Nature has given us two ears designed to work together

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3 Nature has given us two ears designed to work together

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5 Introducing the Widex clear 440 series a true, wireless InterEar solution Natural hearing is complex. Sound is perceived, assessed and processed instantly. clear440 is the latest advance in trying to replicate these complexities of life-like hearing to create the foundation for a natural sound experience. With the introduction of a range of InterEar (IE) features, clear440 combines high quality sound, processing and reproduction to create the seamlessness of natural hearing. And with our exclusive WidexLink technology, clear440 hearing aids can be instantly synchronised, coordinated and fitted completely wirelessly. More options for addressing the complete hearing experience The Widex clear 440 hearing aid is available in a range of models to suit the individual needs of each user aesthetically and technologically. And with complementary Dex assistive listening devices, users will be even more empowered to enjoy the full world of sound. Put simply, clear440 provides the foundations for a natural sound experience so users can stay in sync with life. 5

6 A full world of sound The Widex clear 440 hearing aid is available in a wide range of models to suit the individual needs of each user.

7 Stylish and unique

8 Colours & models clear440 comes in a range of models and colours to match individual needs Standard colours c4-pa c4-fs C4-m/C4-m-CB c4-9 Front colour Back colour Available Back colour Available Back colour Available Available Warm beige (021) 021 Grey Brown Brown Tan silk (081) 081 Grey Brown Brown Cappuccino brown (071) 071 Grey Brown Brown Midnight black (074) 074 Grey Charcoal grey Charcoal grey Titan grey (073) 074 Grey Charcoal grey Charcoal grey Winter silver (072) 074 Grey Charcoal grey Charcoal grey Additional colours Summer gold (069) 069 Grey Brown n.a. n.a. Copper brown (070) 069 Grey Brown n.a. n.a. Pearl white (068) 068 White White n.a. n.a. Metallic blue (090) 068 White White n.a. n.a. Shocking pink (077) 068 White White n.a. n.a. Lime green (075) 068 White White n.a. n.a. Sporty red (076) 076 White White n.a. n.a. Mediterranean turquoise (078) 068 White White n.a. n.a. 9

9 clear440 c4-pa RIC (Receiver-in-Canal) model For minimal to moderately severe hearing loss Extremely discreet, elegant and ultra small hearing aid with great flexibility through a range of different receivers Integrates aesthetics and performance in one compact unit 10 battery 0 db k 2k 4k 8k Hz RIC1-receiver M-receiver clear440 c4-fs Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)/Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE) model For minimal to profound hearing loss Discreet and elegant design with great flexibility through a range of different receivers and ear-tips/custom ear mould options 312 battery clear440 C4-m/clear440 c4-m-cb Micro BTE (Behind-the-Ear) model For minimal to moderately severe hearing loss ClearBand hi-fi two-way receiver, resulting in superb sound quality across the frequency range 10 battery 0 db k 2k 4k 8k Hz HP receiver P receiver M-receiver 0 db k 2k 4k 8k Hz clear440 c4-9 BTE (Behind-the-ear) model For minimal to severe hearing loss Compact design that delivers sound through instant ear-tip as well as custom earmoulds 13 battery 0 db k 2k 4k 8k Hz clear440 c4-xp ITE (In-the-Ear) model For minimal to moderately severe hearing loss Fits discreetly in the ear or ear canal 312 battery 0 db k 2k 4k 8k Hz clear440 c4-cic/clear440 c4-cic-tr CIC (Completely-in-the-Canal) model For minimal to moderately severe hearing loss Placed in the ear canal and is virtually invisible 312 battery 0 db All hearing aids on page 10 are shown in natural size k 2k 4k 8k Hz 10

10 Models & features c4-pa c4-fs c4-m c4-m-cb c4-9 c4-xp System platform C-ISP platform WidexLink InterEar (IE) Feature coordination System synchronisation Partner monitor EcoTech III Bands/Channels 15 analysis bands 15 processing channels Signal processing Compression EDRC TruSound Compression TruSound Softener Adaptive directionality HD Locator - Digital Pinna - - FreeFocus - Noise reduction IE Speech Enhancer SII Widex Classic NR Wind noise control - Feedback Cancelling IE Feedback Cancelling Frequency transposition Audibility Extender Enhanced sound quality 3D TruSound ClearBand 70 Hz khz * C4-CIC/ CIC-TR User feedback and control Acoustic indicators SmartSpeak SmartTone IE Battery Alarm Battery alarm LED IE volume control RC-/M-DEX RC-/M-DEX RC-/M-DEX */RC-/M-DEX RC-/M-DEX RC-/M-DEX RC-/M-DEX IE program shift RC-/M-DEX */RC-/M-DEX RC-/M-DEX RC-/M-DEX */RC-/M-DEX RC-/M-DEX RC-/M-DEX Selected inputs IE Zen IE Zen timer Audio transmission WidexLink audio transmission Telecoil DAI Listening programs Acoustic program options 5 & Zen+ with RC-/M-Dex accessory 5 & Zen+ with RC-/M-Dex accessory 5 & Zen+ with RC-/M-Dex accessory 5 & Zen+ with RC-/M-Dex accessory 5 & Zen+ with RC-/M-Dex accessory 5 & Zen+ with RC-/M-Dex accessory Phone+ ** & Zen+ with RC-/M-Dex accessory Accessories RC-Dex, M-Dex and TV-Dex SCOLA * Frequency range is model dependent ** Choose between Phone+ or Zen+ 11

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12 A true wireless solution Natural sound Inspired by the fundamental characteristics of natural hearing, the Widex clear 440 models are the culmination of our efforts to raise the bar in the science of excellent sound in hearing aids. The groundbreaking TruSound Softener is designed to handle sudden impulse sounds with comfort and clarity, the IE Speech Enhancer singles out speakers in noise, and our exclusive Digital Pinna helps locate sounds from any direction. All taking users close to a natural sound experience. WidexLink Our revolutionary WidexLink is the first wireless connection designed especially to allow both InterEar data transmission and synchronisation and digital wireless transmission of audio to and between hearing aids. And uniquely, proprietary WidexLink can deliver artifact-free audio transmission in real time. Freedom of choice The Widex clear 440 series gives the user freedom to choose from a vast variety of features: FreeFocus to control listening direction, a definable volume scale, external audio inputs, variable program packages, and last but not least, InterEar Zen tones for the ultimate in relaxation. Wireless fitting Making fitting easy and convenient has always been important for Widex and clear440 is no different. Now completely wireless, fitting is no longer a tangle of cables, giving you extra convenience and allowing you to spend more time on what really matters obtaining the best possible fitting for the user. 7

13 The platform for natural sound C-ISP communication platform Page 15 The technology for natural sound WidexLink the timing is right Page 17 The experience of natural sound Stay in sync Page 21 The freedom of natural sound Hearing as the listener prefers it Page 26 Wireless fitting Professional and precise Page 29 Dex assistive listening devices Personalise your experience Page 33

14 My profile My profile Sound analysis Sound analysis Sound processing Sound processing Speech & tone generator Speech & tone generator System integrity System integrity C-isp The Dynamic Integrator now wraps the well known layers in ISP to higher potential in a new permeable structure. C-ISP is strong and now open for continuous alignment of all algorithms based on inputs from both ears.

15 The platform for natural sound C-ISP communication platform Coordinating Calibrating Communicating C-ISP Coupling Connecting clear440 is a unique hearing aid powerful on its own but strongest when coupled. The C-ISP communication platform in clear440, with a total of three individually designed chips, makes this new power possible. The natural next-step in the evolution of hearing aid platforms, it is devised to open the signal processing to input from a coupled hearing aid and take integrated signal processing to a new level. This new C-ISP technology takes its cue from our acclaimed ISP platform. Like its predecessor, C-ISP combines and manages a series of sound analysis and processing functions for clearer hearing. What s different is its capacity for continual adjustment of discrete hearing aid functions both within hearing aids and between them what we call InterEar. The result is an unequalled balance of performance that replicates the natural hearing experience even more closely. C-ISP ensures interaural coupling of the hearing aids. A clear440 hearing aid will perform strongly on its own, and even better as part of a pair. C-ISP allows connectivity to external sound sources with seamless streaming in enhanced sound quality. In short, C-ISP allows clear440 to coordinate features, calibrate decision-making and communicate to the user. 15

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17 The technology for natural sound WidexLink the timing is right Natural sound was the inspiration for clear440. Our next challenge was to develop a robust wireless link to facilitate seamless communication and coordination between hearing aids the best possible premise for natural sound. WidexLink is the exclusive result.

18 The first, full-feature wireless link designed especially for hearing aids Proprietary WidexLink is a wireless, high-speed data transmission technology that allows instant, ongoing communication between hearing aids and direct connection to external audio devices. Because of its speed and robustness, WidexLink allows instant synchronisation and coordination between hearing aids. This not only enables technologies to work effectively in one hearing aid more importantly it ensures that a coupled pair of clear440 hearing aids have great potential in regard to sound quality and enjoyment of different sounds. It also lets the user remotely manage a selection of features in the hearing aids simultaneously. And WidexLink allows high definition audio streaming between hearing aids and from discrete external audio inputs like a mobile phone, tele vision or radio. WidexLink transceiver Real sound in real time The WidexLink system is not only an accurate, highspeed delivery route, it is also an intelligent coding and decoding system that bundles and unbundles data bursts effectively. Any missing or misinterpreted data is anticipated and corrected automatically. This means there s no need to retrieve a new signal which ensures important analysis and processing communication is never impeded. And processing can be adjusted binaurally without delays or lags. Seamless connectivity In addition to inter-hearing aid communication, WidexLink solves a number of other challenges that have limited efficiency of hearing aids and accessories until today: Transmitting from external sources high definition hearing and control: WidexLink provides a highspeed and robust direct transmission for use with external devices such as a remote control, direct TV link and direct cell phone link. Its coding/decoding capabilities and signal strength ensure no loss of audio information, and consequently clearer sound in perfect synch with imperceptible audio delay. Connectivity that lasts WidexLink technology ensures battery efficiency due to an efficient coding algorithm and our proprietary receiver technology. This minimises delays and disruptions for users, letting them enjoy their TV or cell phone for longer periods. InterEar data Audio codec InterEar Partner Monitor protecting the user s investment in hearing: Because WidexLink allows hearing aids to communicate with each other up to 21 times per second, any disruption to that connection produces an instant alert triggered by the WidexLink surveillance system. If one hearing aid loses contact for any reason, the user will know instantly. Processing WidexLink WidexLink offers InterEar data exchange and wireless sound transmission. 18

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20 Up until now it has been difficult to truly reap the benefits of near-natural sound in two hearing aids linked together. Our solution is the unique InterEar or IE. This ensures both coordination and synchronisation seamlessly. InterEar also ensures that the hearing aids communicate with each other up to 21 times a second, resulting in instantaneous near-natural sound in both.

