Hearing loss affects millions of Americans over the age of 18, with men more likely to experience it than women. Not only can hearing loss impact your quality of life, but it also increases the risk of cognitive decline, including a five times increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease for those who are hard of hearing. Despite the importance of getting hearing aids, only one in five people who need them actually use them.
A new type of hearing aid called Earlens is changing the game in the market, offering a different approach to traditional hearing aids. This device is like a contact lens for your ear, with a tiny lens placed directly on the eardrum. The behind-the-ear processor collects sound and wirelessly transfers it to the lens, which then stimulates the eardrum using gentle pulses of energy to provide a broader range of hearing.
Muneera Salem-Murdock, 76, found relief with the Earlens device after struggling with traditional hearing aids and experiencing migraines for the first few days of use. She can now enjoy her music without worrying about disturbing her neighbors. Earlens is suitable for patients with hearing loss ranging from mild to severe, and they can engage in activities like swimming while wearing the device. The only limitation is the need to remove it for an MRI, which is a quick procedure. The total cost of Earlens is $12,000.
