Disposable Hearing Aids

If you are looking for a more cost effective hearing aid, the disposable hearing aid may be an answer. The conventional hearing aid can cost upwards of $6000 dollars for a digital hearing device. This may be out of range for most people.

The disposable hearing aid relieves the user of having to deal with the chores of maintenance, battery replacements, and cleanings. The disposable can also be convenient in that when the battery dies, you just toss them into the trash and replace the hearing aid with a fresh one.

Disposable hearing aids are relatively new, and are mainly used for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. The disposable has a certain hour-life expectancy, lasting from 60-120 days, depending on the brand.

Two companies make these types of hearing devices, Songbird, and Insound Medical (Lyric). The lyric hearing aid must be inserted by a professional as it is an extended wear type. The users never need to remove it themselves.

Songbird released their first disposable in 2003 then stopped making it, but released it again some years later. The biggest advantage is not having to replace batteries and not needing to maintain it, such as having to purchases cleaning kits and supplies. Once the batteries lost their power, the aid is discarded and a new one put in its place.

Facts about the disposable hearing aid:

• The need for repairs, battery purchases and replacement, in addition to maintenance has been eliminated.


• Songbird 400 comes in only one size, so some people may not be able to wear them.


• They are in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids, so people who cannot have their ear blocked will not find them suitable.


• They must be taken out during bathing, showering or swimming as the disposable aids should never be exposed to water.


• Hearing exam is not for the Songbird 400, but you should always have a hearing test performed by a hearing professional to determine the type of hearing loss you have, as well as finding out if there is not some other reason for the hearing loss.


• Disposable hearing aids cost about $59 for one or $108 for two. It comes with a manual describing it's use and operation. Reading the manual thoroughly to understand the workings of the disposable hearing is vital.

Is the disposable hearing aid for you?

While researching the disposable hearing aid, I found there were two schools of thought. On Deafness Blog, one poster stated as recently as April 2009, "I got a new Songbird Flexfit last week. I have used it everyday and it is far superior to the Miracle Ear $1,000 aid that it replaced."

Another poster stated in November 2008 "The Songbird was purchased originally from their website and then was offered on Drugstore.com at clearance pricing. Was convenient but not the best of fits. I see they have reintroduced a BTE model for $79.00 so will research and see what this model has to offer.

To know if the disposable hearing aid is for you, purchasing a pair is the way to go. Everyone has different needs and preferences, so you really can't go by another feelings about it. This may be ideal for those with a busy lifestyle who just can't be bothered with maintaining their hearing aid.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT