All About the New Widex SmartRIC Hearing Aid

Here at Greentree Hearing and Audiology in St. Louis, MO, we are excited about the Widex SmartRIC hearing aids. With their unique L-shaped design, they excel at enhancing sound directionality in noisy environments and reducing wind noise by up to 20 dB for clearer outdoor conversations. Tailored for various levels of hearing loss, these devices come in five stylish colors, merging aesthetics with comfort and exceptional audio performance. Their cutting-edge design and technology cater to users seeking a natural hearing experience with the convenience of modern connectivity, positioning Widex SmartRIC as a preferred choice among audiologists and patients alike.

Serving our community in St. Louis, we cater to many different people. One thing we can all agree on is the importance of battery life. The Widex SmartRIC offers an impressive up to 37 hours of battery life on a single charge, with its rechargeability ensuring a full day of connected, natural hearing even with 8 hours of streaming. This makes it one of the most enduring options on the market, supported by seamless integration with smartphones and televisions. Our dedication to enhancing communication aligns with the innovation of Widex hearing aids, promising personalized and efficient service to all users.

Design and Aesthetics

The Widex SmartRIC hearing aid is not only a marvel in auditory technology but also a pinnacle of design ingenuity. Its unique L-shaped contour is engineered to sit discreetly and comfortably above the ear, making it less conspicuous while enhancing the user's ability to engage in conversations even in bustling environments. This design is inspired by modern eyewear aesthetics, showcasing soft, rounded edges that contribute to its minimalistic yet stylish appearance. Available in an elegant Tech Black, the SmartRIC is the shortest device in its class, appealing to users who prefer their hearing aids to be as unobtrusive as possible.

Additionally, the SmartRIC features advanced microphone covers specifically designed to minimize wind noise and other ambient distractions. These covers are part of a new design that includes optimized microphone placement. This strategic positioning not only reduces unwanted touch and wind noise but also enhances directional hearing, which is crucial in noisy settings. The microphones are aligned horizontally to leverage natural ear acoustics, providing a clearer, more focused listening experience.

Moreover, the device integrates seamlessly into the lifestyle of its users through both function and form. The newly designed microphone inlets further reduce wind and touch noises, ensuring that nothing stands in the way of crisp and clear communication. This attention to detail in design extends to its battery life; the SmartRIC offers an impressive 37 hours of hearing on a single charge, supported by a compact, portable charger that provides a week of on-the-go charging, exemplifying how design and functionality meet to cater to the active lives of its users.

Advanced Features for Enhanced Listening

The Widex SmartRIC hearing aids offer an array of advanced features designed to enhance the listening experience for users across various environments and lifestyles. Key technologies include the celebrated PureSound with ZeroDelay™ technology, which significantly reduces processing time, providing a more natural sound that is especially beneficial for those with mild hearing loss.

Customizable Sound Experience

1. MOMENT App with SoundSense Learn: This feature allows users to adjust sound settings and select listening programs tailored to their environment, ensuring optimal auditory performance.
2. Speech Enhancer: Enhances clarity of speech, particularly in noisy settings, making it easier for users to engage in conversations without strain.
3. Widex MySound™: An AI-driven tool within the MOMENT app that enables users to fine-tune their hearing aids based on personal preferences and listening environments.

Seamless Connectivity and Control

• Direct Streaming: Users enjoy direct audio streaming from both Apple and Android devices, including calls, music, and videos, thanks to compatibility with ASHA (Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids) standards.
• Widex SoundConnect: Facilitates high-quality audio streaming directly from computers, enhancing the ease of listening to media or engaging in video calls.
• TV Play: This feature allows the television's audio to be streamed directly into the hearing aids, providing a clearer and more personal listening experience without the need for additional devices.

Enhanced Usability for Active Lifestyles

• Advanced Microphone Covers: Specifically designed to reduce wind and touch noise, these covers ensure that users can focus on their activities without disruptive sounds.
• Interchangeable Receivers: These cater to different levels of hearing loss, allowing for customization and optimization of the hearing aid performance to individual needs.
• RC-DEX and MOMENT App: Offer intuitive control over the hearing aids, enabling users to easily switch programs and adjust volume as per their situational requirements.

