Showing posts with label Widex Compass. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Widex Compass. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
New Widex Fitting Tutorial Video, Using Compass Step By Step To Perform A Fitting.
This new video is one of a series that has been released in the last few days. We shall feature each one.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The Widex Clear 330 and Clear 330 Fusion
The mid range Widex Clear 330 platform is a strong instrument range with the new Clear processor and Widexlink technology and the inclusion of some of the renowned Widex strategies. The 330 platform is a full family from custom to BTE including the Passion and the new Fusion form factor.
At present we have available all of the BTE instruments and we hope to have the custom instruments within a few months. I shall of course keep you informed of our progress with this.
The instruments are ten channel instruments as opposed to the 15 available on the Clear 440. They retain several of the inter ear features available on the 440, such as IE Feedback Cancellation, IE Zen, program synchronisation and volume control.
The instruments, were applicable, have multi channel adaptive directionality with the HD Locator and also the digital Pinna. Whilst it lacks the extra localisation cues given by the IE Compression system, the HD Locator combined with the Digital Pinna will give front to back localisation cues. The HD Locator system is already a fantastic directionality system, combined with the new processor in the Clear platform it will excel even further.
The instruments will also have the Free Focus feature if paired with an M Dex. The noise reduction system supplied is the Speech Enhancer, the noise reduction system that was utilised in the Widex Mind 440.
The Speech Enhancer is still the only noise reduction system ever shown to effect signal to noise ratio without any assistance from directional strategies. That is several years after its release in the Mind 440.
Applied in tandem with the faster and more powerful processor available in the Clear platform the Speech Enhancer should be even more effective in dealing with real world complex sound situations than it currently is in the Mind 440.
The Widex Clear 330 also has the two Widex Cornerstone audiological strategies the Audibility Extender and Zen. The early feedback on the latest generation of Audibility Extender is extremely positive with experienced users of the strategy reporting that it is the best one yet.
The instruments will have 4 programmes + Zen and will also be able to utilise compound programs as with the 440. The Zen as mentioned before will be the new Inter Ear version. The 330 will have connectivity to the full Dex Range.
On the programming side, the Widex Clear 330 and 220 platforms can only be programmed and fine tuned with Compass 5.4. When connecting to the instruments it is imperative that you give it certain information. Particularly the acoustic properties and receiver selection if applicable. This information is vital for the efficacy of the instrument and can be input in the selection screen
the Widex Clear 330 platform has access to the expanded sensogram, giving you the ability to undertake the sensogram across 14 frequencies. My opinion would be that if you can, you should undertake the sensogram across the 14 frequencies, it will make a difference to you and your Patient. Your Patient will have an instrument as closely fit to their hearing loss as is possible and the pay off for you is reduced follow up and fine tunes. A win win for everyone I think.
In the Fine tuning sphere you also have access to the channels for fine tuning purposes. Again this feature was first introduced with the Clear 440 and it has been included for the 330 platform. the occlusion control feature has been included to assist with those difficult fits.
I think this touches on the main run down of the instruments, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Guide To Using The Audibility Extender Successfully
This is a guide explaining the use of the Widex cornerstone audiological strategy of Frequency Transposition. This feature is named The Audibility Extender
You may download the file here Guide To Using The Audibility
Friday, April 29, 2011
HOW TO USE THE TOOLS IN THE TOPTOOL BAR Widex Compass and programming Widex Hearing Instruments.
This quick guide describes how to use the tools in the Toptool bar in the Fine Tuning window in Compass.
You can download the file here he TopTool Bar
How to define the acoustic identity using a Double ear-tip
The document explains the defining process of acoustic identity in Widex hearing instruments. The definition of the acoustic identity is imperative for Widex Instruments as it will affect the gain profile.
Download the files here Double Dome
Monday, April 18, 2011
Relaxation, concentration and Zen
Relaxation, concentration and Zen
Widex has developed the Zen™ program – a harmonic sound program based on fractal technology.
Music’s ability to help people concentrate has been the focus of widespread research.
Generally researchers agree that music can affect the ability to perform specific tasks by masking unwanted and disturbing noise.
The positive emotional and psychological effects of music are also well documented in the literature, with most researchers agreeing that music can reduce stress, make people feel more relaxed, comfortable and less anxious.
Widex Zen
Inspired by this, Widex has developed the Zen™ program – a harmonic sound program based on fractal technology and offering a choice of soothing tones and chimes.
In the Widex Zen™ program, the music is based on fractal technology, which ensures that the music is rather predictable without repeating itself. The user has a choice of “musical tones” called Zen styles, and it is possible to further individualise these by adjusting the tempo and pitch of the styles.
Listen to the Zen styles
The Zen styles can be adjusted by the hearing healthcare professional via Widex fitting software Compass.
There is a user flyer for Zen and Tinnitus here Zen, When suffering from Tinnitus
Widex has released a working tool providing advice on how to counsel people suffering from tinnitus. Here you may also find advice on programming and fine-tuning Zen.
