Lyric Hearing Aids in Wilmington & Southport, NC
Lyric is the world’s only extended-wear hearing aid placed by your audiologist and worn 24 hours a day for months at a time. No one will know it’s there. And honestly? After a while, even you’ll forget.
Excel Audiology is a certified Lyric provider — part of a select group of practices in the U.S. authorized to fit this device. Less than 3% of hearing care providers carry this distinction. Dr. Jason Rickman and Dr. Carol Anne Ford bring that expertise directly to patients across southeast North Carolina.
So, What Exactly Is Lyric?
Most hearing aids ask something of you. You put them in every morning. You take them out every night. You charge them, clean them, manage batteries, and hope you don’t forget them on the nightstand.
Lyric is different.
It’s placed deep inside your ear canal by your audiologist — closer to your eardrum than any other hearing aid on the market — and it stays there. Day and night. Through showers, workouts, phone calls, and sleep. For weeks or months at a time.
Because of where it sits, Lyric uses your ear’s natural shape to funnel sound the way nature intended. The result is hearing that feels effortless and remarkably natural.
And the best part? No surgery. No anesthesia. No recovery time. Your audiologist places it during a quick in-office visit, and you walk out hearing better the same day.
What Makes Lyric Worth It
Completely Invisible
Lyric sits so deep in the ear canal it can’t be seen — not even up close. No one at dinner, no one at work, no one in a meeting will have any idea you’re wearing a hearing aid.
Wear It Around the Clock
Sleep in it. Shower in it. Go to the gym, talk on the phone, live your life. Lyric is designed to stay in place through nearly everything you do every day.
Sound That Actually Sounds Natural
Lyric’s placement lets your outer ear do what it’s designed to do — capture and direct sound. Most patients say it’s the most natural-sounding hearing aid they’ve ever experienced, with better sound direction and less background noise.
No Batteries. No Charging. No Kidding.
Each Lyric device powers itself for weeks to months. When it’s time, you come in for a quick replacement visit and leave with a fresh device. That’s it.
Relief for Tinnitus
If you live with ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears, Lyric may help. Because it’s worn continuously — even while you sleep — it provides constant sound stimulation that many patients find reduces tinnitus symptoms. In clinical studies, Lyric has been shown to provide faster tinnitus relief than hearing aids worn only during the day. Excel Audiology has deep experience treating tinnitus, and our team will help you determine whether Lyric is the right fit for your situation.
Nothing to Maintain
No insertion routine. No nightly removal. No cleaning kit. Lyric asks almost nothing of you, which means you can stop thinking about your hearing aids and start focusing on the conversations that matter.
What to Expect at Excel Audiology
Getting started with Lyric is straightforward. Here’s how the process works at our Wilmington and Southport offices.
Step 1 — Comprehensive Hearing Evaluation
Step 2 — In-Office Placement
If Lyric is a good fit, your audiologist gently places the device deep in your ear canal. The device itself is just 12mm long and sits approximately 4mm from your eardrum. Placement takes only a few minutes. No surgery, no anesthesia, no downtime — you leave the same day with better hearing.
Step 3 — Custom Programming
Before you walk out, the device is programmed specifically for your hearing profile using real ear measurements — something Excel Audiology uses routinely to ensure your device is dialed in to your exact needs. If you want to be able to adjust volume yourself, an optional SoundLync™ remote gives you that control without ever touching your ear.
Step 4 — Replacement Visits Every Few Months
When your device is ready to be swapped out, you’ll come in for a quick appointment at whichever office is most convenient — Wilmington or Southport. We replace the device, check your hearing, and make sure everything is optimized. The whole visit typically takes less than 20 minutes.
A Little More About the Device Itself
Lyric is engineered specifically for long-term in-ear wear. A few details worth knowing:
- Only 12mm long — small enough to sit completely out of sight
- Positioned approximately 4mm from the eardrum for optimal, natural sound
- Made with soft, biocompatible foam that gently conforms to your ear canal
- Moisture resistant — designed to hold up through showers and daily activity
- Not waterproof — prolonged submersion (swimming, diving) should be avoided
- Compatible with the optional SoundLync™ remote for volume and on/off control
- Can be worn in either ear
Is Lyric Right for You?
Lyric tends to be a great fit if you:
- Have mild to moderate hearing loss
- Want a hearing aid that’s completely invisible
- Are tired of the daily routine of inserting, removing, and charging
- Live an active lifestyle and want a device that keeps up
- Experience tinnitus and want round-the-clock relief
That said, not every ear canal is suited for Lyric. Anatomy matters. That’s why an in-person evaluation at Excel Audiology is the essential first step — Dr. Rickman and Dr. Ford will give you an honest answer about whether Lyric is the right match, and if it isn’t, they’ll recommend the best alternative based on your hearing and your lifestyle.
Lyric vs. Traditional Hearing Aids
| Feature | Lyric | Traditional Hearing Aids |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | 100% invisible | Visible behind or in ear |
| Daily Maintenance | None | Insert/remove daily |
| Batteries | No battery changes | Batteries or charging required |
| Wear Time | Continuous, 24/7 | Removed at night |
| Tinnitus Support | 24/7 stimulation | Limited to wear hours |
| Surgery Required | No | No |
| Placement | Deep in ear canal | Outside or near ear opening |
Lyric Hearing Aids for Wilmington & Southport, NC Residents
Excel Audiology serves patients throughout coastal North Carolina, including Wilmington, Southport, Leland, Brunswick County, and surrounding communities.
- Wilmington: (910) 399-3075
- Southport: (910) 387-9015
Questions People Usually Ask
How long does each device last?
Typically several weeks to a few months, depending on your ear anatomy and lifestyle. Your audiologist at Excel Audiology will give you a realistic estimate based on your evaluation.
Can I really sleep with it in?
Yes — that's the point. Lyric is designed to be worn around the clock. Most patients say within a few days they completely forget it's there.
Can I shower with Lyric?
Yes. Lyric is moisture resistant and handles everyday activity well — showers, sweating, rain. It's not designed to be submerged, so swimming or diving should be avoided. Your audiologist will walk you through the full care guidelines at your fitting.
Is the placement uncomfortable?
Most patients describe it as no more noticeable than a regular ear exam. There's no surgery, no anesthesia, and you won't need any recovery time.
Can I adjust the volume?
Yes, with the optional SoundLync™ remote. It lets you control volume and turn the device on or off without touching your ear — useful in meetings, noisy restaurants, or quiet evenings at home.
Does insurance cover Lyric?
Coverage varies by plan. Our team at Excel Audiology will help you sort through your options during your consultation — no pressure, no obligation.
What if my ear canal isn't compatible?
Not every ear is a match for Lyric, and that's completely okay. Excel Audiology carries a wide range of hearing solutions from leading manufacturers including Phonak, Oticon, Widex, Starkey, ReSound, Unitron, and Signia. If Lyric isn't the right fit, we won't leave you without a solution.