MacDirectory Magazine

MacDirectory 65 REVIEW For those of us with aging fathers, there may be no better Father's Day gift than a hearing aid from LifeEar. Recently, I've noticed that my dad doesn't always turn his head when I mention his name. I find my mom practically yelling inside the house so that my dad can hear her. And when my dad gets on the phone, forgetaboutit. He still engages fine in dinner table conversation, and can watch TV as long as it's on loud enough, but he just seems to be missing audio cues every now and then. These are all symptoms of fading hearing could benefit from a hearing aid like the LifeEar CORE. This $800 device ($1600 for a pair, with monthly financing available) is comparable to much more expensive solutions that require multiple visits to doctors and hearing centers. The LifeEar CORE's one-size-fits-many approach and on-board personalization eliminate many extra steps involved with getting a hearing aid, making it significantly more affordable. The LifeEar CORE is a miniscule device—thinner than a pencil—that sits behind the ear. A discretely transparent, flexible tube and ear tip carry the sound from the device directly into the user's ear canal. It's hardly noticeable for both the wearer and observers alike. Chances are, there will be more occasions where it's accidentally left on than there will be people who notice it. The device runs off of 312 zinc air batteries that are charged by their exposure to air. Each battery lasts anywhere from four days to a week. It would have been nice to see longer battery life out of the LifeEar CORE, but the batteries are readily available and easy to replace, as long as you are comfortable handling the small pieces. It's a price to pay for such having such a small footprint. This hearing aid device is an all-digital product, which allows the LifeEar CORE to incorporate several other features beyond simple amplification. By using an app on your smartphone, the LifeEar CORE can be completely customized to the user's specific needs. No two ears are alike, so having the ability to fully customize the audio response on the device is paramount for an effective hearing aid. Instead of going to see a doctor for adjustments, these subtle changes can be made right on a smartphone. The smartphone control also provides on-the-go adjustments that you can't get anywhere else. It allows the wearer to change the behavior of the hearing aid whether they're in a crowded restaurant or at home watching a movie. The wearer can customize their experience at any time, or they can let LifeEar CORE do the work and it will automatically adapt the settings based on its perceived situation. While much of the heavy lifting is done via the LifeEar app on the phone, each device does have a volume rocker for simple adjustments. Arriving fully assembled, the LifeEar CORE is almost plug'n'play. Users may take some time adjusting it to their needs and getting used to some of the quirks of such a dynamic hearing aid, but the effects should be immediate. Also in the box is a handy carrying case, cleaning tool, and additional batteries that should get you through the first month at the very least. All in all, the LifeEar CORE is a promising product in the world of personal hearing aid products. Especially for first-time users who may be intimidated by visits to the hearing center, and are comfortable using their smartphones, there's no better step than a LifeEar CORE. So if you're tired of raising your voice every time you talk to your dad, consider a subtle hint that won't cost a fortune with the LifeEar CORE. For more information, visit: www.lifeear.com

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