Widex Announces New Widex SmartRIC Hearing Aid that Redefines Device Design for Improved Audiological Performance

The Widex SmartRIC hearing aid features a groundbreaking L-shaped design that places the microphones at an improved angle to enhance directionality and better align with the wearer’s focus   Furthering its goal of delivering perfection of natural sound, Widex today launched the Widex SmartRIC, a device that introduces new angles of natural hearing through an innovative L-shaped design that improves microphone angles to enhance directionality and speech targeting.   Improved angle for better focus  According to Widex Vice President of Brand Claudia Schiffhauer, the new SmartRIC is a reflection of Widex’ commitment to audiological excellence. By placing the microphones at an improved angle, the device lets wearers experience the voices and sounds they want to hear, helping them enjoy more of the world around them.   Claudia Schiffhauer said: “Elevated on the ear and engineered for improved microphone angles, Widex SmartRIC directs focus where it is needed most. It homes in on what truly matters in any sound environment. By rethinking the way sound is captured in a hearing aid, we’re helping wearers enjoy an active life, a life where they feel more connected to natural sound in any situation.” By placing the SmartRIC higher up on the ear, the angle between the device’s two microphones becomes closer to horizontal. This enables the directional microphone to align with what wearers are focusing on, resulting in an improved signal-to-noise ratio in noisy environments. This enhancement is designed to help wearers engage in social situations and live their lives more fully.  Also, while Widex believes that in most situations natural sound is better than aggressive processing, it does apply directionality and noise reduction in specific noisy situations where wearers need support. SmartRIC’s optimized microphone angles enhance the applied directionality in relevant environments.   In addition to the L-shaped angle, Widex has made several other design choices to craft a dependable and convenient solution that lets wearers enjoy the freedom of not having to think about their hearing aids when they are on the go.   On the go with more than one week off the grid  Widex SmartRIC features newly designed microphone inlets that effectively reduce wind and touch noise to make challenging situations more comfortable. Plus, SmartRIC is the company’s longest-lasting rechargeable RIC hearing aid, providing up to 37 hours on a single charge.   In addition, wearers on the move will benefit from the included fast-charging case — Widex’ first-ever portable charging solution. The sleek, compact case can fully charge the hearing aids in four hours, or add eight hours of continuous use through a 30-minute fast charge. The case offers five full charges and fits right into a pocket or small bag, empowering wearers with hassle-free charging more than one week off the grid, mobility, and peace of mind.   Widex SmartRIC builds on the strong audiological benefits of Widex’ unique technology, which includes Widex PureSound™ with ZeroDelay™. PureSound delivers the fastest sound processing in a digital hearing aid to eliminate artificial sound and let wearers enjoy preferred sound quality. Research also shows a more robust brain signal when delay is minimized.  The SmartRIC will be available for purchase in February 2024 in five premium color options, providing hearing care professionals and their patients with a powerful new tool for delivering the most natural sound experience.   To learn more about the new Widex SmartRIC, click here.