You may download the document here 12 Steps to Tinnitus Management
Monday, October 11, 2010
Clear 440 Launch
The Clear 440 platform was launched very successfully to the UK & Irish market last weekend at the AIHHP conference at the Cobham Hilton in Surrey. The platform was well received by all who attended, with particular interest paid to the interear features and strategies and also the wireless connectivity.
We have launched initially the RIC format and BTEs and towards the end of the year, perhaps early next year ‘in the ear’ versions will be released. The general feeling was that the connectivity options look really elegant . Initially there will be options to stream wirelessly from TV and audio sources (TV-Dex) with no discernable time lapse or lip sync issues, the mobile phone streaming option (M-Dex) will follow very shortly. The new remote control option for the Clear 440 (RC-Dex) is very stylish, simple and intuitive.
Features in the Widex Clear 440 include Binaural Synchronisation, the new Widex range of hearing aids will ‘talk’ to each other in binaural fittings, this will lead to better localisation, speech enhancement and improvements in hearing speech in noise. Another benefit is great feedback management and significantly improved directionality of sound.
Another couple of interesting features built into the new Clear 440 are an enhanced bandwidth , in fact the widest bandwidth currently available including enhanced low frequencies down to 70Hz, good for full appreciation of music. Also FreeFocus, allowing a Patient to hear in selected directions without turning their head.
We will begin to post educational posts pertaining to the Clear platform, features, strategies and fitting on the blog shortly.
We have launched initially the RIC format and BTEs and towards the end of the year, perhaps early next year ‘in the ear’ versions will be released. The general feeling was that the connectivity options look really elegant . Initially there will be options to stream wirelessly from TV and audio sources (TV-Dex) with no discernable time lapse or lip sync issues, the mobile phone streaming option (M-Dex) will follow very shortly. The new remote control option for the Clear 440 (RC-Dex) is very stylish, simple and intuitive.
Features in the Widex Clear 440 include Binaural Synchronisation, the new Widex range of hearing aids will ‘talk’ to each other in binaural fittings, this will lead to better localisation, speech enhancement and improvements in hearing speech in noise. Another benefit is great feedback management and significantly improved directionality of sound.
Another couple of interesting features built into the new Clear 440 are an enhanced bandwidth , in fact the widest bandwidth currently available including enhanced low frequencies down to 70Hz, good for full appreciation of music. Also FreeFocus, allowing a Patient to hear in selected directions without turning their head.
We will begin to post educational posts pertaining to the Clear platform, features, strategies and fitting on the blog shortly.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Using the Program manager in mind440 fittings
This bulletin describes how to use the Program manager in mind440 fittings using Compass V4.5. The descriptions refer to the Program manager in the Fine tuning window. You access the Program manager from the Toptool bar. Please refer to Compass in order to see the details of the screen. Remember that Compass offers several help functions to explain the different options in the program: Tooltips, Solution guide, Using this window panels and the help manual.
The mind440 hearing aid is, by default, a one program hearing aid, with a Master program designed to provide the best possible overall performance in all environments with all adaptive features working together to optimise audibility, intelligibility and comfort. However, some hearing aid users encounter environments in which they may wish the hearing aid to operate with a different focus. For this purpose, mind440 features a range of additional listening programs that can be selected initially during the fitting procedure, or later on during follow-up.In the Fine tuning window, the Program Manager is accessible from the Toptool bar. The Program manager allows you to select, copy and delete listening programs, as well as to change the order of the programs. The Program manager offers a selection of different program templates that may serve as inspiration in the hearing aid fitting process.
Using the Program manager
To add a program, select the desired program name in the program list and select the add arrow button or double click on the selected program. Whenever you point to or select a program, an illustration or a short explanation of it is displayed on the screen. Click the button in the lower right hand corner to shift between illustration and explanation. The Program manager allows you to select more than one program of the same type either by selecting two identical programs from the program list or by using the copy button in the program item you want to copy. Selecting identical programs from the program list gives you programs with default
settings, while a copy will include any fine tuning performed in the original program. You can change the program order by pressing the arrow buttons in the program item in the Program manager.
Press the delete (trash can) button for a program item you want to delete. Note that the original Master program can never be deleted. Before you delete a program, it can often be useful to save your fitting in the NOAH database using the save button in the Toolbar. This will allow you to re-establish the deleted program including any fine tuning you may have performed. In binaural fittings you will typically have identical programs in the two hearing aids. It is possible to have a different number and different types of programs in the two hearing aids. Press the appropriate binaural adjustment icon, which allows you to select programs individually for the two hearing aids. Be aware, though, that such a choice requires extra careful counselling of the user. We strongly recommend that the number of listening programs in binaural fittings is identical to avoid any confusion. You should also be aware that two hearing aids cannot be operated with the same remote control unless the number of programs in the hearing aids is identical.
Program types
The Program manager offers a selection of listening programs. A maximum of five programs can be selected in the basic Program manager. Additionally the SmartToggle feature can be added. Note that the number and type of listening programs should always be selected based on an analysis of your client’s auditory needs as well as his/her ability to understand and manipulate the program button or remote control.
Depending on the Direct Audio Input system you use, the M-DAI and DAI programs may be placed at program location 1 and 2. You must use the DAI Manager to set up the DAI system correctly for the equipment you use.