21 The experience of natural sound Stay in sync The Widex clear 440 models add new dimensions to signal processing, taking users closer to a natural sound experience that is audible, comfortable and understandable. The development of clear440 signal processing was inspired by fundamental characteristics of normal hearing; for instance, the ability to single out a distinct speaker and to use the Interaural Level Difference. Our aim has been to exploit the potential of Widex- Link to add a new dimension in processing. We call this 3D TruSound. 3D TruSound is natural sound perception and sound quality. clear440 offers a vast range of new and exciting audiological and sound features. While each is unique on its own, together they are formidable. Natural sound Sound perception Sound quality InterEar TruSound Compression InterEar Speech Enhancer Digital Pinna InterEar volume control and program shift TruSound Softener InterEar Feedback Cancelling Enhanced bandwidth 21

22 Sound perception IE TruSound coordinated compression extending the power of EDRC Through WidexLink, the IE TruSound compression system can now exchange data in a coupled pair of clear440 hearing aids. IE TruSound Compression amplifies soft, normal speech and loud inputs through an adaptive gain algorithm. Inspired by the theory of Interaural Level Difference, a prerequisite for sound source localisation, IE TruSound Compression optimises the gain adjustments and overall output. This inter-ear coordination means that a louder input level in one ear can guide the compression settings in both hearing aids in a binaural fitting. IE Speech Enhancer clearer sound in noise Normal hearing listeners have the ability to focus on a speaker in a noisy environment and single them out. With a hearing loss, this ability is often compromised. To meet this challenge, WidexLink makes it possible to exchange significant percentile information about the type and level of input signal in each of the 15 processing channels of clear440. We call this InterEar Percentile Exchange. The coordinated speech enhancement algorithm IE Speech Enhancer exploits the binaural percentile information to enhance speech above the threshold and attenuate background noise below it. In this way, coupled clear440 hearing aids attempt to single out a dominant speaker in background noise. Left Right Left Right Left Right Level at eardrum ILD = normal ILD = normal ILD normal Normal Coordinated Uncoordinated InterEar TruSound Compression The figure illustrates the level at the eardrum for the right ear and the left ear and the resultant Interaural Level Difference (ILD) when sound arrives from the right side of the head. The graphic compares three situations: normal hearing, coordinated compression and uncoordinated compression. The essence is that the ILD for the normal hearing situation and the ILD for the coordinated compression are identical. 22

23 Digital Pinna effect helps locate sound from any direction It is well established that Behind-the-Ear hearing aids disturb the natural pinna effect created by the outer ear. Consequently, sounds reaching the ear directly from the front or back may be perceived as coming from exactly the same direction and thereby make it difficult for hearing aid users to know the location of the sound source. The HD Locator of the clear440 hearing aid is now expanded to include a digital pinna an electronic pinna characteristic that recreates the natural shadowing effect of approximately 4 db to achieve a more natural front focus. IE volume control and program shift instant synchronisation The InterEar volume control and program shift in clear440 ensures that if the user changes the volume on one hearing aid, the volume of the other hearing aid will change accordingly. Similarly, if they switch programs on one hearing aid, the appropriate program will be chosen automatically by the other hearing aid. clear440 offers a broad selection of program packages tailor-made to satisfy different user needs Front-back diff [db] k 2k 4k Frequency [Hz] 8k Average Digital Pinna effect The average shadow effect of the pinna. Sounds from behind are attenuated by 3-4 db relative to sounds coming from the front.

24 Sound quality TruSound Softener intelligent comfort Transient noises like the chinking of porcelain or slamming doors, which are short in duration and occur abruptly, have an unfortunate sound impact for hearing aid users. That s why handling needs to be instantaneous and intelligent to ensure comfort and maintain natural sound quality. The TruSound Softener detects quickly occurring sound bursts with a steep gradient detector. This enables new extreme accuracy, determining sound bursts as either speech or noise transient sounds. Once detected, any disturbing or irrelevant transient is handled by the TruSound Softener in clear440 TruSound Compression via a swift forewarning algorithm. IE Feedback Cancelling minimises whistling Widex high-end hearing aids today all feature a multidirectional adaptive feedback cancelling system that minimises whistling. In clear440, an even more precise system is incorporated, coordinating information on feedback occurrence between both ears. The potential in InterEar data exchange is to make the IE Feedback Cancelling more agile in handling acoustic feedback in situations where the acoustic property of the feedback signal resembles that of musical instruments.! Regular (slow) Fast compression compression Input signal Filter bank Output signal Ultra-fast compression Transient detection Transient handling TruSound Softener The graphic shows the integration of the TruSound Softener in the signal pathway. 24

