Hearing at the Speed of Life

Transcription

1 Hearing at the Speed of Life

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3 Velocity Their Lifestyle; Your Solution One thing every patient has in common? They are all unique each has different interests, needs, and lifestyles. How do you help each patient? With a unique solution Velocity, from Sonic Innovations. Velocity provides solutions specifically designed to meet each patient s individual lifestyle, budget, and hearing needs. Whether your patient is a busy executive or enjoys quiet time with family, you ll find a Velocity product that uniquely fits their lifestyle.

4 Why Velocity? Natural Sound Quality: Every Velocity product features Sonic Sound digital processing that provides exceptionally natural sound. Velocity products sound fantastic. Best Noise Reduction: Velocity s Noise Reduction goes beyond simply providing a comfortable listening experience and actually improves speech understanding in noise. Breakthrough Directional Performance: Velocity offers superior directional technologies to improve hearing in noisy situations. Velocity 24, Velocity 12, and Velocity 6 have additional automatic and adaptive directional options that provide hands-free operation in a wide variety of listening environments. A Solution for Everybody: Each Velocity product has been carefully designed to address different lifestyle and budget needs. I am now able to hear sounds and music I have not picked up for years using other hearing instruments. -Grant Boyd patient

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6 Sonic Sound To sound natural, mimic nature Sonic Sound mimics the behavior of the human cochlea by detecting the intensity of sound at individual frequencies. Amplification is then applied at each frequency based on the hearing loss. HINT in Noise (n=10) MEAN RTS (db SNR) Fixed Hypercardioid Unaided 0 ] -1 ] -2 ] -3 ] Velocity 4-4 ] -5 ] -6 ] Velocity ] -8 ] Velocity Velocity Young Normal hearing range Benefit at every level HINT performance measured for 10 hearing impaired volunteers at Sonic Innovations Center for Amplification and Hearing Research in Salt Lake City, Utah. The test was administered in a sound booth with four steady-state noise sources. Volunteers were fit binaural with hearing instruments appropriate for their hearing loss (ITC to BTE). Hearing In Noise Test (HINT) results for 10 Velocity test subjects. A lower score is better. Velocity 40 ] 37 ] db Gain 34 ] 31 ] 28 ] 25 ] 22 ] 19 ] 16 ] 13 ] 10 ] 7 ] 4 ] 1 ] -2 ] -5 ] Input (db SPL) 44 Sonic Sound adjusts the amplification based on the intensity of sound for an individual frequency A Closer Look at Sonic Sound For low-intensity background sounds for example, the rumbling of a refrigerator or hum of a fan the amount of amplification is decreased to prevent these sounds from becoming distracting. For sounds that are at the level of soft speech, Sonic Sound applies maximum amplification based on the hearing loss. Amplifying these sounds is critical for the audibility of speech. As the intensity of sounds further increase above the level of soft speech, amplification is reduced to prevent loud sounds from becoming uncomfortably loud. For very loud sounds, Sonic Sound limits any amplification that could sound distorted.

7 Expansion Techniques for managing soft environmental noise Sonic Sound digital processing allows very precise control of low intensity sounds. By adjusting the Expansion settings in the EXPRESSfit Fitting System, you can control how much amplification these types of sounds receive. 40 ] 37 ] 34 ] 31 ] 28 ] 25 ] 22 ] 19 ] 16 ] 13 ] 10 ] Fixed Expansion With Fixed Expansion the amount of reduction for lowlevel background noise is the same at all frequencies, regardless of the patient s hearing loss. 7 ] db Gain 4 ] 1 ] -2 ] -5 ] Input (db SPL) db Gain 40 ] 37 ] 34 ] 31 ] 28 ] 25 ] 22 ] 19 ] 16 ] 13 ] 10 ] 7 ] 4 ] 1 ] -2 ] -5 ] Input (db SPL) Gain Dependent Expansion Gain Dependent Expansion automatically adjusts how much amplification is applied in each frequency for soft environmental noise based on the overall amplification prescribed for the patient. In frequencies where hearing loss is mild, less amplification is applied to reduce low-level noise that might be audible with better hearing. When the hearing loss is more severe, more amplification is applied to maintain environmental awareness.