Please be aware that telecoil programs are not available for CIC hearing aids, m models and for ITE instruments without a telecoil.
Master
Provides the best possible overall performance in all environments. All adaptive features work together to optimise audibility, intelligibility and comfort. The default settings in this template are:
Gain/compression characteristic optimised for audibility, intelligibility and comfort
Microphone mode is set to Hd Locator with Speech Tracer (Hd Locator omni for CIC)
Speech and noise mode is set to Speech Enhancer
Feedback cancelling mode is set to SuperGain
Audibility Extender
Provides audibility for high-frequency sounds by means of frequency transposition. This is a program template for users with little or no hearing in the high frequencies. The default settings in this template are:
Linear transposition of high frequency sounds. The start band frequency is defined by the Sensogram configuration.
Microphone mode is set to Hd Locator with Speech Tracer (Hd Locator omni for CIC)
Speech and noise mode is set to Widex classic noise reduction
Feedback cancelling mode is set to Off
Zen
A program playing soothing and relaxing tones by means of fractal technology. The tones are randomly generated, meaning that the tone sequences are never repeated. The Zen style to be played in the Zen program can be selected amongst five different Zen styles. In the default setting the Zen tones are played linked to the Master program. Therefore the acoustic settings are the same in both the Zen and Master programs. The default settings in this template are:
Gain/compression characteristic optimised for audibility, intelligibility and comfort
Microphone mode is set to Hd Locator with Speech Tracer (Hd Locator omni for CIC)
Speech and noise mode is set to Speech Enhancer
Feedback cancelling mode is set to SuperGain
Music
Focuses on optimum reproduction of music, whether it is performed live or played from stereo or surround systems. The program emphasises low frequencies. The default settings in this template are:
Gain/compression characteristic optimised for music (low frequency emphasis)
Microphone mode is set to Hd Locator omni
Speech and noise mode is set to Off
Feedback cancelling mode is set to SuperGain music
TV
Focuses on optimum reproduction of sound from television sets. TV and radio signals are very different from normal acoustic signals produced in the environment, as they have already been processed (compressed). The TV program takes this into account in its compression characteristic. The program attenuates low frequencies and emphasises high frequencies. The default settings in this template are:
Gain/compression characteristic optimised for TV sound
Microphone mode is set to Hd Locator with Speech Tracer (Hd Locator omni for CIC)
Speech and noise mode is set to Speech Enhancer
Feedback cancelling mode is set to SuperGain music
Comfort
Focuses on optimum comfort in noisy environments as well as in quiet environments. The default settings in this template are:
Gain/compression characteristic optimised for comfort (higher knee-point for soft input levels)
Microphone mode is set to Hd Locator with Speech Tracer (Hd Locator omni for CIC)
Speech and noise mode is set to Widex classic noise reduction comfort
Feedback cancelling mode is set to SuperGain
Acclimatisation
This template is designed for the first-time user who needs an alternative setting during the acclimatisation period. It is sometimes an advantage to reduce gain a little, so that the new sound picture does not cause any discomfort. The gain can then be gradually increased over four acclimatisation stages. The default settings in this template are:
Gain/compression characteristic optimised for first-time users (reduced gain for all input levels (especially in the high frequencies) compared to the Master program)
Microphone mode is set to Hd Locator with Speech Tracer (Hd Locator omni for CIC)
Speech and noise mode is set to Speech Enhancer
Feedback cancelling mode is set to SuperGain
MT
An acoustic program combined with the input from the telecoil. Not available for the m model, CIC and ITE without telecoil. The default settings in this template are:
Gain/compression characteristic set as the Master program
Microphone mode is set to Hd Locator omni
Speech and noise mode is set to Speech Enhancer
Feedback cancelling mode is set to SuperGain
T
Focuses on the input from the telecoil. Not available for the m model, CIC aids and ITE aids without telecoil.
The default settings in this template are:
Gain/compression characteristic set as in the Master program
Speech and noise mode is set to Speech Enhancer
SmartToggle
This feature gives you access to the Zen+ program and is activated by means of a long press on the program up button on the remote control or on the hearing aid program button. A new long key press brings you back to the Master program
The Zen+ program.
The Zen+ program accessed via the SmartToggle feature can contain three different Zen styles. The Zen tones are by default played with the microphone active and linked to the Master program. In Settings, the microphone can be deactivated for each of the Zen styles individually to listen to Zen tones only. Once the SmartToggle feature has been activated, you can use short key presses to toggle between the three different Zen styles. 
View program access
The view program access function allows you to view the number of programs available in the Program manager for the following conditions: Without remote control (RC), with RC4-1 and with RC4-2. 
The View program access function lets you know the number of programs available in the Program manager
How to demonstrate the different listening programs
Note that the purpose of the Program manager is to select a program combination - not to demonstrate the programs. When the Program manager is open, the Master program will be active in the hearing aid. Once you have closed the Program manager, you can shift between the selected programs using the Program starter, which allows the user to listen to the differences in sound processing.
