When it comes to addressing the sound quality needs of individuals with mild hearing loss and tinnitus, hearing care professionals face unique challenges.
While hearing aids are often recommended as the primary treatment option, some patients may express concerns about the sound quality associated with these devices. In such cases, Widex PureSound emerges as an attractive solution. Designed specifically for mild-to-moderate hearing loss, Widex PureSound, combined with the therapeutic options of Widex SoundRelax and Zen, provides a flexible and comprehensive offering for tinnitus patients.
In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of Widex PureSound, the significance of reducing processing delay, and the advantages of sound therapy in treating tinnitus.
Improving Sound Quality with Widex PureSound
Tailoring Sound Quality for Mild-to-Moderate Hearing Loss
Widex PureSound, available in Widex Moment™ hearing aids, offers a remarkable reduction in signal processing delay, eliminating artifacts and optimizing sound quality specifically for individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. This makes it an ideal solution for tinnitus patients who prioritize sound quality over amplification.
Reducing Delay for Optimal Sound Quality
Unlike premium hearing aids from other manufacturers that operate with processing delays of 5 to 8 ms, Widex PureSound boasts an average processing delay of only 0.5 ms. This reduction in delay is particularly significant for open and vented fittings, commonly worn by individuals with milder hearing losses. By minimizing the delayed amplified signal’s synchronization issues with the direct signal reaching the ear, Widex PureSound eliminates the comb-filtering artifact that causes an artificial and tinny sound.
Reducing Delay for Optimal Sound Quality
Unlike premium hearing aids from other manufacturers that operate with processing delays of 5 to 8 ms, Widex PureSound boasts an average processing delay of only 0.5 ms. This reduction in delay is particularly significant for open and vented fittings, commonly worn by individuals with milder hearing losses. By minimizing the delayed amplified signal’s synchronization issues with the direct signal reaching the ear, Widex PureSound eliminates the comb-filtering artifact that causes an artificial and tinny sound.
Additional Benefits of Delay Reduction
Apart from the sound quality advantage, Widex PureSound’s low-delay processing enhances neural representation, spatial perception, and real-life listening experiences. Studies have shown that PureSound’s robust neural representation leads to improved speech comprehension, better speaker identification, and enhanced extraction of target information from competing speech. Moreover, the reduction in delay ensures a more natural spatial experience by preserving the timing of room reflections and aligning the auditory and visual perceptions of the surroundings.
Real-Life Validation
User surveys of individuals wearing Widex PureSound have reported higher ratings for naturalness, sound clarity, spatial perception accuracy, and satisfaction in noisy environments. The less processed sound of PureSound provides a more pleasant listening experience, resulting in increased satisfaction, even in challenging acoustic environments.
Sound Therapy for Tinnitus Treatment
Widex Zen Therapy Framework
Sound therapy, alongside amplification, plays a crucial role in tinnitus treatment. The Widex Zen Therapy framework integrates sound therapy, counseling, relaxation techniques, and amplification to provide comprehensive care. Widex Zen Therapy utilizes fractal mathematics principles, offering chime-like sounds that never repeat exactly. The latest Widex SoundRelax features softer fractal sounds with improved interaural synchronization and wave-like sounds that can be used alone or in combination with tonal sounds.
Benefits of Fractal Sounds
Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of fractal tones and the Widex Zen Therapy framework. The implementation of Widex SoundRelax sounds has shown positive results in relaxation, concentration, stress reduction, and improved well-being for individuals with tinnitus. Longitudinal studies have also indicated a significant improvement in tinnitus handicap and reduced distress levels when patients wear Widex hearing aids and engage with the SoundRelax sounds.
Customization and Treatment Flexibility
Widex Zen Therapy offers a range of customization options, allowing hearing care professionals to tailor the treatment according to the unique needs and preferences of each patient. By combining amplification and sound therapy, patients can experience relief from tinnitus distress. For individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, Widex PureSound serves as an ideal solution, while the Widex Universal program caters to a wider range of hearing losses while maintaining optimal sound processing delay for all users.
Conclusion
Optimizing sound quality is vital when addressing the needs of tinnitus patients, particularly those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Widex PureSound, with its ultra-low signal processing delay and artifact-free sound, offers a compelling solution to overcome the sound quality concerns expressed by patients. Combined with the therapeutic options of Widex SoundRelax and Zen, hearing care professionals can provide comprehensive and effective treatment for individuals with tinnitus, enhancing their overall well-being and hearing satisfaction.