8 Noise Reduction To improve performance, reduce unwanted background noise Sonic Innovations digital noise reduction solutions go beyond providing a comfortable listening experience and actually improve speech understanding in noise. All Velocity products offer these patented noise reduction algorithms, with Velocity 24 offering the latest in automatic noise reduction technology. Velocity 1.0 ] 0.8 ] Audio in db 0.6 ] 0.4 ] 0.2 ] 0 ] -0.2 ] -0.4 ] -0.6 ] -0.8 ] -1.0 ] Time in Seconds Noise Reduction engaging when the signal-to-noise ratio is compromised = Signal with Noise Reduction = Signal without Noise Reduction A Closer Look at Noise Reduction The Noise Reduction algorithm constantly monitors the input to the hearing instrument and separates the steadystate noise from the modulated signal (i.e. speech). For each frequency, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is determined. If the SNR is compromised that is, if the noise is equal to or greater than the speech the noise reduction system engages. When the SNR is positive that is, the speech is louder than the noise the noise reduction system disengages. V24 16 ] 14 ] (db) Maximum Noise Attenuation ] High 10 ] 8 ] Medium 6 ] 4 ] Low 2 ] Off 0 ] Fixed Noise Reduction Once engaged, Fixed Noise Reduction applies the same amount of noise reduction, regardless of the intensity level of the noise. Input (db SPL)

9 Noise Reduction V24 Automatic Noise Reduction 18 ] 16 ] (db) Maximum Noise Attenuation 14 ] 12 ] High 10 ] 8 ] Medium 6 ] 4 ] Low 2 ] Off 0 ] Automatic Noise Reduction As steady-state noise gets louder, Automatic Noise Reduction applies an increasing amount of noise reduction Input (db SPL) V24 High NR Medium NR Low NR NR Off 0 ] 10 ] HL (db) 20 ] 30 ] 40 ] 50 ] 60 ] 70 ] 80 ] 90 ] 100 ] 110 ] 120 ] Frequency Dependent Noise Reduction With Frequency Dependent Noise Reduction, the amount of Automatic Noise Reduction is customized based on the patient s hearing loss. More noise reduction is applied in frequencies with better hearing. When the loss is more severe, less noise reduction is applied, maintaining environmental awareness Frequency (Hz) V24 Frequency Dependent Automatic Noise Reduction Medium NR Medium NR Medium NR Medium NR 0 ] 10 ] 20 ] 30 ] 40 ] 50 ] 60 ] 70 ] 80 ] 90 ] HL (db) 100 ] 110 ] 120 ] Frequency (Hz) Frequency Dependent Noise Reduction for two different hearing losses

10 Multiple Directional Strategies Improve understanding in noise through a variety of directional options Velocity offers several directional technologies to improve hearing in noisy situations. Velocity 24, Velocity 12, and Velocity 6 have additional automatic and adaptive directional options that provide hands-free operation in a wide variety of listening environments. V4 Hz Values 500 Hz = 1000 Hz = 2000 Hz = 4000 Hz = Fixed Directionality All directional Velocity products can be configured to use a fixed, non-adaptive directional response. A fixed Hypercardioid directional response V24, V12, V6 V24, V12, V6 V24, V12, V6 Quiet Moderate Noise High Noise Automatic Directionality evolving from an omni response in quiet to a directional response in noise. Automatic Directionality Using the signal-to-noise ratio, intensity level of the noise, and amount of wind noise as cues, the Automatic Directionality system continuously engages or disengages.