Changing the feature settings in mind440 fittings using Compass V4.5 and above
This bulletin describes the features you can change and how to do it using Compass V4.5 and above. The descriptions refer to the feature setting options in the Fine Tuning section. The feature setting may be changed for the microphone mode, the speech and noise mode and the feedback cancelling mode. Please refer to Compass in order to see the details of the screen. Remember that Compass offers several help functions to explain the different options in the program: Tooltips, Solution guide, Using this window panels and the help manual.
The feature settings may be changed individually for each of the listening programs in mind440. Such changes are easily made in the Feature settings panel in the Fine tuning section in Compass. In this panel you can change the mode in which the microphone works, the mode in which speech and noise is handled in the hearing aid and the mode in which acoustic feedback is handled in the hearing aid. 
Microphone mode
The Microphone mode can be set to one of three settings: The default setting in the Master program is Hd Locator with Speech Tracer. The High definition Locator is a 15-channel fully adaptive directional microphone system that exploits frequency-specific information about the listening environment to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. The Speech Tracer ensures full audibility of single speakers in relatively quiet rooms, regardless of the intensity level and the azimuth of the speaker. The other two options are Hd Locator dir (fixed directional characteristic) and Hd Locator omni (fixed omnidirectional characteristic). We recommend that these two modes are primarily used for demonstration purposes. 
Speech and noise mode
The Speech and noise mode can be set to one of six settings. The default setting in the Master program is Speech Enhancer. This is a signal processing scheme that utilises information about the individual hearing loss along with current information on the spectrum of the speaker and the noise source to optimise intelligibility according to the Speech Intelligibility Index (SII). You can also select
a classic Widex noise reduction scheme, Noise reduction, in the drop-down list. This would be an option for clients who have previous successful experience with Widex hearing aids and our classic approach to noise reduction. These two settings are supplemented by a less and a more active version, Noise reduction minimal and Noise reduction enhanced, and a version with special focus on listening
comfort in all types and degrees of background noise, Noise reduction comfort. Finally you can choose to deactivate the Speech and noise mode altogether using the setting Off. 
Feedback cancelling modes 
The mind440 Multidirectional active feedback cancelling feature integrates knowledge of the acoustic properties of the hearing aid in the ear with directional sensitivity for each of the 15 frequency channels in mind440. Its mode of operation can be set to one of four settings. The default setting of the Feedback cancelling mode in the Master program is SuperGain, meaning that the hearing aid gives as much gain as possible without the risk of whistling. You can use the drop-down list to change the setting to SuperGain music, especially designed for listening to music, or to SuperGain max, designed to give as much gain as possible, even if you risk that the hearing aid occasionally whistles. You also have the option to turn the feedback cancelling system off altogether, in which case an extra adjustment parameter will appear. This parameter allows you to adjust the static max gain limit across frequencies in case of whistling. Deactivating the Multi-directional feedback cancelling feature is only recommended in fittings with considerable headroom in the maximum available gain without feedback. Otherwise recurring acoustic feedback may be a considerable problem for your client.
PDF Copy of the bulletin for download Changing feature settings
Friday, October 1, 2010
The Audibility Extender and how to individualise it
This bulletin describes the Audibility Extender program, the default settings in Compass, how to fine tune the Audibility Extender program as well as how to individualise it. The descriptions in this bulletin refer to the Graphics panel and the Audibility Extender settings panel in the Fine tuning window of the program in Compass. Please refer to Compass in order to see the details of the screen. References will be found in the final section.
The Audibility Extender program uses linear frequency transposition and is developed for clients with little or no hearing in the high frequency area. Compass uses Sensogram data to set the start frequency of the transposed signals where normal aided speech cannot be made audible by normal amplification. The frequency range of the transposed signals is, by default, set to three frequency bands.
In the Fine tuning window in Compass you can see how the start frequency is automatically set, based on the Sensogram.
In the Fine tuning window, you can fine tune the Audibility Extender program. The elements that can be changed are:
The start frequency o • f the transposed signal
• The loudness of the transposed signal
• The frequency range of the transposed signal (Basic or Expanded)
Proper fine tuning ensures that the client is able to detect and discriminate relevant sounds. If a client
fitted with the Audibility Extender in the default setting has not benefitted from the program after a period of acclimatisation, it is recommendable to fine tune the start frequency and the Audibility Extender gain. One way to find the optimal setting is to make sure that the hearing aid user can hear the/s/ sound at normal speech level (approx. 30 dB HL). The energy of the /s/ sound lies in the range between 4 KHz and 6 KHz and is of great importance in speech understanding in many languages. It should therefore be in the transposed signal and be audible with the appropriate settings.
A simple method, based on this, is described below:
For clients who cannot hear the /s/ sound even at lowest start frequency, use the /sh/ sound (the energy
of this sound lies in the range from 2 KHz to 4 KHz). Be aware that it will normally take some time for the client to get used to the new sound. Several clinical trials have shown that benefit of the Audibility Extender improves over time (Kuk et al. 2008)
Who are candidates for the Audibility Extender?
Candidates for the Audibility Extender are both children and adults with an unaidable high frequency hearing loss. Clients who have hearing loss that is greater than 70 dB at and above the start frequency can often benefit from the Audibility Extender.
