What is Widex Behind-the-ear (BTE) Hearing Aids ?
Widex Behind-the-ear (BTE) Hearing Aids are a type of hearing aid that sits behind the ear and amplifies sound through a tube that is connected to an earpiece or earmold. BTE hearing aids are designed to help individuals with hearing loss hear more clearly by amplifying sound and transmitting it directly into the ear canal.
Widex BTE hearing aids are known for their high sound quality and advanced technology, which helps to reduce background noise and enhance speech clarity. They are available in a range of styles and sizes to fit different levels of hearing loss and individual preferences.
What is the battery life of a Widex BTE hearing aid ?
The battery life of a Widex BTE hearing aid depends on several factors, including the size of the hearing aid, the type of battery used, and the amount of usage. In general, smaller hearing aids will have shorter battery life than larger ones, and more frequent use of features such as streaming audio or adjusting volume may also affect battery life.
Widex BTE hearing aids typically use zinc-air batteries, which are designed to last for several days to several weeks, depending on usage. The exact battery life will vary depending on the specific model of hearing aid and the individual usage patterns.
To extend the battery life of a Widex BTE hearing aid, it is recommended to turn off the hearing aid when not in use, and to store the hearing aid in a cool, dry place when not in use. It is also important to replace the battery as soon as the low battery indicator appears to avoid any interruption in hearing.
How do I change the batteries in Widex BTE Hearing Aids?
To change the batteries in your Widex BTE hearing aids, follow these steps:
- Identify the battery door on the back of your hearing aid. The battery door is typically marked with a small arrow or a notch to indicate where to push or slide it open.
- Use your fingernail or a small tool to gently push or slide the battery door open.
- Remove the old battery from the hearing aid. To do this, gently tilt the hearing aid so that the battery falls out into your hand.
- Take the new battery out of its package and remove any plastic tabs or stickers from the battery.
- Insert the new battery into the battery compartment, with the positive (+) side facing up. The positive side is typically marked with a colored tab or a + sign.
- Close the battery door by gently pushing or sliding it back into place until you hear a click.
- Turn on your hearing aid and check that it is working properly. You may need to adjust the volume or settings on your hearing aid after changing the battery.
Note: Always make sure to use the correct size and type of battery recommended by your hearing healthcare professional or the manufacturer to ensure optimal performance of your Widex BTE hearing aids.
How do I properly clean my Widex Behind-the-ear hearing aids?
Properly cleaning your Widex Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids is important to ensure they continue to function optimally and to prevent damage. Here are the steps to clean your Widex BTE hearing aids:
- Before handling your hearing aids, make sure your hands are clean and dry to avoid transferring dirt or oil onto the hearing aids.
- Use a soft, dry cloth or a specialized cleaning tool to gently wipe the exterior of your hearing aids to remove any visible dirt, debris or earwax.
- Remove the earmold or earpiece from the hearing aid and gently wipe it with a clean, dry cloth or specialized cleaning tool.
- Use a soft, dry brush to remove any debris or earwax from the microphone and receiver ports.
- If your hearing aids have a wax guard or filter, check to see if it needs to be changed or cleaned, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for doing so.
- Store your hearing aids in a dry, cool place when not in use, and avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures, moisture, or direct sunlight.
It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and maintenance, and to schedule regular check-ups with your hearing healthcare professional to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your Widex BTE hearing aids.
Can I connect my Widex BTE hearing aid to my smartphone or other electronic devices?
Yes, many Widex BTE hearing aids are compatible with smartphones and other electronic devices through Bluetooth connectivity. This allows you to stream audio directly from your smartphone, TV, or other electronic devices to your hearing aids, without the need for additional wires or accessories.
To connect your Widex BTE hearing aids to your smartphone or other electronic devices, you will need to ensure that your hearing aids are equipped with Bluetooth technology and that your devices are compatible. You will also need to download and install the Widex app on your smartphone or other electronic device to enable the connectivity.
Once the app is installed, you can pair your hearing aids with your device through the app’s settings. Once paired, you can stream audio directly to your hearing aids, adjust volume, and customize settings using your smartphone or other electronic device.
Note that not all Widex BTE hearing aids are Bluetooth-compatible, so it is important to check with your hearing healthcare professional or the manufacturer to ensure compatibility before attempting to connect your hearing aids to electronic devices.
How do I adjust the volume on my Widex BTE hearing aid?
To adjust the volume on your Widex Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid, follow these steps:
- Locate the volume control button or wheel on your hearing aid. The location and design of the volume control may vary depending on the specific model of your hearing aid.
- Turn on your hearing aid and place it securely in your ear.
- Use your finger or a small tool to adjust the volume control up or down as needed.
- Test the volume by speaking or listening to audio, and make further adjustments as necessary until the sound is comfortable and clear.
Note that some Widex BTE hearing aids may have automatic volume control or other advanced features that adjust the volume automatically based on your listening environment or personal preferences. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions or your hearing healthcare professional for guidance on how to use these features.
What types of hearing loss are suitable for Widex BTE hearing aids?