11 V24, V12, V6 V24, V12, V6 Focused Null Steering V24, V12, V6 Focused Null Steering Dipole Hypercardioid Focused Null Steering Cardioid Focused Null Steering adjusting the directional response based on the location of the loudest sound. Adaptive Directionality Focused Null Steering Velocity features two adaptive directional technologies. The first system, Focused Null Steering, constantly monitors the environment for the location of the loudest sound. Once the sound is located, the directional response is adjusted so that less amplification is provided to sounds from the sides or behind the listener. V24 DIRECTIONALfocus 50 degrees V24 Adaptive Directionality DIRECTIONALfocus DIRECTIONALfocus, Velocity s second adaptive directional system, offers a unique and highly effective approach to managing unwanted noise. As the name implies, DIRECTIONALfocus creates a focus area, or beam, in front of the listener and varies how much sounds are reduced as they move out of the beam. DIRECTIONALfocus 70 degrees Velocity 24 also provides an additional variation of the DIRECTIONALfocus system. FLEXIfocus allows the DIRECTIONALfocus functionality to dynamically turn on or off based on the amount of noise in the environment. In quiet, FLEXIfocus disengages. As the level of noise increases, FLEXIfocus engages to reduce the amplification of sounds outside of the beam. V24 DIRECTIONALfocus 100 degrees Three DIRECTIONALfocus settings and their targeted focus areas.

12 Choose Manual or Automatic Performance Manual Options All Velocity products also provide manual override settings that allow patients to switch to specific listening programs for different environments. Quiet Noise Automatic Options The Universal listening environment, available in Velocity 24, Velocity 12, and Velocity 6, give patients a robust handsfree option that is suitable for most listening situations. By combining Automatic Directionality and Focused Null Steering, the Universal configuration dynamically and imperceptibly adjusts the directional characteristics based on the level of ambient noise, location of noise, and overall signal-to-noise ratio to determine the optimum settings for the environment.

13 Strategies for Managing Feedback No more whistle. Velocity products offer multiple technologies to remove the whistle and squeal of feedback. Fixed Feedback Cancellation Some environments for example listening to music or riding in a car produce tonal sounds that can be misinterpreted by adaptive systems as feedback. For these situations, Velocity offers fixed feedback cancellation that is not susceptible to environmental tonal sounds. Patient Controlled Retraining Velocity gives the patient the ability to reset the feedback canceller if there is a significant physical change in the feedback path. Adaptive Feedback Cancellation Velocity s adaptive feedback cancellation algorithm constantly monitors for changes in the environment that may cause feedback. When a change is detected, the phase cancelling system quickly calculates and applies a countersignal that removes the feedback without decreasing amplification.

14 Convenient Features for You Features and tools that help you provide the best solution for your patient EXPRESSfit Fitting System Velocity hearing instruments are programmed using EXPRESSfit, an easy-to-use, robust fitting system that provides tools to quickly and easy fine-tune fittings for each patient. A few of the listening environments offered in Velocity Pre-Configured Listening Environments Velocity offers a multitude of pre-configured listening environments, making programming easier than ever. Each environment combines features with the appropriate fitting response that is ideal for each listening scenario. Simply use the EXPRESSfit Fitting System to choose up to four environments that best meet your patient s individual needs. Data Logging Data Logging records hearing instrument usage information, such as time in each listening program and volume adjustments. This information allows you to more closely monitor and counsel your patients, make finetuning adjustments, and reduce the need for follow-up visits. The EXPRESSfit Fitting System s graphical display of this information makes it easy to review and explain to patients adapting to amplification.

15 And Your Patients Features that make it easier for patients to use their hearing instruments SmartTones SmartTones present important audible cues for a variety of hearing aid functions. These cues include tones for comfort delay sequence, program change, volume control usage, and low battery warning. FM Compatibility Velocity BTE products are compatible with many of today s commercially available FM systems through the use of an audio boot adaptor. Use the Classroom or Direct Audio environments to configure listening programs specifically designed for FM use. Auto Telephone Velocity products with the Auto Telephone feature sense the proximity of the telephone and automatically switch to the telephone program. When the phone is moved away from the ear, Velocity returns to the previous listening program. Voice Alerts With Voice Alerts, there is no guesswork needed to interpret the meaning of the beep sequences. Using simple, straightforward words, Voice Alerts tell the patient the name of the listening program in use. Voice Alerts also inform the patient when the battery is low.

