The next generation of extended-wear Lyric III is here!

I just attended the new product training for the extended-wear Lyric III and have fit a handful of current wearers, and everyone says they sound even clearer. If you haven't heard about Lyric, call for a free 30-minute screening (appointments only please - there is only one of me). I am the only local provider of Lyric.

The bottom line is, I have been prescribing and fitting hearing aids for the last 16 years and Lyric is the clearest amplification I have to offer. It doesn't fit everyone, but those who can wear it tell me it is the best they have heard since their hearing started to deteriorate.

* Effective safe performance in the ear 24/7 for months at a time.

* Natural experience of life all day, every day.

* You don't have to look different just because you have a hearing loss. No one knows you are wearing them - they are totally invisible.

I love extended-wear hearing aids! Of all my patients, the ones that can wear these are the happiest hands down. It avoids all of the hassles of insertion/removal, cleaning and batteries. Patients forget they even wear hearing aids because they are invisible, and they can wear them all day and all night for up to four months at a time. You can even shower normally with them and swim above water.

The biggest bonus is the sound quality. People just love the way that they help them hear.

Extended-wear aids are the wave of the future for the active baby boomer generation. They were designed for people with active lifestyles in mind. Active people that work out or go to the gym worried about sweat and moisture malfunctioning their traditional aids, so they would tend to remove them and didn't hear well at the gym or in aerobics classes. With the extended-wear aids, sweat and moisture don't pose as much of a problem. These deeply inserted aids are more protected from wind noise, so golfers and bicycle riders really appreciate them. Phone use is easier because there isn't any feedback or need to tilt the phone. If you are looking for a simple, easy-to-use hearing aid, extended-wear deep insertion is the way to go!

Extended-wear deep insertion hearing aids are not just for active baby boomers. The elderly with dexterity or cognitive difficulties can benefit from them, also. There are no batteries to change and nothing to clean. Once inserted, the person wearing it has better hearing and complete freedom from trying to handle a small object. People with arthritis, tremors and poor hand coordination prefer these. I highly recommend these for those elderly people that may be apt to forget to wear their hearing aids or tend to lose them.

If you or someone you know is interested in trying Lyric III, there is a free 30-day trial. I encourage you to call to schedule a free Lyric III screening to see if they may fit your hearing loss and lifestyle.

Dr. Tia Flynn is a certified audiologist and has been in business for more than 14 years. Every Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, Dr. Flynn provides free hearing screenings at 1601 Third St. in Coeur d'Alene. (208) 664-2767. Visit our newly updated website www.affordablehearinginc.com for an online hearing test and watch helpful videos.