Earlens Features, Pricing & Alternatives: Revolutionary Light-Driven Hearing

Earlens tries to provide its consumers with the best product for a natural hearing experience. But can this FDA-registered company keep its promise?

Earlens tries to provide its consumers with the best product for a natural hearing experience. But can this FDA-registered company keep its promise?

Jun 29, 2021

Earlens Hearing Aids was founded in 2005 by Dr. Rodney Perkins. It is a privately-owned medical technology provider that specialises in hearing aids and supporting those with hearing loss. Earlens corporation has over 40 US patents and around 50 patents internationally.

Earlens Hearing Aids Mission

Earlens’s mission is to develop a new type of hearing aid that offers better sound transmissions. Their principal product is the Earlens Contact Hearing Solution, which is a contact hearing aid that uses light and a small lens that vibrates the eardrum; the goal is to imitate the natural hearing process. It was registered with the FDA in 2015 and again in 2019 for a second generation of the Earlens technology.

Earlens Hearing Aids Centers

The Earlens Contact Hearing Solution

The Earlens Contact Hearing Solution is available as the main product from Earlens Hearing Aids. For mild-to-severe hearing loss, it is customized to each individual ear shape and anatomical requirements. Below is an overview of what it is composed of and how it functions.

How do Earlens Hearing Aids Work?

Earlens Hearing Aid Reviews

Many patients offer feedback that Earlens Hearing Aids is an innovative technology and alternative solutions to address hearing loss, especially for severe hearing loss, including hearing being more ‘natural’ than other hearing devices. To use the hearing aid patients need to consult with their ENT Physician and Audiologist (for fittings and programming) and some dispensers may not be available to do this in the user’s location. Additionally, the costs involved for the entire process of using an Earlens Hearing Aid may reach up to $20, 000, which could cause many patients to consider looking elsewhere. Users have reported other brands that offer more ease-of-use, accessibility, and affordability with minimal risks involved during the fitting process.


Not everyone is suited to use these devices. Moreover, you have to first discuss with your audiologist about your hearing problems before you can go on and get one of these hearing devices. Even your hearing loss needs to fit within their range before you can have this device. The following table will provide you with some of our evaluations.

Pros
Cons

Customized for your ear canal

Requires ENT for implant and removal

Fuller sound spectrum

Compatible only with Apple tech

Rechargeable processor

Earlens Customer Feedback

According to many users, Earlens has been working great and has helped many hear sounds more clearly and even aided for better communication, especially in crowded areas. Even many of them appreciated the design and compatibility of this device. Moreover, the customization process seemed pretty helpful to many users.


However, some didn't like that you need to first go through tests to see whether the hearing loss fits in the range. It seemed pretty much a hassle to some of the users. There were even complaints regarding the high prices of Earlens devices, as a single device can range from $5,000 to even $12,000.

How does the Earlens Hearing Aid fit in the ear?

While all three parts of the Earlens hearing aid are removable, the Lens can only be removed by an ENT Physician that specializes in Earlens hearing aids. Users can remove and insert the behind-the-ear Processor and Ear Tip themselves. The hearing lens is held in place on the eardrum with mineral oil, which ensures optimal functioning much like a contact lens on the eye.

How does the Earlens Hearing Solution Work?

There are three parts to the Earlens Contact Hearing Solution, namely, the Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Processor, the Ear Tip, and Lens. Each part functions simultaneously to facilitate a more natural hearing process using pulses of energy from sound to vibrate the eardrum.

check_circle_outline   BTE Processor: this part processes all sounds that come from the external environment, which is transferred to the Ear Tip.
check_circle_outline   Ear Tip: this is placed within the ear canal, it converts the sounds into a signal, which is transferred as audio data to the Lens.
check_circle_outline   Lens: using a layer of mineral oil, the lens is placed, or ‘floated’, on top of the eardrum. The signals from the lens will vibrate the eardrum, which activates hearing.