Verified fitting range for the Audibility Extender. From Kuk et al 2008
Is fine tuning always necessary?
If the client is satisfied with the Audibility Extender in the default setting, fine tuning is not necessary. If the client cannot get used to the sound in the Audibility Extender program after an acclimatisation period, fine tuning is necessary.
How long is the acclimatisation period in general?
Studies indicate that clients still improve in a speech discrimination test 6 weeks after being fitted with the Audibility Extender (Auriemmo et al 2008, Kuk et al 2007).
Can I make an objective evaluation of the settings of the Audibility Extender?
It is possible to make an objective evaluation of the settings in the Audibility Extender program by using SoundTracker: Say the /s/ sound and look at the bars of the transposed signals in SoundTracker. If the bars of the transposed signals exceed the thresholds, the sound should be audible. This is also a method that can be used if the client cannot provide a verbal response.
Auriemmo, J., Kuk, K., & Stenger, P. (2008). Criteria for evaluating the performance of linear frequency
transposition in children. Hearing Journal, 61(4), 50, 51-54
Auriemmo, J., Thiele, N., Marshall, S., Quick, D., Pikora, M., & Strenger, P. (2008). Effect of linear
frequency transposition in school-aged children. AAA. American Academy of Audiology 2008, 1
Kuk, F, Keenan, D., Peeters, H., Korhonen, P., & Auriemmo, J. (2008). 12 Lessons learned about linear
frequency transposition. Hearing Review, 15(12), 32, 34, 36-38, 40-41
Kuk, F. (2007). Critical factors in ensuring efficacy of frequency transposition. Part 1: Individualizing
the start frequency. Hearing Review, 14(3), 60, 62-64, 66
Kuk, F., Keenan, D., Peeters, H., Lau, C., & Crose, B. (2007). Critical factors in ensuring efficacy of
frequency transposition part 2: Facilitating initial adjustment. Hearing Review, 14(4), 90, 92, 95-96.
Kuk, F., Korhonen, P., Peeters, H., Keenan, D., Jessen, A., & Andersen, H. (2006). Linear frequency
transposition: Extending the audibility of high-frequency information. Hearing Review, 13(11), 42,
44-46, 48.
Audibility Extender default setting in Compass
The Audibility Extender program uses linear frequency transposition and is developed for clients with little or no hearing in the high frequency area. Compass uses Sensogram data to set the start frequency of the transposed signals where normal aided speech cannot be made audible by normal amplification. The frequency range of the transposed signals is, by default, set to three frequency bands.
In the Fine tuning window in Compass you can see how the start frequency is automatically set, based on the Sensogram.
Fine tuning the Audibility Extender program
In the Fine tuning window, you can fine tune the Audibility Extender program. The elements that can be changed are:
The start frequency o • f the transposed signal
• The loudness of the transposed signal
• The frequency range of the transposed signal (Basic or Expanded)
Individualising the Audibility Extender program
Proper fine tuning ensures that the client is able to detect and discriminate relevant sounds. If a client
fitted with the Audibility Extender in the default setting has not benefitted from the program after a period of acclimatisation, it is recommendable to fine tune the start frequency and the Audibility Extender gain. One way to find the optimal setting is to make sure that the hearing aid user can hear the/s/ sound at normal speech level (approx. 30 dB HL). The energy of the /s/ sound lies in the range between 4 KHz and 6 KHz and is of great importance in speech understanding in many languages. It should therefore be in the transposed signal and be audible with the appropriate settings.
A simple method, based on this, is described below:
- Increase The start frequency three steps
- Check the audibility of the /s/. If audible end, if not audible proceed
- Adjust AE gain in steps
- Check the audibility of the /s/ after each step. If audible end, if not audible proceed
- Lower start frequency one step (reset AE gain to 0
- Repeat from step 2
For clients who cannot hear the /s/ sound even at lowest start frequency, use the /sh/ sound (the energy
of this sound lies in the range from 2 KHz to 4 KHz). Be aware that it will normally take some time for the client to get used to the new sound. Several clinical trials have shown that benefit of the Audibility Extender improves over time (Kuk et al. 2008)
Frequently asked questions:
Who are candidates for the Audibility Extender?
Candidates for the Audibility Extender are both children and adults with an unaidable high frequency hearing loss. Clients who have hearing loss that is greater than 70 dB at and above the start frequency can often benefit from the Audibility Extender.
Verified fitting range for the Audibility Extender. From Kuk et al 2008Is fine tuning always necessary?
If the client is satisfied with the Audibility Extender in the default setting, fine tuning is not necessary. If the client cannot get used to the sound in the Audibility Extender program after an acclimatisation period, fine tuning is necessary.
How long is the acclimatisation period in general?
Studies indicate that clients still improve in a speech discrimination test 6 weeks after being fitted with the Audibility Extender (Auriemmo et al 2008, Kuk et al 2007).
Can I make an objective evaluation of the settings of the Audibility Extender?
It is possible to make an objective evaluation of the settings in the Audibility Extender program by using SoundTracker: Say the /s/ sound and look at the bars of the transposed signals in SoundTracker. If the bars of the transposed signals exceed the thresholds, the sound should be audible. This is also a method that can be used if the client cannot provide a verbal response.