Each of these features is integrated into the Widex SmartRIC hearing aids to provide a seamless, personalized hearing experience that adapts to the user's lifestyle and enhances their ability to communicate effectively in any setting.

Battery Life and Rechargeability

The Widex SmartRIC hearing aids redefine efficiency with their robust battery life and innovative charging solutions, ensuring users enjoy uninterrupted, high-quality auditory experiences. With a full charge, the SmartRIC provides up to 37 hours of hearing, making it an ideal choice for those with active lifestyles or extended needs. This longevity is supported by smart power management, which optimizes battery usage to maintain performance throughout the day.

For those needing a quick boost, a 30-minute charge can provide up to 8 hours of use, while a complete 4-hour charge restores the device to full capacity. This flexibility allows users to adapt their charging schedule to fit their daily routines without hassle. The standard charger, equipped with LED indicators, offers a straightforward, user-friendly interface that displays the charging status at a glance, enhancing convenience for all users.

Moreover, the Widex SmartRIC comes with a portable charger that is a game-changer for travel enthusiasts and busy professionals alike. Compact enough to fit in a pocket or bag, this charger can carry over a week's worth of charges, ensuring users are never left without their device when on the move. The Charge n Clean option further enhances the user experience by not only charging the device but also using UV-C LED technology to eliminate bacteria, providing a clean, safe, and fully charged hearing aid ready for whatever the day may bring.

Widex Hearing Aid FAQs

What is Widex's premier hearing aid model?

Answer: The Widex Moment Sheer 440 represents the highest technology level in Widex's range. It includes advanced sound processing capabilities such as wind noise reduction, speech enhancement, and 15 customizable adjustment bands that your audiologist can fine-tune.

What is Widex's latest product offering?

Answer: The latest product from Widex is the Widex SmartRIC Charger, which provides an impressive five additional charges for users on the move. This marks the first new release since the Widex MOMENT Sheer in 2023, which features rechargeable RIC technology, AI-based sound personalization, stress management, and innovative tinnitus relief options.

How does Widex compare to Phonak in terms of hearing aids?

Answer: Widex tends to be more suitable for users who are comfortable using smartphones to manage their hearing aid settings, particularly beneficial for those with tinnitus thanks to their Zen app. Phonak, on the other hand, offers a broad range of hearing aid models and styles, catering to a diverse user base.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Widex Moment hearing aid?

Answer:

Pros: The Widex Moment is known for its high-quality sound with minimal echo, and it includes effective tinnitus management features like Zen therapy.

Cons: Users may experience inconsistent connectivity with the app and frequent Bluetooth disconnections. Sometimes, during calls, one of the hearing aids may disconnect.

Is the SmartRIC Right for You?

Determining if the Widex SmartRIC is the ideal hearing aid for you depends on several factors tailored to individual needs and lifestyles. For those who lead an active lifestyle or often find themselves in dynamic environments, the SmartRIC’s advanced features, like the RC-DEX remote control, provide effortless adjustments to programs and volume, enhancing ease of use during activities. This hearing aid is designed to cater to a wide range of hearing loss levels, from mild to significant, making it a versatile choice for many users.

Understanding the cognitive aspects of hearing is crucial. Our audiologists use advanced cognitive screening tools to assess the impact of hearing loss on cognitive health, ensuring that the SmartRIC is not just amplifying sound but also supporting your overall cognitive well-being. This holistic approach to hearing care underscores the commitment to enhancing your quality of life through improved communication, making the SmartRIC a worthy consideration for those who value comprehensive auditory health solutions.

At Greentree Hearing and Audiology, our audiologists employ evidence-based practices such as Real Ear Measurements to ensure that your hearing aids are perfectly tuned to your specific auditory profile. This personalized approach guarantees that the SmartRIC not only fits comfortably but also performs optimally, enhancing your hearing experience without compromise. Schedule a consultation with us today.