Hearing aids offer personal advantages and contribute to better interactions with those around you. In addition to improving your communication ability, they alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with social interactions. Whether you’re considering getting a hearing aid or unsure about scheduling an appointment with an audiologist, here are some key benefits you can expect from using a hearing aid.

Enhanced Communication with Loved Ones 

Many people opt for hearing aids due to inner ear damage caused by factors like age-related deterioration or prolonged exposure to loud noises. Using a hearing aid must be considered to support the remaining nerve cells in your ear. By amplifying sound vibrations and transmitting them to the brain, a hearing aid enables surviving nerves to compensate for the loss of others, resulting in improved hearing abilities. Additionally, this amplification promotes better mental well-being.

Improved Communication Skills 

Another significant benefit of using a hearing aid is enhancing communication skills. Hearing loss often leads individuals to shy away from conversations out of fear of missing words or misunderstanding what others are saying. Engaging in meaningful discussions with friends or loved ones can be challenging if you only catch fragments of their words.

You can benefit from amplified sound by obtaining a hearing aid from a qualified audiologist, enabling more natural communication. No longer will you have to avoid social gatherings or endure the stress of struggling through a conversation. With increased confidence in your ability to hear and speak, using a hearing aid can be a life-changing experience.

Positive Impact on Mental Health 

Hearing aids have a significant positive impact on the mental health of individuals with hearing loss. By addressing these individuals’ challenges, hearing aids reduce fatigue, frustration, and emotional distress. Improved communication reduces isolation, fostering a sense of connection and belonging. Hearing aids also improve relationships, alleviate strain, and enhance sleep patterns, promoting better mental well-being. Embracing the potential of hearing aids brings hope, vitality, and joy, positively impacting overall well-being and relationships.

Enhancing Communication for Your Loved Ones 

When you have hearing loss, it’s easy to assume that others don’t want to converse with you. However, in most cases, the opposite is true. By withdrawing from family gatherings due to hearing difficulties, you inadvertently create a disconnection that those around you want to overcome.

This strain on relationships can hinder what would otherwise be positive connections. A hearing aid effectively addresses this issue, improving your hearing abilities and facilitating better communication. With the support of a hearing aid, you can reclaim the meaningful conversations you once enjoyed.

In addressing hearing loss issues, Widex is a trusted and innovative brand that offers advanced solutions to improve hearing and enhance communication with loved ones. Widex hearing aids are designed with cutting-edge technology and a focus on user experience, ensuring optimal performance and comfort. 

Here’s how Widex can help address the challenges of hearing loss:

1. Superior Sound Quality: Widex hearing aids are renowned for their exceptional sound quality. Their advanced signal processing capabilities provide clear and natural sound reproduction, allowing you to experience the full richness of conversations and the world around you.
2. Customized Solutions: Widex recognizes that each individual’s hearing needs are unique. Their hearing aids are customizable, allowing for personalized fitting and programming to match your specific hearing loss profile. This tailored approach ensures you receive the optimal amplification and settings for your hearing requirements.
3. Discreet Design: Widex offers a range of hearing aids in various styles, including behind-the-ear (BTE) and receiver-in-canal (RIC) options. These devices are designed to be discreet and comfortable, blending seamlessly with your appearance while providing the necessary amplification for improved hearing.
4. Wireless Connectivity: Many Widex hearing aids come equipped with wireless connectivity features, such as Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone compatibility. This enables you to connect directly to your mobile devices, television, or other audio sources, streaming sound directly into your hearing aids for a convenient and immersive listening experience.
5. Intelligent Sound Processing: Widex hearing aids employ intelligent sound processing algorithms to adapt to different listening environments. They can automatically detect and adjust to noisy environments, reduce background noise, and focus on speech sounds, ensuring you can effortlessly follow conversations even in challenging acoustic situations.
6. Tinnitus Management: Widex also offers innovative solutions for tinnitus management. Their hearing aids can relieve tinnitus symptoms by generating soothing sounds or incorporating sound therapy programs that help distract from the perception of tinnitus, promoting a greater sense of well-being.

