The built-in battery lasts 40 days. After that, patients simply throw the hearing aid away. There s no commitment to buying another one if the patient doesn t like it. However, company officials hope wearers will see how much they need a hearing aid and purchase another or see a hearing aid specialist for a more traditional hearing aid. The Songbird hearing aid comes in a standard size with several predetermined settings.
Patients come in for a hearing test and can leave the appointment with the hearing aid.
Experts say the device isn t for everyone. It works best for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Since it only comes in one size, the device may not fit in people with small ear canals. The company hopes to have the hearing aid available throughout North America by the end of the year. The information on this factsheet is not meant to substitute for a consultation with your physician or with another healthcare professional.