Widex has introduced the new high-end Clear 44o hearing aid family, featuring binaural wireless communication between each hearing aid to provide richer and more realistic sound for users. The new hearing system also provides an external transmitter to send TV audio signals directly into the hearing aids; a small remote controller to switch program settings, control volume and manage other functions of the hearing aids; and a Bluetooth-compatible handset that transmits your cellular phone signal directly into your hearing aids. Other hearing aid manufacturers have introduced their own wireless communication schemes between hearing aids and external devices to enable rapid adjustments to changes in environmental sound, better synching of the sound processing between the two hearing aids. Users report better sound location and comprehension because they are getting more realistic replication of the sounds in their environment, in stereo. Widex is promoting its new C-ISP platform powered by three custom chips as the industry’s best way to synchronize the sound processing in the hearing aids, enable remote control of selected features, and port high-definition audio streamed from external sources.
The three new accessories are a big step forward in assistive listening, because they eliminate the need for a neck loop that provides a direct link through the hearing-aids’ telecoils. Instead the devices transmit digital signals directly into the hearing aids, enabling better audio performance in addition to increased convenience. The TV-DEX system consists of a base and recharger unit that plugs into the TV and transmits to a handheld unit that re-transmits the signal to the user’s hearing aids; the handheld also provides volume control and also has a button to turn off the external microphones on the hearing aids so the user only hears the TV audio signal. The M-DEX device has a Bluetooth link to your mobile phone and acts as a handset that lets you listen and talk, transmitting the phone signal directly into your hearing aids. It also has a volume control plus a button to turn off the external microphone on your hearing aids to make it easier to hear the cell phone signal without the distraction of external environmental noise. Finally, the RC-DEX is a small controller that you can keep in your pocket or purse to control the program settings on your hearing aids as well as raise or lower the volume.
The Clear 440 also includes the Widex SmartSpeak feature — a human voice piped into the hearing aid informing you about what program mode you are in and alerting you when the battery is running low — as well as the innovative Widex Zen relaxation program, which plays random and harmonic tones when you feel like relaxing. IE Zen works as an effective tinnitus masking program, overriding the annoying tinnitus sounds within your ears with more tolerable background noise.
Derek says
Hi . Could anyone let me know if the TV Dex and the M-Dex are compatible with the new Widex 440
pramod says
widex dream cic 440 model does not have wireless connectivity,binaural connectivity,and not compatible with dex accessories.though price remains high.whynis it so?
Lily says
I have the Widex Clear. It is definitely very good!
Ski Hunter says
Widex 440 is here. I have ordered it and hope to get it this week.
Beverly says
I just ordered the Widex Clear 440 CIC today so it apparently has been released, however, I couldn’t find anything about it on the Widex website and the brochure isn’t out yet. The audiologist gave me a brochure for the Widex Mind 440 but she said mine would be the Clear and order paperwork all says Clear 440 CIC. I live near Charlotte, NC- I don’t know if that helps anyone or not 🙂
Hearing Aid Expert says
I have used the widex clear and I have been extremely happy with it, it is certainly bridging the gap between hearing loss and hearing again.
Shirley Walker says
My new Widex 440 (8 weeks old)suddenly stopped functioning last night. I did not hear a signal for low battery. I just became aware thaat I wasn’t hearing as I should. I ins talled fresh batteries and nothing happened. I cleaned the tiny holes wit the wire, brushed the ear tips, and wiped the instruments. Neither of them responsed to the above. \\
I will make an appointment with my audiologist, but I am wondering how I will hear until I can arange to see her. What can I do? What could have happened?
Andrew says
I just ordered the Widex Clear Fusion 330 with the MDEX, should have them in a couple of weeks. The 330 apparently is the newer version of the 440 (just doesn’t make sense to me that they’d LOWER the # of a newer product, but hey, that’s just me). Has anyone here had the MDEX long enough now to comment on its usefulness? I’m not getting the tv unit yet.
Vern Martin says
I’d really like an honest answer as to when (date) the Clear will be available. It is now 11/26/2010.
Tore Landmark says
The only disappointing thing about the 440 hearing aid is the lifetime of the batteries. The manual says about 125 hours, in practice I have to change after every 50-60 hours.
I do however enjoy the TV-remote
David Copithorne says
I haven’t heard from Widex when the Widex Clear 440 hearing aids will be available but at HearingAidForums.com there was a discussion about U.S. availability and one of the members said they heard it would be October. Check out the thread at:
http://www.hearingaidforums.com/showthread.php?t=6914&highlight=widex
Howard says
When will the Widex Clear 440 be available?