Lyric(R) Hearing Device Helps Give Judo Olympian More Control

NEWARK, Calif., April 2 /PRNewswire/ -- When Grace Jividen competed in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, she couldn't hear her opponent's breathing, which she believes could have given her the edge in her judo competitions. Now, the former member of the 1992 U.S. women's judo team and holder of more than 41 medals from international competitions and a sixth degree black belt has the edge she was looking for thanks to Lyric, the world's first 100 percent invisible extended wear hearing device.  

"I've competed for so many years and have had no way of hearing my opponent's breathing," said Jividen. "With Lyric, I hear so well today that I can actually hear their breathing! I now know when opponents are losing their stamina and become more susceptible to a throw, a primary move in judo. Because I can hear now while competing, Lyric helps me get ahead of my game plan. This product is a great option for athletes with hearing loss."*  

Unlike traditional hearing aid solutions, Lyric is positioned completely inside the ear canal, and because it is an extended wear device, it remains in the ear canal for up to 4 months at a time.** Lyric won't fall out while exercising or sleeping, and it is water resistant so it can be worn while showering too. These features are especially useful for people, including athletes, who want to enjoy an active lifestyle without worrying about the daily hassles of traditional hearing aids. Because Lyric is completely hidden, no one knows you are wearing a hearing aid. Many users even forget they're wearing Lyric, allowing them to focus on other activities, be it an Olympic competitive sport, such as judo, or just spending time with family and friends.

Although she's no longer competing at the Olympic level, Jividen is still pursuing her passion for judo. "With Lyric, I can hear 24/7," Jividen added. "As an athlete, it helps me focus on my sport. As a human being, it helps me to fully participate in the world around me."

For more information on the benefits of Lyric and to find a provider, please visit the product's Web site, www.lyrichearing.com.

About InSound Medical

InSound Medical, Inc., a business member of Sonova Holding AG of Switzerland, develops and manufactures next-generation hearing solutions.

The division is based in Newark, Ca. Its introductory product, Lyric, is the first 100% invisible extended wear hearing solution that is placed deep in the ear canal to provide outstanding and continuous hearing for months at a time. Lyric became available through select US audiologists in 2008. For more information about Lyric Hearing, please visit www.lyrichearing.com.

*Lyric is not appropriate for all patients. See your ENT physician, audiologist or hearing aid dispenser to determine if Lyric is right for you.  

**Individual replacement needs may vary.

SOURCE InSound Medical, Inc.