Lively Hearing Aids

We have researched the newer hearing aids on the market and would like to share our findings with you about Lively Hearing Aids. The business model that Lively uses is one that is gaining acceptance by the people that are in the market for hearing aids,

The lively web site (https://www.listenlively.com) States that they offer “Nearly invisible Hearing Aids” along with three years of care from an audiology team and a smart phone app that allows you to control the hearing aids. The term “nearly invisible is sort of up to the person that wears the hearing aids. Lively offers a model of hearing aid that is called Receiver in Canal. This type of aid has a speaker referred to as the receiver that is inserted in the ear canal while the computer part of the aid hangs off the back of the wearer’s ear. The audiology team that provides three years of care sounds like a good program. If the buyer is comfortable speaking with a different person every time they call in with a problem, then this should work well. If the purchaser is looking for a more personal relationship with their hearing care team, they may be disappointed. The phone app control is a great tool and is available from many hearing aid manufacturers. The basic tool allows for volume control and possibly different programs like watching television or loud environments. A more complex smart phone app may be available to control directional microphones and other options. If you need a more detailed tuning for the hearing aid it may be hard to get with this type of business model.

Since most hearing aid buyers are on a fixed income, price will be an issue to consider. The Lively web site says that the pricing starts at $1,350 per month with financing of $44 per month for battery operated hearing aids. The rechargeable hearing aids sell for $1,900 or $62 per month. Financing any item that is in this price range can be a bit difficult. The amount being financed is not very much and it most certainly will be on an unsecured basis. This means that if the buyer stops making payments the seller probably would not be able to recuperate their losses and take the hearing aids back. The fine print from the Lively web site says that the financing is:

“Subject to approval of credit application. Rates range from 0% to 29.99% APR, resulting in, for example, 36 monthly payments of $32.26 at 9.99% APR, per $1,000 borrowed. APRs will vary depending on credit qualifications, loan amount, and term. Bread® pay-over-time plans are loans made by Comenity Capital Bank.”

As with any purchase like this it is very important to do your research when applying for financing. Comenity Bank is a reputable organization that specializes in these types of consumer credit transactions.

Lively offers hearing aids that can be programmed remotely by in house audiologists or hearing aid dispensers after the purchaser takes an online hearing test. There also is an option to upload an audiogram of your hearing test from another source. This is a convenient choice since the buyer may have a more detailed hearing test done than the online test offered by Lively.

What is the difference between an Audiologist and a Hearing Aid Dispenser?

An audiologist is a licensed professional that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss and balance disorders. These hearing health care specialists are considered primarily as “hearing doctors.” Audiologists usually have completed a doctor of audiology.

A Hearing Aid Dispenser is a licensed professional that is trained to perform hearing tests. Their job is to fit and sell hearing aids. To be licensed to distribute and sell hearing aids, they must pass a written and practical exam as well as several individual requirements.

Each state may have different requirements, so what a hearing aid dispenser must know and do in one state they may not have to in another. Many states require at least two years of education at a college level to be able to distribute and sell hearing aids. A few concerns come to mind when looking at Lively hearing aids and their online model. One is how the hearing aids are programmed. One of the critical parameters that effect the performance of hearing aids are how loud they allow sounds to get before the hearing aids start to limit the gain in volume. This is considered the UCL level or the most uncomfortable loudness level. If hearing aids are not programmed properly with discreet UCL levels at different pitches or frequencies some sounds may be amplified too much thereby causing pain or discomfort. Another concern with this type of hearing test is that there is no bone testing. A complete hearing test includes testing how well the bone behind the ear called the mastoid process allows sound to enter the hearing system. This method is how qualified professionals can determine the type of hearing loss and if there is any damage to the auditory nerve to the brain.

Lively offers a 100-day free trial period for their products. This is a great feature and takes a lot of the risk away from making a purchase like this. Keep in mind that a “risk free trial” is not always free of risk. Our advice would be to read all the fine print carefully.

Our opinion is that Lively makes a decent product that can help many people with a mild to moderate hearing loss. If it is determined that your hearing loss is more severe it would be a good idea to visit an audiologist or other hearing care provider for a comprehensive hearing exam.