25 Enhanced bandwidth a fuller sound Hearing at its best allows us to enjoy as much of the frequency range as possible. clear440 supports the widest bandwidth currently available in a hearing aid, including an enhanced low frequency bandwidth for the full enjoyment of music. The broad bandwidth achieved in clear440 is also important in supporting the detection of the high frequency cues necessary for localisation. This is fully realised in the clear440 ClearBand model.

26 The freedom of natural sound Hearing as the listener prefers it The Widex clear 440 series includes powerful new features that let you customise the user s hearing experience even more effectively. The fitting for the user can be customised to reflect their preferences, including tailoring options that give them greater control of their hearing in their daily lives. FreeFocus control listening direction Having the freedom to shift focus is a luxury not easily given back to people with hearing loss. During the development of clear440, we paid special attention to this challenge.

27 FreeFocus in clear440 allows users to hear in selected directions without them needing to turn their heads. clear440 offers both front/reverse and right/left focus via the Mobile Dex (or M-Dex) selection panel. Reverse Focus is also available in a dedicated listening program. Phone+ The Phone+ feature processes and transmits phone signals from one hearing aid to the other without delay. This means that for the first time, users can hear mobile and landline phone calls in both hearing aids without the use of extra devices. Definable volume control improved flexibility The ability to adjust volume and change listening programs is important to hearing aid users. Some users prefer to control volume in large increments; others prefer the precision of smaller steps. Therefore clear440 offers a choice between 1, 1.5 and 2 db steps. IE Zen natural relaxation Our popular Zen dedicated relaxation and tone program has been enhanced. Sound generation is distributed between the hearing aids (InterEar) some instruments in one ear, different instruments in the other. IE Zen also features the option of choosing a noise style, complementing existing well-known musical Zen styles. Zen styles can now also be predetermined with a timer option making it easy to create specific relaxation or concentration time periods. IE Zen listening programs can be accessed using the program button, the RC-Dex or the M-Dex. Either way, clear440 can be programmed to offer the flexibility that works best for them. 27

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29 Wireless fitting Professional and precise Widex fitting tools have always supported audiologists throughout the world in performing close to optimal fittings. Professional fitting is also about having the right tools to meet the fine-tuning needs of the user. That s why we have added new fitting tools important for exactly meeting your fitting needs. Wireless fitting reliable, secure, easy to use fitting clear440 extends Widex renowned excellence in precision fitting by introducing wireless fitting. Fitting Widex clear 440 hearing aids could not be easier. WidexLink technology means that once and for all you can do away with cables and connectors and are ensured a seamless and reliable fit from the outset. WidexLink is convenient, easy and intuitive to use, giving the professional more time to focus on attaining the best possible fit for the user. Widex has adapted the industry standard (near- Com and NOAHlink) to provide professionals with the ultimate security in wireless fitting situations. 29

