In today’s age of technology, devices that enhance your hearing can take a variety of forms. If traditional hearing aids or implantable hearing devices aren’t a good fit for you, that’s not a problem. Doctors of Audiology can provide you with other options like Earlens that can help you become more connected to the sounds of your environment.
What Is Earlens?
Earlens is a newer type of technology that can help with hearing loss. It includes a small lens that an ENT provider places on your eardrum. Earlens differs from conventional hearing aids because it does not rely on a speaker to amplify noises. Because of this, the technology can help you hear a wider array of sounds.
In 2020, Earlens was honored as one of Time Magazine’s top 100 inventions.
How Does Earlens Work?
Earlens amplifies sound by vibrating directly on the eardrum. Here’s how that happens:
- The behind-the-ear processor collects and analyzes sound, then transfers it to the Ear Tip.
- The Ear Tip converts the sound into pulses of energy.
- This energy tells the lens to vibrate on your eardrum, allowing you to hear the sound.
What Are Some Advantages of Using Earlens?
Earlens offers a variety of benefits. To begin with, it does not require surgery for insertion, unlike cochlear or auditory brainstem implants. If you’re concerned about undergoing surgery, this might be a good option for you.
Technology has also proven to be a win for Earlens. For example, its settings are customizable for different auditory environments, and it’s also compatible with the Apple iPhone, allowing you to take calls and stream music through the device.
Perhaps the biggest benefit Earlens offers is the wide range of sounds it can relay to its users. Traditional hearing aids often struggle to amplify sounds lower than 50 Hz and higher than 5.5 kHz. Earlens can amplify from 125 Hz to 10 kHz. This allows you to be more connected to your environment and all the sounds in it, whether it’s conversations with family and friends, classroom discussions or your favorite songs.
What’s It Like to Wear Earlens?
There’s an adjustment period for any hearing technology, and Earlens isn’t an exception. Wearing Earlens is similar to using contact lenses for your eyes. The design of the lens makes it stable inside of your ear.
Our provider will provide guidance as you begin using Earlens and respond to any concerns that might come up.
How Do I Maintain My Earlens?
At Doctors of Audiology, we’ll walk you through the maintenance process for Earlens. The processor has a battery that needs to be recharged nightly, but the lens is powered by energy from the Ear Tip and does not require a battery.
The lens can be cleaned and kept working properly using mineral oil.
Some parts of the Earlens, like the processor and Ear Tip, can be removed by the wearer. However, the lens itself should only be removed by an ENT physician.
We’re Here to Answer Your Questions
Starting on any hearing assistance treatment plan can feel like a big step, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. At Doctors of Audiology we’re here to support you through this process. Whether it’s listening to the laughter of friends or hearing the bark of your dog, technology like Earlens can make you more connected to the world around you.
Call Doctors of Audiology for more information or to schedule an appointment.