With Widex’s commitment to quality, innovation, and personalized care, they are dedicated to helping individuals with hearing loss regain their ability to communicate effectively and reconnect with their loved ones. By choosing Widex, you can trust in their expertise and technology to address the challenges of hearing loss and improve your overall hearing experience.

We understand the challenges of living with hearing loss, and we’re here to help you. Hearlife is dedicated to improving your hearing and quality of life. Experience the life-changing benefits of Widex hearing aids, meticulously designed with advanced technology and customized solutions. We offer hearing tests and assessments for adults, tinnitus management, hearing aids and custom ear plugs. 

Take a proactive step towards better hearing today. Find a branch near you. Contact us at 02-83959144 today to schedule a consultation, and let us guide you on your journey to rediscover the joy of clear and natural sound with Widex. You deserve to hear the world around you with clarity and confidence.

Hearing loss is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can occur gradually over time or suddenly due to ageing, exposure to loud noises, ear infections, or certain medical conditions. Often, individuals may only be aware of their hearing loss once it reaches an advanced stage. Regular hearing assessments are crucial for early detection and intervention.

Recognizing these symptoms can help you take proactive steps towards maintaining healthy hearing:

Difficulty understanding speech

One of the earliest signs of hearing loss is experiencing difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments. You may find it challenging to follow conversations, mainly when multiple people are speaking or when there is background noise. Struggling to hear and comprehend what others are saying can be frustrating and lead to social withdrawal or communication breakdowns.

Frequently asking for repetition

If you frequently ask others to repeat themselves or say “What?” or “Pardon?” during conversations, it may indicate hearing loss. Often, individuals with hearing impairment struggle to catch certain sounds or words, leading to the need for constant repetition. This can be particularly noticeable when conversing over the phone or in poor acoustics.

Turning up the volume

Do you often turn up the volume on your television, radio, or other electronic devices to higher levels than others find comfortable? Adjusting the volume excessively can signal that you are compensating for hearing loss. If your family or friends frequently comment on the loudness of your devices, it’s time to consider a hearing assessment.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus refers to the perception of ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other phantom ear sounds. While tinnitus can have various causes, it is often associated with hearing loss. If you experience persistent tinnitus, especially if accompanied by other signs of hearing impairment, such as difficulty hearing conversations, it is essential to have your hearing evaluated.

Withdrawal from social situations

Untreated hearing loss can lead to feelings of isolation and withdrawal from social activities. Struggling to hear and communicate effectively can make social interactions challenging and exhausting. If you find yourself avoiding gatherings, parties, or group conversations due to difficulties understanding others, assessing your hearing health is crucial.

Misunderstanding or misinterpreting conversations

Hearing loss can lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings. You may frequently need to be more accurate with what others say, respond inappropriately, or provide unrelated responses. These communication challenges can strain relationships, impact work performance, and diminish the overall quality of life.

Exhaustion after social interactions

If you frequently feel mentally and physically drained after social interactions, it could result from straining to hear and comprehend conversations. Individuals with untreated hearing loss often expend significant energy trying to follow discussions, leading to increased fatigue. If you regularly feel exhausted after engaging in conversations, it is advisable to schedule a hearing assessment.

Recognizing the signs that indicate you may be due for a hearing assessment is crucial for maintaining healthy hearing and overall well-being. If you experience difficulty understanding speech, frequently ask for repetition, constantly adjust the volume on electronic devices, or suffer from tinnitus, it is time to prioritize your hearing health. Similarly, withdrawal from social situations, misunderstandings during conversations, and post-interaction exhaustion are all signs that warrant a hearing assessment.

Remember, early detection and intervention are vital in managing hearing loss effectively. Consult a qualified audiologist or healthcare professional to evaluate your hearing and discuss potential treatment options. Addressing hearing loss proactively improves your quality of life, enhances communication, and maintains healthy relationships.

If you recognize any signs mentioned in this article, don’t hesitate to schedule a hearing assessment. The assessment will involve a series of tests to measure your hearing sensitivity, identify the type and severity of hearing loss, and determine the most suitable course of action. This may include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or other interventions tailored to your needs.

