A big dinner around a crowded table can be a frustrating experience for those who can only hear out of one ear.
It can be tough to hear who is talking, but now there's a new, non-surgical hearing device that may help.
And it's worn in the mouth.
SoundBite is the name of this new discreet non-surgical hearing device actually worn in the mouth.
Audiologist Kate Puls says a behind-the-ear microphone unit, transmits sound from inside the deaf ear wirelessly to the device worn on the teeth. Sound is then sent through the bone to the inner ear of the good ear.
"Our teeth are a natural conduit because they are attached to our skull so that vibrates the sound into our skull," says Puls.
17-year-old Alissa Montzka is deaf in her left ear, but now a SoundBite has changed her life.
"It's pretty weird like my dad whispered to me from across the room and I could hear him," says Alissa.
Alissa says SoundBite is comfortable. Wearing it, she can locate sounds better. She also hears a difference playing piano.
(Information courtesy NBC News)