Earlens Hearing Aid Features

Earlens Hearing Aids will provide you with some of its most impressive features that will enhance the hearing experience of its users. Below are some of the features of Earlens hearing device:

Travel Charger Case and Wireless Recharging

Smartphone Connectivity

Programmings

What additional features come with an Earlens Hearing Aid?

check_circle_outline   Wireless Recharging and Travel Charger Case: The hearing aid processor is rechargeable with an internal battery. It charges up to 4 hours and can last a whole day; it does not require any other batteries. It comes with the travel charger case, which allows for charging on the go. The Lens is charged by energy that comes from the Ear Tip and does not use any batteries.
check_circle_outline   Programmable: Depending on hearing needs, users can program their hearing aids to suit different sound environments. These range from more public / social spaces like restaurants, concerts, or outdoor activities to indoor / private spaces.
check_circle_outline   Smartphone Connectivity: The Earlens Control App is compatible with numerous Apple iOS devices, including iPhones, iPads, and the iPod Touch. From the Control App users can make adjustments to different settings like volume control, programs, locating their Earlens Processors, and referring to how-to guidelines. Users can stream music and receive phone calls from their devices. It is not yet available for Android OS.
check_circle_outline   3 Different colors: There are three different colours available, namely, black, bronze, and gray.

What are the benefits of Earlens Hearing Aids?

How to maintain the Earlens hearing aid

Who is Earlens Hearing Aids for?

Are Earlens hearing aids amplifiers?

Are Earlens hearing aids any good?

Pricing

How much does Earlens cost?

How can I purchase an Earlens Hearing Aid?

Is there a warranty period for Earlens Hearing Aids?

Does Earlens Offer a Trial Period for Hearing Aids?

Is There Insurance for Earlens Hearing Aids?

Earlens Hearing Aid Alternatives

What are some of the best hearing aids on the market?

Nano Hearing Aids

check_circle_outline   Ease of Access: Users can order their hearing aids directly from the manufacturer via the website. Additionally, the website offers numerous resources and information about their products that is easy to navigate. Nano provides complete transparency on their website, there is information covering the important aspects of purchasing and using a hearing aid, especially pricing and warranties.
check_circle_outline   Variety of Choice: There are different types and models available, for example, Behind-the-Ear (BTE) and In-the Ear (ITE). These are suited to varying levels of hearing loss.
check_circle_outline   Bluetooth Connectivity: Users can connect their smartphones to their hearing aids, which comes with options to stream music or television and adjust various program and volume settings.
check_circle_outline   Guarantees and Protection Plans: Users can get their money back after 45 days of purchasing their hearing aids. Purchasing the Protection Plan will offer a yearly coverage in the event of damage or loss.
check_circle_outline   Affordability: A distinguishing factor is Nano’s affordable hearing aids compared to other hearing aids on the market. It makes quality hearing aids available for more patients who need it and can’t always afford it or don’t have health insurance to cover the additional costs. Nano hearing aids range from $397 to $1,497 per pair.

Costco Hearing Aids

Costco is a popular US retailer, also specializing in hearing aid sales. They offer different brands and models including their house brand, the Kirkland 9.0. Some of the features from Costco are as follows.

check_circle_outline   Availability: Due to widespread Costco stores there is always an availability when users need it.
check_circle_outline   Affordability: Costco hearing aids can range from $1000 to $1,500 per pair.
check_circle_outline   Warranties: To ensure losses or damages, Costco offers free warranties.
check_circle_outline   Free Services: There are free in-store screenings available by hearing aid specialists, including free cleaning services.

Hearing Aid Scams

There are different hearing aid scams to be aware of, these include poor quality hearing aids, specifically imported hearing aid devices that act as sound amplifiers, but do not offer genuine hearing loss support. These devices are often very affordable, which is another factor to consider before purchasing a hearing aid. All hearing aid purchases need to come with a minimum 30-day free trial period, as well as a warranty to safeguard the use of a hearing aid and the user’s investment in it. Additionally, if the purchase of a hearing aid is rushed it is often an indicator of a scam, all hearing aid sales professionals will be patient while the user finds the perfect hearing aid to support their needs.

Summary of Earlens Review

Earlens hearing aids prove to be the leader in offering alternative solutions for hearing loss. Their ear lens technology provides patients with almost natural hearing, as well as a discreet device that does not feel uncomfortable to wear. Although this is a one-of-a-kind hearing aid it might not be applicable for the majority of hearing loss patients as it requires in-person support from an ENT specialist and Audiologist, and these may not be available from all hearing aid dispensers. Additionally, with other brands offering similar quality, easily accessible, and affordable hearing aids, users with more severe and unique hearing loss needs will find Earlens a good option.

Before you buy anything, be sure to check out the reviews about NANO Digital Hearing Aids – you’ll love it!