Remember, hearing loss can affect individuals of all ages, so it’s essential to prioritize regular hearing assessments, regardless of age or lifestyle. Even if you don’t exhibit any signs of hearing loss, it’s still recommended to have your hearing checked periodically to detect any changes early on.

Steps to protect and preserve your hearing health

In addition to scheduling a hearing assessment, there are other steps you can take to protect and preserve your hearing health.

These include:

1. Minimizing exposure to loud noises: Limit your exposure to loud sounds or use hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, when in noisy environments or when engaging in activities like concerts, sporting events, or operating power tools.
2. Practising good ear hygiene: Keep your ears clean and dry, and avoid inserting foreign objects into your ears that can cause damage or increase the risk of infection.
3. Managing underlying health conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, can contribute to hearing loss. Proper management of these conditions can help reduce the risk of hearing impairment.
4. Educating yourself: Stay informed about the potential risks and causes of hearing loss and the available treatments and technologies. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions about your hearing health.
5. Avoid using headphones or earbuds at high volumes: The potential risk can be extreme with excessive use of high volumes so take control of your your hearing health and as much as possible, lower down audio volumes while using headphones or earbuds.
6. Take breaks from loud noise if you are exposed to it for extended periods of time: Wear ear protection when you are around loud noise, such as at concerts or sporting events.
7. Get your hearing checked regularly, even if you don’t think you have a problem.

Remember, addressing hearing loss promptly can significantly improve your quality of life and overall well-being. By recognizing the signs that indicate you may be due for a hearing assessment and taking proactive steps, you are prioritizing your hearing health and investing in a better future.

Take the first step today and schedule a hearing assessment with a qualified professional. Your hearing is precious, and by preserving it, you can continue to engage in meaningful conversations, enjoy the sounds of life, and maintain healthy relationships for years to come.

Widex is a well-respected and established brand in the industry, and their hearing aids are generally considered high quality. However, the “goodness” of a hearing aid can depend on various factors, including the individual’s hearing loss, lifestyle, and preferences.

Widex is founded in Denmark in 1956. The company is known for its cutting-edge technology and innovative design, which has led to many industry awards and recognition. Widex is also a family-owned company, which means that they are invested in providing quality products and services that meet the needs of its customers.

Unique Features

One of the key features that sets Widex hearing aids apart from other brands is their proprietary sound processing technology, called SoundSense. This technology analyzes the user’s environment and automatically adjusts the hearing aids to provide the best sound quality. This means users can enjoy a more natural listening experience and improved speech recognition, even in noisy or challenging environments.

Another unique feature of Widex hearing aids is their ability to connect wirelessly to other devices, such as smartphones and televisions. This allows users to stream audio directly to their hearing aids without needing external accessories or cables. This feature is handy for people who enjoy listening to music or watching TV, providing a more immersive and personalized listening experience.

Customer Preference

Many customers prefer Widex hearing aids because of their advanced technology, including noise reduction, directional microphones, and Bluetooth connectivity. Widex also offers a wide range of hearing aid models, including behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-canal (RIC), and in-the-ear (ITE) styles, to accommodate different types of hearing loss and individual needs.

Widex hearing aids are also known for their comfortable and discreet design. Many models are available in different sizes and colors; some are so small that they are virtually invisible when worn. This is especially important for people who are self-conscious about hearing aids or want a more natural look.

In addition, Widex hearing aids are often praised for their sound quality, which is described as clear and natural. Many customers also appreciate the brand’s focus on user-friendly design, with features like easy-to-use controls and automatic settings that adapt to different environments.

While no single “best” hearing aid brand or model exists, many customers have had positive experiences with Widex hearing aids and appreciate the brand’s commitment to innovation, quality, and user experience. It’s always a good idea to consult with a hearing healthcare professional to determine which hearing aid best fits your individual needs and preferences.

Request a callback if you’re interested in learning more about the selection of Widex hearing aids we have available.

Have you ever been in a noisy environment and wished for peace and quiet? Or perhaps you have trouble falling asleep at night due to the sounds around you. If so, you might want to check out the latest technology from Widex, called SoundRelax™.