References and other relevant literature
Auriemmo, J., Kuk, K., & Stenger, P. (2008). Criteria for evaluating the performance of linear frequency
transposition in children. Hearing Journal, 61(4), 50, 51-54
Auriemmo, J., Thiele, N., Marshall, S., Quick, D., Pikora, M., & Strenger, P. (2008). Effect of linear
frequency transposition in school-aged children. AAA. American Academy of Audiology 2008, 1
Kuk, F, Keenan, D., Peeters, H., Korhonen, P., & Auriemmo, J. (2008). 12 Lessons learned about linear
frequency transposition. Hearing Review, 15(12), 32, 34, 36-38, 40-41
Kuk, F. (2007). Critical factors in ensuring efficacy of frequency transposition. Part 1: Individualizing
the start frequency. Hearing Review, 14(3), 60, 62-64, 66
Kuk, F., Keenan, D., Peeters, H., Lau, C., & Crose, B. (2007). Critical factors in ensuring efficacy of
frequency transposition part 2: Facilitating initial adjustment. Hearing Review, 14(4), 90, 92, 95-96.
Kuk, F., Korhonen, P., Peeters, H., Keenan, D., Jessen, A., & Andersen, H. (2006). Linear frequency
transposition: Extending the audibility of high-frequency information. Hearing Review, 13(11), 42,
44-46, 48.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Fitting mind330
Fitting mind330
mind330 is a mid-range product in the mind™ product family. It contains a number of the features
included in our top-range product mind440, and the fitting bulletins for mind440 apply to mind330
in most cases. However, not all features included in mind440 are available in mind330.
This bulletin outlines the most important differences between the mind330 and mind440 series and
describes the areas where the fitting of mind330 products differs from the fitting of mind440 products.
A few changes which will apply to the entire product range in the mind family with the introduction
of Compass V4.7 are also mentioned. The most important differences between the features included in the mind330 and the mind440 series are summarised in the table below:
| Features which differ in the mind440 and mind330 series |
| Mind 440 | Mind 330 |
| 15 channels and 15 bands 15 channels regulate compression during processing The frequency range is divided into 15 bands | 10 channels and 10 bands 10 channels regulate compression during processing The frequency range is divided into 10 bands |
| Speech Enhancer In the new and improved system, speech perception in noisy environments is optimised even further by combining statistical analyses with information on the client’s individual hearing loss. | Noise reduction The Classic noise reduction system continuously analyses incoming sound statistically in order to distinguish between speech and background noise and minimise the effect of noise. |
| 5 listening programs can be included 5 different programs can be added to the hearing aid from a selection of listening programs. | 4 listening programs can be included 4 different programs can be added to the hearing aid from a selection of listening programs. |
| Zen fractal generator The Zen program with a choice of relaxing tones and chimes is available | – The Zen/Zen+ programs are not available in the mind330 series |
The practical implications of the different features in mind330 and mind440 for the fitting process are
described in more detail on the next page.
The Fitting section
In the mind330 series, signal processing takes place in 10 channels, and the frequency range is divided
into 10 bands during analysis. Accordingly, during the feedback test the maximum available gain is displayed across 10 channels, and the noise level panel shows 10 bars.
Maximum available gain is shown across 10 channels. Noise level is displayed across 10 bars.
In-situ thresholds are measured in either 4 bands (Basic Sensogram) or up to 14 bands (Expanded
Sensogram). Because Sensogram measuring bands are independent of the hearing aid’s signal
processing channels, even a 10 channel device such as mind330 can utilise the expanded Sensogram
option to obtain detailed information on the hearing loss configuration across frequencies to ensure
the best possible basis for calculating the gain and compression characteristics.
The Expanded Sensogram can contain up to 14 bands because Sensogram measuring bands are independent of the signal processing channels.
In the Program selection window, four basic listening programs can be enabled for hearing aids in the
mind330 series.
mind330 hearing aids can contain four basic listening programs. The Master program is the only obligatory program. The other programs can be added from the list according to the client’s needs and wishes.
The Fine tuning section
Fine tuning the Master program
The four SoundTracker views, which show the real-time performance of the hearing aid in the current
environment from different perspectives, are shown across 10 channels when a mind330 hearing aid
is being fitted. Similarly, the feedback cancelling system is active in 10 channels in the mind330 series.
The default feedback cancelling mode SuperGain is shown in the example below.
The Loudness master handle allows you to adjust gain for all input levels simultaneously, or for the
low, mid or high frequencies separately as in the example below. 
feedback cancelling mode is SuperGain.
Fine tuning the Audibility Extender
When fine tuning the Audibility Extender in a mind330 hearing aid, the start frequency is automatically
set to 2,000 or 4,000 Hz on the basis of the configuration of the Sensogram. You can change the
start frequency if necessary by selecting the desired frequency from the drop-down list. 