30 Dedicated new software tools Widex meets the wishes of the dedicated audiologist by introducing an expanded fine-tuning matrix in the gain settings panel. This expanded option gives you better possibilities of meeting users needs and improved interaction between you and the user in the fitting and fine-tuning situation. Furthermore the fitting software now also features a global acclimatisation function for the comfort of your first time users. Widex feedback test The Widex feedback test is an essential and integral step in the fitting procedure. It provides an evaluation of the fit and/or sealing of the earmould and initialises the adaptive feedback cancellation algorithm. It also includes the Assessment of In-Situ Acoustics (AISA). AISA AISA is an objective way to estimate the acoustic influence of the user s vent and leaks around the earmould during the fitting of a hearing aid. We call this the in-situ vent effect. Once this has been mapped, the fitting algorithm will ensure that the gain setting of the hearing aid compensates for the in-situ vent effect so that audibility and perception of loudness for amplified sounds are not compromised. In-situ RECD It is well-known among audiologists that special measures are necessary to obtain the correct gain in the smaller-than-adult ear canal. Giving you more control in-situ The Widex in-situ fitting strategy is designed to enable a precise and uncompromised fitting. With clear440, mapping and correcting for the subtle individual differences in the outer ear (ear canal) are easily performed with the hearing aid in-situ. Many audiological professionals choose to make an actual measurement of the individual ear acoustics. This can be done measuring the Real-Ear-to-Coupler Difference (RECD). It is possible to use the hearing aid itself to measure the RECD in-situ. Once the data has been recorded, Compass will automatically include this data in the gain prescription. Sensogram Audiometric thresholds are often prone to considerable measurement errors: in particular, the uncertainty regarding the actual sound pressure level presented at the eardrum of an individual during audiometry. The range of variation of sound pressure levels is in excess of 20 db at the high frequencies. Our efficient solution to this problem is the Sensogram. This utilises in-situ audiometry, which takes into account the individual characteristics of the ear canal and the hearing aid. 30

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33 Dex assistive listening devices Personalise your experience The Widex clear 440 series of hearing aids already opens a whole new world of sound to their users. And now with our unique Dex assistive listening devices, designed for wireless communication, they can take advantage of the entire soundscape. M-Dex is a user-friendly and stylish wireless device for mobile (cell) phone applications. The integrated microphone in M-Dex makes it possible to use it as a handheld, remote talk-and-listen device using the hearing aids as wireless headsets. Advanced hearing aid features in the clear440 hearing aid such as FreeFocus and wireless sound transmission directly to the hearing aids can be controlled from the intuitive M-Dex user interface. The unique Room Off feature allows the user to concentrate on a telephone conversation without being disturbed by surrounding noise that would otherwise be picked up by the hearing aid microphones.

34 TV-Dex is a palm-sized, user-friendly wireless device purpose built for enjoying TV and stereos. Taking full advantage of WidexLink transmission, TV-Dex allows up to 10 hours of uninterrupted, top quality TV or stereo sound between recharges. With TV-Dex, users connect directly to pure, uninterrupted sound experience. And the real advantage of the TV-Dex is its lack of audio delay. Thanks to WidexLink technology, the device offers full bandwidth and EchoFree stereo transmission of the TV audio signal. This allows users to experience TV or stereo sound exactly as it was intended, without annoying delays, distortion or echoes. RC-Dex is a stylish, compact and user-friendly hearing aid remote control. It offers 3 intuitive buttons for volume up and down as well as program select. An LED indicator, as well as SmartSpeak and SmartTone in the hearing aids themselves, gives useful control of information during use. Volume and program functions are matched to the hearing aid configuration and can be individualised at the clinic to match the needs and preferences of the hearing aid user. 34

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36 RC-Dex Features Program toggle Volume up/down Key ring attachment Range 1 m (remote control to hearing aid) Battery Approximately 12 months of battery life Battery is replaceable by user TV-Dex Features High quality audio Ultra-low delay EchoFree Inputs for both TV and hifi systems room Off feature Range TV-Controller to hearing aid(s) 1 m TV-Base to TV-Controller 10 m Battery 10 hours non-stop capacity rechargeable in the TV-Base M-Dex Features Direct wireless connection to mobile phones via Bluetooth advanced hearing aid remote control with colour display Integrated telecoil Range Mouth to M-Dex microphone 30 cm M-Dex to hearing aid up to 1 m M-Dex to mobile phone 10 m Battery approximately 5 hours constant use recharges as a cell phone using a wall plug 36

37 It is our mission, through originality, perseverance and reliability, to develop high quality hearing aids that give people with a hearing loss the same opportunities for communication as those with normal hearing. Widex, clear440, WidexLink and COMPASS are trademarks of Widex A/S

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