Widex is one of the leading manufacturers of hearing aids and other hearing-related products, and they have released SoundRelax™, a feature that reduces the annoyance of sudden, loud noises. This technology can be a game-changer for those who struggle with hearing loss, tinnitus, or other auditory conditions.

SoundRelax™ works by identifying and reducing sudden, loud noises that can be unpleasant or jarring for the wearer. It does this by analyzing the sound input and applying a filter that softens the impact of the noise. This means that the hearing aid wearer can enjoy a more comfortable listening experience without the sudden shock of a loud sound.

One of the biggest benefits of SoundRelax™ is that it can help reduce the stress and fatigue of listening to loud or unpleasant sounds for prolonged periods. This can be especially important for people with hearing loss, as they may already struggle to hear in noisy environments. With SoundRelax™, they can focus on the conversation or activity without being distracted or overwhelmed by background noise.

Another benefit of SoundRelax™ is that it can benefit people who have trouble sleeping due to noise. Whether it’s a partner snoring or street noise outside, loud sounds can disrupt sleep and lead to fatigue and other health problems. With SoundRelax™, the wearer can relax and fall asleep more easily, knowing that sudden loud noises won’t disturb their slumber.

So, how does SoundRelax™ work in practice?

The feature is available in select Widex hearing aids, including the EVOKE, and MOMENT models. When activated, SoundRelax™ automatically analyzes the sound environment and applies its filter to sudden, loud noises. The filter is adjustable so that you can customize it to your preferences.

SoundRelax™ is an innovative feature that can make a real difference in the lives of those with hearing loss or other auditory conditions. With its ability to reduce stress and fatigue and improve sleep, SoundRelax™ is well worth considering for anyone needing a more comfortable listening experience.

Request a callback if you are interested in learning more about this amazing technology. You may also check out the selection of Widex hearing aids we have for sale.

Hearing loss can be a challenging and isolating experience, but with the right hearing aid technology, it doesn’t have to be. At Hear Life Philippines, we are committed to providing our clients with the best possible hearing solutions to improve their quality of life. That’s why we have partnered with Widex, a company that shares our vision and dedication to providing the latest and greatest hearing aid technology.

Why choose Widex hearing aids

Here are the top reasons why you should choose Widex as your hearing aid partner:

1. Cutting-edge technology: Widex is a company that has always been at the forefront of hearing aid technology. They are continuously innovating and developing new ways to improve hearing aid technology and provide better solutions for people with hearing loss. With Widex, you can be confident that you are getting the most advanced hearing aid technology.
2. High-quality sound: Widex’s products are renowned for their sound quality, clarity, and intelligibility. With noise reduction, directional microphones, and automatic volume control, Widex hearing aids can help you hear more clearly in various listening environments.
3. Customization: Widex offers a range of different hearing aid products that you can customize to meet your specific needs and preferences. You can find a Widex hearing aid tailored to your unique requirements, from different styles, colours, and sizes to additional features and functionalities.
4. Wireless connectivity: Widex’s products also offer seamless wireless connectivity to various devices, such as smartphones, TV streamers, and remote controls. This allows you to stream phone calls, music, and other audio directly to your hearing aids without needing additional accessories.
5. Comfort and durability: Widex’s products are designed to be both comfortable and durable. They are made from high-quality materials that can withstand everyday wear and tear, and they are also lightweight and ergonomically designed for maximum comfort.
6. After-sales support: Widex is also known for its exceptional support and service. If you ever have any issues with your hearing aids, you can be confident that Widex and Hearlife PH will be there to help you every step of the way.

We at Hearlife PH believe everyone deserves access to the latest and greatest hearing aid technology, regardless of their budget. Widex offers various hearing aid products at different prices, ensuring something for everyone.

If you are in the market for a new hearing aid or want to upgrade your current device, Widex and Hear Life Philippines can provide you with the best possible hearing solutions to improve your quality of life. Don’t let hearing loss stop you from enjoying life to the fullest. Choose us and take the first step towards better hearing today!

Widex is a hearing aid manufacturer founded in Denmark in 1956 by two families, Tøpholm and Westermann. The company has since become a global hearing aid industry leader. They have a growing presence in over 100 countries worldwide. Widex is known for its commitment to innovation, focusing on developing cutting-edge technology that improves the lives of people with hearing loss.