The MPO manager
With the introduction of Compass V4.7, band-specific adjustment of the Maximum Power Output
settings of the four basic frequency bands becomes possible for mind440 and mind330 products. The
introduction of band-specific output adjustment in the MPO lock means that the maximum output
can be increased or decreased in a specific frequency region without affecting the other regions. A
typical situation where this can be useful is when your client has a highly restricted dynamic range
accompanied by a high intolerance to loud sounds in a particular frequency region owing to, for example,
a steep hearing loss in the high-frequency region. 
The Solution guide
From version 4.7 of Compass, we introduce pictograms in the Solution guide to provide a better
overall view of where changes will apply. Specifically, pictograms are displayed for all those programs
which will be affected by the adjustments when implemented.
If you use the Global solution guide to deal with the general performance of the hearing aid, the Master
program and any additional listening programs which are linked with the Master program will be
affected by your adjustments. Pictograms representing the Master program and the programs which
are linked to it will be displayed to remind you that your changes will affect all the programs unless
you choose to unlink some of them from the Master program. 
influenced by the adjustments made via the Global solution guide.
If you use the Program specific solution guide to solve user complaints related to a specific program
other than the Master program, only one pictogram representing that program will typically be displayed
to highlight the fact that the adjustments will apply to that program only. However, the telecoil
program and the microphone and telecoil program may be linked to other programs than the Master
program. In such cases, a pictogram representing the T or the TM program will also be visible to
remind you that your changes will apply to that program also. 
The T and TM programs may be linked to other programs than the Master program. In the example, the TM program
is linked to the TV program and will be affected by whatever changes are made to the TV program
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Fitting m-models with Compass
Audiological Bulletin no. 27
9 502 1036 001 – A 11 07
News from Audiological Research and Communication
This bulletin describes the four main steps in fitting m-models with Compass V4. The descriptions refer to the options in the Selection and Fitting sections in Compass, including change of the acoustic identity of the m-models and the Preconditions, Sensogram, Feedback test and Program manager windows. Please refer to compass in order to see the details of the screen. Remember that Compass offers several help functions to explain the different options in the program: Tooltips, Using this window panels and the help manual. The m models follow the fine tuning procedure of their respective product family. For detailed information about the fine tuning please refer to the specific bulletins for the respective family.
Selection
In the Selection section, you can select the acoustic identity of an m-model. For the m-models you have a choice of four different acoustic identities: élan open, élan flex, Classic open and Classic flex. Please observe that each of the models has its own fitting range. After selecting the right model for your client, you go on to the Fitting section by selecting Fitting in the menu in the left side of the window. The easiest way of fitting m-models is by following the Fitting wizard. You could also proceed by connecting the m-model using the connect icon in the Toptool bar.
On-line communication
After selecting the appropriate hearing aid model, you must establish contact with the hearing aid. On-line communication is available in binaural, right or left mode. You can also choose simulated mode if no hearing aid is attached via the computer. Based on the client data, Compass will make a choice as default.
Define starting point
The Fitting wizard will automatically guide you through the essential steps of the fitting of m-models. If you prefer to do the fitting without the guidance of the Fitting wizard, you may do so by going to Fitting status. 
Acoustic identity
You may tailor the acoustic identity of the m-model in the On-line communication window. Use the radio buttons in the acoustic identity section to adjust your choice. You have the choice between élan open, élan flex, Classic open, Classic flex. If you change the acoustic identity, Compass will configure the hearing aid to the new acoustic identity. The configuration can take up to several minutes depending on the programming interface you use. It is very important to make sure that the acoustic identity of the hearing aid is identical to the physical setup of the hearing aid.
The first fitting step - Preconditions
After you have established contact with the hearing aids, you proceed to fitting. Here the first step is to define the fitting preconditions. Most of the parameters in the Preconditions window have been pre-set based on the age and audiogram data stored in NOAH/InfoTrack, but if desired, they can be changed. The choices in the Preconditions window will depend on the selected acoustic identity of the hearing aid.
Fitting type
If you have connected two hearing aids, Compass will automatically select the binaural rationale. If only one hearing aid is connected, the monaural rationale will be selected. The latter will result in a slight increase in amplification to compensate for the loss of binaural summation.
Age group
The age group is automatically pre-set based on the age information stored in NOAH or InfoTrack. if an age younger than five years is selected, the paediatric rationale will be used to ensure that the smaller ear canal in young children is taken into account in the fitting. An extra step will be added to the Fitting wizard, allowing you to indicate audiogram transducer information.
Hearing loss nature
The type of hearing loss (Sensorineural or Conductive/Mixed) is automatically selected based on the audiogram information stored in NOAH/InfoTrack. If a conductive/mixed hearing loss is indicated, the rationale will automatically compensate for the conductive component with less compression and more gain.
Assessment of in-situ acoustics
For the nearly all the modern models, you can choose how the assessment of in-situ acoustics (AISA) should affect the fitting. Assessment of in-situ acoustics is not available for the FL-m models. For most m models, you can choose between three different approaches:
Include in-situ vent compensation in fitting uses the results of the AISA estimated vent effect for gain
compensation in the fitting, all reflected and displayed in the performance graphics. The Sensogram is displayed as an AISA Sensogram in the SoundTracker and Speech spectra views (in-situ vent effect is included). The gain and output graphics include the in-situ vent effect and gain compensation, as
well as the effect of the vent-transmitted sound path.