Widex Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are suitable for a wide range of hearing loss types, including mild to severe hearing loss. BTE hearing aids are designed to fit comfortably behind the ear, and they can accommodate a variety of earmold styles and sizes to fit a range of ear shapes and sizes.
The suitability of Widex BTE hearing aids for specific types of hearing loss will depend on various factors, such as the severity and configuration of the hearing loss, the individual’s hearing needs and lifestyle, and the specific features and technology of the hearing aid.
Widex offers a range of BTE hearing aids with different features and technologies to address specific hearing needs, including noise reduction, speech enhancement, and connectivity to smartphones and other electronic devices. Your hearing healthcare professional can help you determine the most suitable BTE hearing aid model for your specific hearing loss type and needs.
Can I wear my Widex BTE hearing aids while exercising or engaging in physical activity?
Yes, you can wear your Widex Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids while exercising or engaging in physical activity, as long as you take appropriate precautions to protect the hearing aids and ensure a comfortable fit.
Here are some tips to help you wear your Widex BTE hearing aids during exercise:
- Use a sweatband or headband to absorb sweat and moisture and prevent it from entering the hearing aids.
- Consider using a specialized clip or retention device to keep the hearing aids securely in place during exercise.
- Avoid wearing your hearing aids during water-based activities, such as swimming or showering, unless they are specifically designed for waterproof or water-resistant use.
- Be mindful of any physical impacts or shocks that could damage the hearing aids, such as during contact sports or high-impact exercises.
- If you are using headphones or other audio equipment during exercise, be sure to remove your hearing aids and switch to a compatible wireless device to avoid interference or damage.
Consult with your hearing healthcare professional to ensure that your Widex BTE hearing aids are properly fitted and adjusted for your comfort and safety during exercise or other physical activity.
How often should I get my Widex BTE hearing aids serviced or checked by a professional?
It is recommended to have your Widex Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids serviced or checked by a professional at least once a year, or as recommended by your hearing healthcare professional. Regular service and maintenance can help ensure that your hearing aids are functioning properly and delivering optimal performance.
During a service appointment, a hearing healthcare professional can clean and inspect your hearing aids, check the battery contacts and tubing for wear and tear, test the microphone and speaker, and make any necessary adjustments or repairs to improve sound quality and performance.
In addition to regular service appointments, you should also schedule an appointment with your hearing healthcare professional if you experience any changes in your hearing, such as sudden or significant changes in your ability to hear or understand speech, or if you notice any issues with your hearing aids, such as distorted sound, feedback, or discomfort.
Taking good care of your Widex BTE hearing aids between service appointments can also help ensure their longevity and performance. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance, and avoid exposing your hearing aids to excessive moisture, heat, or impact.
Can I customize the settings of my Widex BTE hearing aids to match my individual hearing needs?
Yes, you can customize the settings of your Widex Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids to match your individual hearing needs. Widex offers a range of advanced digital hearing aid technologies and features that can be customized and adjusted to address specific hearing challenges and preferences.
During the initial fitting and programming of your Widex BTE hearing aids, your hearing healthcare professional will perform a series of tests and assessments to determine your specific hearing needs and preferences. Based on this information, they will program your hearing aids to deliver the appropriate amplification and signal processing to help you hear and understand speech and other sounds more clearly.
In addition to the initial programming, your hearing healthcare professional can also make further adjustments and fine-tuning to your Widex BTE hearing aids as needed over time. This can include adjusting the volume, adjusting the frequency response, fine-tuning noise reduction and speech enhancement settings, and adding additional features or accessories to enhance your hearing experience.
Widex also offers various smartphone apps and other accessories that can be used to customize and control the settings of your hearing aids. These tools allow you to adjust the volume, change programs, and fine-tune other settings to match your individual hearing needs and preferences.
Are there any additional accessories or features available for Widex BTE hearing aids ?
Yes, Widex offers a range of additional accessories and features that can be used to enhance the functionality and performance of their Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. Here are a few examples:
- Remote controls and smartphone apps: Many Widex BTE hearing aids can be controlled remotely using a smartphone app or remote control device. These tools allow you to adjust volume, change programs, and make other adjustments to your hearing aids discreetly and easily.
- Wireless accessories: Widex offers a range of wireless accessories that can be used to stream audio directly from your phone, TV, or other devices to your BTE hearing aids. These accessories include TV streamers, phone adapters, and remote microphones.
- Rechargeable batteries: Some Widex BTE hearing aids can be equipped with rechargeable batteries, which eliminate the need for disposable batteries and can provide all-day power with a single charge.
- Tinnitus management: Widex offers a range of tinnitus management solutions that can be used in conjunction with their BTE hearing aids to help reduce the symptoms of tinnitus.
- Sound classification and noise reduction: Widex BTE hearing aids are equipped with advanced sound classification and noise reduction features that can help improve speech understanding in noisy environments.
- Feedback cancellation: Widex BTE hearing aids use advanced feedback cancellation technology to prevent whistling and feedback that can occur when wearing hearing aids.
Your hearing healthcare professional can help you determine which accessories and features may be best suited for your individual hearing needs and preferences.