History of Widex

Widex was established in Denmark in 1956 by the Tøpholm and Westermann families. The company’s name merges the words “Widow” and “Excellence”, echoing the founders’ passion for delivering high-quality products and services to individuals with hearing loss. Over the years, Widex has continued to innovate and drive the boundaries in the hearing aid industry.

Widex introduced the first fully digital in-the-ear hearing aid in 1995 and launched the world’s first hearing aid with dual wireless communication in 2018. Recently, the company has continued to concentrate on designing new and innovative technologies to improve the lives of people with hearing loss.

Widex Products

Widex delivers a wide range of hearing aids to satisfy the needs of people with various types and degrees of hearing loss. Their product line includes behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the-ear (ITE) models and rechargeable and disposable battery choices.

Fact: Hear Life Philippines is the only Widex Hearing Aids partner in the Phippines.

Their focus on sound quality sets Widex apart from other hearing aid manufacturers. The company’s proprietary sound processing technology, SoundSense, mimics how the human ear naturally processes sound. This results in clear, natural sound quality that you can customize to satisfy the specific needs of each user.

Widex hearing aids also offer advanced features like wireless connectivity and remote control options. Many models can be paired with smartphones or other compatible devices, letting users stream audio instantly to their hearing aids. This is especially useful in cases with background noise, as it can help decrease the amount of ambient sound the user is hearing.

In complement to these features, Widex hearing aids are also designed for convenience and durability. Many models are made from hypoallergenic materials and are developed to fit snugly and securely in the ear without causing discomfort or irritation. The company’s products are also strictly tested to ensure they can withstand daily wear and tear.

Widex’s Commitment to Research and Development

One thing that sets Widex apart from other hearing aid manufacturers is their dedication to ongoing research and development. The company invests heavily in R&D, devising new and innovative technologies to enhance the lives of people with hearing loss.

Widex’s research focuses on various areas, including sound processing, wireless connectivity, and user experience. The company operates closely with hearing healthcare experts to understand users’ needs and develop products tailored to those conditions.

Widex also collaborates with other organizations and institutions to promote hearing health. For example, the company has partnered with the National Acoustic Laboratories in Australia to devise a new testing method for hearing aids. This partnership has resulted in a new standard for measuring hearing aid performance, which can enhance the precision of hearing aid fittings and improve results for people with hearing loss.

Hearlife PH and Widex are a match made in hearing heaven! By partnering with Widex, Hearlife PH can offer their clients top-notch hearing solutions that are not only cutting-edge but also comfortable and durable.

The commitment to innovation and after-sales support by Widex aligns perfectly with Hearlife PH’s mission to improve the quality of life for its clients. With Hearlife PH and Widex working together, individuals with hearing loss can look forward to a brighter future filled with joy, laughter, and all the beautiful noises of life.

In today’s busy world, all of us are becoming increasingly aware of the effects stress can have on our minds and bodies. This is why finding new and innovative ways to overcome anxiety and to relax has never been more important.

Our advanced Widex Moment Sheer™ hearing aids can help you regain your inner peace with a great new world of relaxing sounds, called Widex SoundRelax. This unique feature is designed to help all hearing aid wearers – with or without tinnitus – deal with anxiety, soothe the mind and boost concentration.

Users rate Widex SoundRelax very highly

SoundRelax is the proven solution for hearing aid wearers who are looking for sounds that help relaxation, well-being, and concentration. In a recent study, 20 participants with and without tinnitus rated the new sounds. They listened to each sound over headphones for at least 10 minutes and then rated them for how well they liked them and to what extent they supported relaxation, concentration and general well-being.

The results, illustrated in this figure, are striking: While not every hearing aid wearer likes every sound, the mean ratings of listeners’ favorite sounds are around 9 out of 10, which is very high for something so personal as taste in tones and soundscapes. (The diamonds show the mean rating and the whiskers +/- 1 standard deviation.)

