Widex today launched the Widex SmartRIC, a hearing aid that introduces new angles of natural hearing through an innovative L-shaped design that improves microphone angles to enhance directionality and speech targeting, the company says.
According to Widex Vice President of Marketing Alan Raffauf, the new SmartRIC reflects Widex’ commitment to audiological excellence. By placing the microphones at an improved angle, the device lets patients experience the voices and sounds they want to hear, Widex says.
“Elevated on the ear and engineered with improved microphone angles, Widex SmartRIC directs focus where it is needed most – honing in on what truly matters in any sound environment,” Raffauf says. “By rethinking the way sound is captured in a hearing aid, we’re helping patients enjoy a more engaged life, a life where they feel more connected to natural sound in any situation.”
The SmartRIC Design
By placing the SmartRIC higher up on the ear, the angle between the device’s two microphones becomes closer to horizontal. This enables the directional microphone to align with what patients are focusing on, resulting in an improved signal-to-noise ratio in noisy environments. This enhancement is designed to help patients engage in every social situation and live their lives more fully.
Also, while Widex believes that in most situations natural sound is better than over-processed sound, it does apply directionality and noise reduction in specific noisy situations where patients need support. SmartRIC’s optimized microphone angles enhance the applied directionality in these situations, according to the company.
More RIC Design Enhancements
Widex SmartRIC features newly designed microphone inlets that effectively reduce wind and touch noise to make these otherwise challenging situations more comfortable and natural. Plus, SmartRIC is the company’s longest-lasting rechargeable RIC hearing aid, providing up to 37 hours on a single charge.
Patients on the move will benefit from the included fast-charging case—Widex’ first-ever portable charging solution. The compact case can fully charge the hearing aids in four hours, or add eight hours of continuous use through a 30-minute fast charge. The case offers five full charges and fits right into a pocket or small bag, empowering patients with hassle-free charging, mobility, and peace of mind.
Widex SmartRIC is built upon the company’s PureSound with ZeroDelay technology platform that has set new industry standards for natural hearing. PureSound with ZeroDelay delivers the fastest sound processing in a digital hearing aid to eliminate the tinny, artificial sound commonly associated with other hearing aids – creating a more natural, true-to-life listening experience for patients. Research also shows a more robust brain signal when delay is minimized.
The SmartRIC will be available for purchase this month in five premium color options, providing hearing care professionals and their patients with a powerful new device for delivering the most natural sound experience.
Further reading: Widex Launches Program to Support Hearing Care Professionals
Photo: Widex