Display assessment results only displays the results of the AISA estimated vent effect. No compensation
is applied in the fitting. The gain and output graphics include the in-situ vent effect and the effect of the vent-transmitted sound path.
Ignore AISA (off) neither displays nor compensates for the vent effect. All performance graphics and gain settings in the hearing aid assume a completely unvented shell/earmould (0 mm).
RECD
The real-ear-to-coupler difference indicates how much the individual ear canal acoustics differ from the acoustics of a standard 2cc coupler. These values are used in the calculation of gain to ensure the right amount of amplification at the eardrum. Since m-models are fitted using in-situ audiometric measurements (the Sensogram), the individual differences in ear canal size are, to a large extent, taken into account. However, if desired, you can choose to include individually measured RECD values in the fitting. If you select this option, two extra steps will be included in the Fitting wizard, allowing you to indicate data from the RECD measurements.
Acoustic identity
If you are working with hearing aids that can be defined with different acoustic identities, this field shows the selection you have made. You cannot change the acoustic identity from the Preconditions window, but you can register the ear-set that your client uses. If you want to change the acoustic identity, you must go back to the Selection window.
Ear-set tubing
This option provides a drop-down list where you can identify the exact tube length that your client is fitted with. This option is available for fittings with the élan tube. You can choose between the different tube lengths from 1-5.
Ear-set tip
This option provides a drop-down list where you can identify the exact ear-tip size that your client is fitted with. This option is available for fittings with the élan tube. You can choose between four different ear-tip sizes and a Custom ear-tip.
Vent diameter
This option provides a drop-down list where you can select the appropriate vent size for a given fitting. An
asterisk (*) next to one of the diameters indicates that this is the vent size recommended by Widex for the
particular hearing loss. The fitting rationale will automatically compensate for the impact of the vent in the
fitting. This ensures that the output of the hearing aid at the eardrum is always the output prescribed by the
fitting rationale. The default setting of the vent size is “Undefined”. Please be aware that the vent size dropdown list will differ significantly depending on the selected ear-tip. Due to large vent length differences
between the Custom ear-tip and the Classic earmould and the impact of the vent length on the in-situ vent
effect, Compass offers two distinct parameter sets for these two types of solutions.
The second fitting step – the Sensogram
The second step in the Fitting wizard is the Sensogram. The Sensogram is an in-situ audiometric measurement in which the user’s hearing thresholds are measured through the hearing aid. Place the cursor in one of the value fields, click once and use the arrows to set the level of the test tone. Press the Tone button to activate the tone. You can also use the arrow keys on your keyboard to set the level and the space bar to activate the test tone. Once the thresholds in the four basic bands (500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz) have been measured, you can also measure one or more of the intermediate bands by choosing the Expanded Sensogram option. If the earmould or shell is fitted with a vent, it can be particularly useful to measure the thresholds below 500 Hz, as this will enhance the precision of the vent effect compensation using the AISA strategy. If you are fitting an In-m you have the option to perform the expanded Sensogram. For AK-m you can measure the extra Sensogram threshold at 250 Hz for more precision in the lower frequency area.
The third fitting step – Enhanced feedback test
The third step in the Fitting wizard is the Enhanced feedback test, which serves to initialise the active
feedback cancelling feature in In-m and AK-m models. This system ensures that more gain (Super- Gain) can be provided for the individual fitting without increasing the risk of feedback. If the available gain (measured gain limit + SuperGain) is sufficient to amplify normal conversational speech as prescribed by the rationale, an “OK” will be displayed in the Test result value field. If not, “***” will be displayed, indicating that the feedback test is not OK, either because the physical fit of the hearing aid/earmould is not acceptable, or because background noise interfered with the measurement. You should not proceed with the fitting until you have an accepted feedback test indicated by “OK”. The enhanced feedback test is also used to estimate the in-situ acoustics of the hearing aid fitting. This is expressed as the in-situ vent effect in the Feedback test window. The in-situ vent effect is shown as the vent size needed in an average ear with an average earmould to give a vent effect similar to the one measured on this individual ear. Once measured, the in-situ vent effect replaces the physical vent size selected in the Preconditions window to ensure an even more precise compensation for the loss of amplification associated with ventilation in and leakage around the earmould.
For FL-m the feedback test differs from In-m and AK-m in the following points. The maximum gain
before feedback is measured and the settings in the Flash feedback system are defined by the feedback
test. If the available gain is sufficient to amplify normal conversational speech as prescribed by the
Flash rationale, an “OK” will be displayed in the Test result value field. If not, “***” will be displayed,
indicating that the feedback test is not OK, either because the physical fit of the hearing aid/earmould
is not acceptable, or because background noise interfered with the measurement. You should not
proceed with the fitting until you have an accepted feedback test indicated by “OK”.
The fourth fitting step – the Program manager
The fourth and last step in the Fitting wizard is the Program manager. Here you are allowed to select
the number and types of programs you wish to enable in the hearing aids. You have now concluded a
successful fitting with the m-model and you can proceed to Sound Explorer to evaluate the fitting.
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