16 A Solution for Everybody Each Velocity product has been carefully designed to address different lifestyle and budget needs. No matter what your patients needs are, you ll find a solution that you can feel great about recommending. Best for communicating in diverse environments that have a high-level of background noise Working outside the home and interacting in a variety of both quiet and noisy settings Participating in outdoor events or activities Attending parties or social functions Dining at noisy restaurants Provides fully automatic, hands-free operation Offers breakthrough technologies to improve performance in background noise Best for communicating in a variety of listening environments, which may include background noise Small group dinners with family or friends Attending parties or social functions Shopping at grocery stores or malls Participating in outdoor activities Provides advanced automatic operation Offers several adaptive directional systems and noise reduction settings to assist in background noise

17 Best for communicating in quieter environments with minimal-to-moderate background noise Attending the theater or movies Visiting with family or friends Conversing one-on-one Watching television Provides automatic operation Offers adaptive directionality and noise reduction technology to assist in background noise Best for communicating in mostly quiet, less demanding listening situations Working or relaxing at home Conversing one-on-one Listening to the radio Watching television Provides switchable directionality for quiet and noise environments Offers basic noise reduction to assist in background noise

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19 Wireless Connectivity with Your World Seamless integration of hearing instruments and modern communication devices As patients have become more technologically savvy, the demand for wireless connectivity has increased. Patients want to interact with their mobile phones without worrying about interference or having to remove their hearing instruments altogether. With the sonicblu streaming device, this level of seamless interaction is now possible. Turn Velocity into a hands-free headset for mobile phones sonicblu uses Bluetooth technology to wirelessly send and receive calls from Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones. When a call is received, sonicblu streams the audio from the phone directly into the hearing instruments no feedback, no interference. And when fit binaurally, sonicblu streams audio to both hearing instruments simultaneously, providing greater audibility than ever before.

20 The Velocity minibte with the thin tube option has been a big hit with my patients. They love the discreet size and automatic features. Kathy Newcomb, Audiologist Velocity Series at a Glance Performance Sonic Sound Channels Fitting Handles Speech Enhancement Fitting Rationale BFF 1 BFF 1 BFF 1 BFF 1 Feedback Management Phase Cancellation User Controlled Retrain Noise Management Expansion Digital Noise Reduction Wind Noise Reduction -- Directional Technology Fixed Automatic -- Adaptive -- Multi-Channel Adaptive -- Programming Options Automatic Program Manual Programs Auto Telephone Telecoil Volume Control Data Logging Environments Audible Indicators Voice Alerts 3 Ideal Volume Program Selection Low Battery Comfort Delay Wireless Compatibility Bluetooth DAI/ FM Teleloop System = Superior = Good = Basic 3 = Available 1 Best Fit Fast fitting rationale

21 Models at a Glance CIC MC ITC HS ITE ITE-P BTE minibte Open BTE Velocity Product = Velocity 24 = Velocity 12 = Velocity 6 = Velocity 4 Program Button Programmable Telecoil Auto Telephone (NA w/v4) Volume Control Directionality sonicblu Compatible DAI Compatible 3 3 Thin Tube Fitting 3 3 Tamper-Resistant Door 3 3 Battery 10A 10A 10A, , , Estimated Battery Life 75 hours 70 hours 60 hours (with 10A) 115 hours (with 312) 110 hours (with 312) 110 hours (with 312) 210 hours (with 13) 110 hours (with 312) 205 hours (with 13) 200 hours 200 hours 240 hours

22 Velocity Models at a Glance 24 (01) Beige (02) Lt. Gray (03) Dk. Gray (04) Brown (05) Taupe (06) Silver (07) Black (08) Blue (09) Red 12 (01) Beige (02) Lt. Gray (03) Dk. Gray (04) Brown (05) Taupe (06) Silver (07) Black (01) Beige (02) Lt. Gray (03) Dk. Gray (04) Brown Note: Velocity 4 Open BTE available in Beige only Velocity Custom Colors Velocity Faceplate Colors: Custom Shell Colors Pink Tan Lt. Brown Brown Pink Tan Lt. Brown Brown Red Blue Clear

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24 2012 Sonic Innovations, Inc. All rights reserved. Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc, USA US