Calm your senses with the unique fractal tones of Widex SoundRelax

The term ‘fractal’ was first used by the mathematician Benoît Mandelbrot in 1975 and describes geometrical shapes that contain unfolding levels of detail as the viewer zooms in. Similar shapes can be found in nature including river forks, coastlines, mountain ridges, leaf veins, and clouds. SoundRelax and our Zen tinnitus treatment are based on fractal mathematics to generate changing, soothing tones and meditative chimes that become familiar but never repeat themselves and so relax the mind.

The use of meditative sounds and calm, relaxing music to relieve stress is well-known. It is believed to be effective at reducing stress because it stimulates many different parts of our brain. Music is commonly used at celebrations, sporting events, in shopping malls, movies and TV advertisements to evoke pleasant emotions. However, research has shown that recorded music can evoke memories and potentially unpleasant emotions. Fractal sounds prevent such unwanted distractions because they incorporate the properties of music that have been proven to be most relaxing without sudden changes in tonality or tempo. They repeat enough to sound familiar and follow appropriate musical rules but vary enough to not be predictable.

For more information about how Widex SoundRelax can help you relieve the stress of daily life contact your nearest hearing care professional using our quick and easy online Shop Finder. If you or a loved one might be living with untreated hearing loss, our free 5-minute online Hearing Test gives an initial indication.

In recent years, we’ve come to rely more and more on interconnected technologies that combine screens, communication capabilities, and the internet. We can watch video content—a Netflix show, for example—on three or four screens: our smartphone, computer, tablet, and television. And with the power of the internet, the experience is almost seamless, as we can pause on one device and resume at the same spot on another.

Increasingly, we expect this sort of seamless experience with all of our technology-mediated interactions: listening to music, surfing the internet, watching a movie. And for individuals with hearing loss, hearing aids are a critical piece of the technology puzzle. For many people, if their hearing aids cannot connect with the other technologies we use and provide that seamless experience, they will either be not used or replaced.

Fortunately, more and more hearing aids can provide this seamless experience, including the Widex 2.4 GHz-enabled Hearing Aids.

Of all our devices, smartphones are likely the most important on a day-to-day, minute-to-minute basis. We use them for directions, to watch video, to listen to music, and to talk to our friends and family. To take advantage of all these uses for a smartphone, hearing aid wearers need to connect their hearing aids with their smartphone. With 2.4 GHz-enabled hearing aids, the most energy-efficient and reliable way to do so is to pair them using Bluetooth, which operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency band.

How to pair hearing aids with a smartphone using Bluetooth

Naturally, there will be slight differences to this process depending on the specific hearing aid and smartphone you’re using, but for 2.4 GHz-enabled hearing aids the process is fairly universal.

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone. You can usually find it in the device Settings or even on its control menu.

2. On an iPhone, you will find hearing aids under Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Devices. On Android phones, you will find hearing aids by clicking into the Bluetooth menu. 

3. If your hearing aids aren’t immediately visible, you may need to open and close their battery doors or use their recharger to turn them off and then on again.

4. Select your hearing aids – and they are now paired.

Selecting what to stream to your hearing aids

Smartphones can stream a wide variety of audio to your hearing aids: phone calls, music, audio from videos you’re watching, and even notification sounds and virtual keyboard clicks. You may want all these noises, or you might find them overwhelming. To ensure that you’re hearing the sounds you want (and not hearing the sounds you don’t), follow these steps:

• If you want to stream only phone calls to your hearing aids, Apple devices on iOS 13 or later allow you to turn off all notifications by going to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Devices > Audio Routing > Media Audio and set it to “Never Hearing Devices.” For Android devices, hearing aid wearers should disable apps that stream audio directly.
• If you want to stream audio from selected apps to your hearing aids, both Android and iPhone users should go to Settings > Notifications and ensure that Sounds are turned on or off as appropriate for each application. Android users may have the option to disable all app sounds with a single switch.

• To enable touchscreen and keyboard sounds, iPhone users should go to Settings > Sounds (or Sounds & Haptics) and turn on Keyboard Clicks and Lock Sound. Android users should follow a similar process at Settings > Sounds and Vibration.

Widex wearers can learn more from our Tech Tip on Managing Smartphone Notification Sounds.  

