYER said...

Hey Dane, I really want to try the Lyrics. I just called my doctor and she stated due to my hearing lost that I will not be a good fit for Lyrics. But from reading your BLOG you have worn the BTE aids. I wear the Otions which comes with the bluetooth streamer. Maybe I should find another doctor? Maybe she just doesn't know much about the Lyrics? What you think Dane?

Dane said...

Hey ADMEYER, Thanks for checking in.

I know that there is an audiogram profile that they are looking for as a good fit for the product. These devices certainly aren't as powerful as high-power BTE, but it depends on how much you really need. I would pressure her to see if there is any way you could be a candidate or ask for a second opinion from another audiologist.

As much as I love these devices, hearing well is the #1 priority. If these devices didn't give me the amplification I needed I'd move back to the BTEs. Hopefully you will find that you can fit as a candidate and can make the switch! Keep me posted and good luck!

Luxilon said...

Dane, just a question. I went to my audiologist last week and while getting a lyric replacement asked if there were any new products on the market that are similar to lyric. I was told that there were and after doing some research online, I found that there are quite a few companies moving into the same direction and some are now offering HAs that could be taken out and put back in (overnight and/or for battery replacement). For example, Starkey AMP or Starkey Otolens. Have you heard anything of these or considered either one?

Dane said...

Hey Luxilon.

I've been following both of those devices a little, but am certainly no expert. I had an uncle try the Otolens prior to the Lyric. He did not have a good experience because it's still a device you need to take out at night and you have to change the batteries. Sounds like it's a good hearing aid overall, but at 5 or 6 grand it should be. It really is pretty different than the Lyric other than being invisible.

The AMP is more of a trial type device and is supposed to be really inexpensive and almost disposable. I think they are priced around $1500 which I guess is pretty cheap if you're worried you won't like wearing a hearing aid at all. My only issue with those is that a lot of people don't like the inexpensive hearing aids because they don't sound very good, so they stop wearing them.

I'd be curious to hear your feedback if you try either of them out though. A little competition in this market would be a great thing to drive faster innovation!

Luxilon said...

I think I like having an option of taking it out whenever I feel like it. I've had lyric for about a year and a half now (just one ear) and it has gone dead on me a couple of times without much warning. Although I am used to it, I can still feel it when sleeping on that side, so being able to not have it in at night may also be a plus. Sort of like contact lens that people wear only during the day. I am scheduled to try AMT soon, so I'll let you know how it feels. At $1500/pair, it is a whole lot less expensive then 1 lyric for 1 year.

Unknown said...

Hi Dane, I recently tried the lyric and it was too big for my ear canal but my audiologist informed me that a new smaller version will be out very soon and a fully waterproof version by the end of this year. Do you have any details on that?

Anonymous said...

Dane,

I have had my Lyrics for just over a year and continue to be amazed at how well they work. However my audiologist is now steering me toward starky isyncs, and seems reluctant to discuss advances in Lyrics, so I fear I am not getting good info.

Can you or one of the other posters recommend an audiologist that is truly on board with these things? Even just a phone consultation would be helpful. I don't want to quit wearing Lyrics just because of lack of support.

Dane said...

Hey Joey, sorry for the slow reply. I have heard that the new Lyric will be available this year with a smaller canal. I'll bug my audiologist and see what she can find out for an ETA.

Troy, sorry to hear about your audiologist. I'm sure that my audiologist would be more than happy to chat with you about your questions and concerns. Just tell her I told you to give her a call. Her name is Laurel at the Ogden Clinic: (801) 475-3082. Good luck!

captnmarvel and pi_baby said...

Hi Dane, I don't have Lyric aids but I have WOW which I understand is the same aid with a different payment plan. I have had them for only two weeks now and I love them. This first pair were free, the exam and all. From now on the cost will be $425 each.
My question is with your subscription plan is the cost for any number of aids that you might need in the year or for a set number? As yet I don't know how long they will really last.

Dane said...

Hey Michael.

The regular subscription is around $3300 annually for both and covers as many are as needed. I typically get around 3 months per set. That works out to be virtually the same price.

Luxilon said...

Hey Dane, reporting back on Starkey AMP - I finally got to try them. They felt fine and amplified well. The only problem was that the clear plastic flaps that are supposed to be used to pull them out are sticking so far out that they are greatly noticeable. Can't understand why they won't come up with some other way to pull them out - maybe similar to Lyric and w/out these flaps. So I decided to stay with my lyrics for now. On the side note - I am also not sure why Lyric are so bright yellow. If they were darker color they wouldn't be noticeable at all. My son spotted lyric in my ear and said "Dad I think I just saw your ear drum"

Patrick said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Katie Webster said...

Great blog - really pleased that you are getting on so well with your Lyrics. How did you get on at camp? I work for Phonak, the company that distribute Lyric. We have a really informative website, and a blog where you can ask any questions you may have about Lyric Hearing Aids, read about other peoples experience and comment on interesting articles about hearing loss www.phonak-lyric.co.uk

redough said...

Dane,

I just got my first set of hearing aids 4 days ago - the Lyric. I have a simple question --- do you ever get used to the feeling that there is something stuck in your ear??

Rich

Dane said...

Hey Rich.
It takes a little time to get used to it. I think it was easier for me since I was already using hearing aids, but it still took time. There are still times when I notice it, but it usually doesn't last long.

The treadmill was the worst for me. Luckily I hated the treadmill anyway, so I swapped it for an elliptical and don't have to listen to my the thumping in my ears when I workout.

Unknown said...

Hey Dayne, are you on the Lyric V3 yet? Just wondering how they compare since you've been wearing Lyrics so long.

Edgar said...

Hello, Do you mind clarifying some detailed information. I have been reluctant to go for a swim. Can you actually put your head in the water to swim or are you talking about swimming with your head above water all the time. thanks

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