Troubleshooting 2.4 GHz Bluetooth connections

Of course, technology being technology, sometimes things go wrong. The advice in Widex’ 2.4 GHz Bluetooth Connectivity Tips guide can help.

• Check manufacturer compatibility lists to ensure your device(s) are supported. See Widex’ compatibility list.
• Double check common errors:
  – Is Bluetooth turned on?
  – Are the hearing aids within range?
  – Are the hearing aid batteries fresh?
• If you’re still having trouble connecting, try turning on and off Airplane Mode.
• Turn off Wi-Fi connections (temporarily) to minimize signal traffic to the device.
• Go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Devices or Settings > Bluetooth to forget the hearing aids and reconnect them.
• Power down the phone then turn it back on.

Widex has always held nature and natural sounds as a guiding light in developing hearing aids.

The ambition of delivering the most natural sounds possible drives us further everyday. It is important that we have access to the best sound recordings of nature when testing out new features and solutions.

We often use the incredible sound recordings made by Gordon Hempton, acoustic ecologist and founder of Quiet Parks international. His aim is to highlight the scarcity of truly quiet spaces left on the planet and by protecting these quiet spaces we will end up protecting the planet in general.

Being able to hear even the quietest sounds is something the Widex has always prioritised in the way we deliver sound, alongside access to speech and loud sounds, and it seems fitting that we use Gordon’s nature recordings in our development process.

If you would like to learn more about gordon’s work here is a link to a recent BBC article and his organisation website is found here: https://www.quietparks.org/

Hearing loss is a permanent condition that can’t be undone. That’s why hearing protection should be your new best friend.

You’re rushing through the street and you pass a loud construction site. You notice that the workers are all wearing earmuffs – that’s because hearing protection is essential for those workers in order to avoid hearing loss or tinnitus.

There are two things that most commonly cause hearing loss: ageing and noise. Chances are that you won’t find the fountain of youth anytime soon, so there’s not much you can do about ageing (but when you do start to lose your hearing because of ageing, it’s a good idea to see a hearing care professional to improve your hearing). Noise, however – that’s where you can actually do something to avoid damaging your hearing.

Noise affects your hearing – but where’s the limit?

Every day you’re exposed to sound that qualifies as noise – even if you don’t really notice it. At school or work, in traffic, mowing your lawn – or even hearing the neighbour’s dog barking – that could be noise. It all depends on the volume, but that’s not so easy to predict.

A normal conversation is at 60 dB on average. A jet plane at take-off can reach as high as 140 dB. The trouble is when the sound that’s too loud goes on for a long time or happens repeatedly for a long time.

Many countries have enacted regulations about the noise limits that workers are allowed to be exposed to during a working day – to protect workers from getting any kind of hearing reduction or impairment because of the work environment. Usually the noise level cannot exceed 85 dB.

If you don’t work in a noisy environment, situations you should pay special attention to include going to concerts, watching fireworks that are close by, flying, or listening to music or podcasts with earphones at too high a volume.

What happens when noise affects my hearing?

The ear is a complex organ, full of important sensory cells that help us hear and help the brain interpret sound. If the sensory cells experience the sound as too loud, they may be damaged – or simply die. The problem is that there’s no way to revive them. And that may mean permanent hearing damage.

DID YOU KNOW?
Even the slightest, unnoticeable rise in decibels can have a huge effect on your hearing. A three-decibel rise in volume could double the risk of damage to your ears.

How do I protect my hearing?

Some of the time you can’t be prepared for noise – traffic or road work may surprise you. Other times, you’ll know that you’re going to take in a lot of noise. Like when you’re planning to go to a concert, getting ready for those New Year’s fireworks or going to mow the lawn. These are the times when you should take good care to protect your hearing.

Hearing protection comes in different forms, but, most of the time, simple earplugs will keep the damaging noise at bay. If your ears are sensitive to earplugs, you could try noise-cancelling headphones or earmuffs. They’re bigger, but they are also pretty comfortable. If possible, you should also consider taking breaks from all the action and choosing seats (in planes or at concerts) that are not too close to the noise.

Care to learn more?

Download our free ebooklet about noise and hearing now.