24. M-DEX SPECIFICATIONS Transmission technology WidexLink™ and Bluetooth Audio bandwidth 100 Hz – 11.2 kHz (ClearBand) Mono / Stereo Mono Range (M-Dex to HA) Up to 1 m Range (M-Dex to mobile phone) Up to 10 m Battery Rechargeable using wall plug Battery capacity 5 hours constant talk 120 hours standby
32. TV-DEX SPECIFICATIONS Transmission technology WidexLink™ Audio bandwidth 100 Hz – 11.2 kHz (ClearBand) Mono / Stereo Stereo Delay <10 ms EchoFree™ Range (TV-Controller to HA) Up to 1 m Range (TV-Controller to TV-Base) Up to 10 m Battery (TV-Controller) Rechargeable using the TV-Base Battery capacity 10 hours constant use
37. RC-DEX FOR REMOTE CONTROL Transmission technology WidexLink™ Range Up to 1 m Battery 1 pc. type 2032 (replaceable) Battery lifetime (normal use) 12 months
39. SUMMARY Sound quality Ease of use ...through our unique proprietary WidexLink™ ...through dedicated design concept Widex Ease
40.
Editor's Notes
Welcome to the presentation on DEX assistive listening devices. >CLICK<
The DEX product concept based upon 100% market driven development.Before we started this project we went out and asked our customers how they would like a wireless hearing aid concept to be. We interviewed dispensers from all over the world to find the pain. Where was the hurt? How could we make assistive listening devices better and ease difficult listening situations for the hearing aid user?The dispensers gave us what we trust to be the key to a winning concept:Focus on sound quality and ease of use.We needed to ensure that the wireless technology we chose for our future concept was versatile enough to handle all the difficult dispenser and end user situations. And we needed to ensure that sound quality was up to the Widex reputation.Furthermore the dispensers urged us not to design all-purpose-devises like all our colleagues in the business do. These remote controls are impossible for our end-users to operate – much too advanced.We were urged by the dispensers to make situation specific devices and focus on ease of use.>>CLICK<<
In this presentation we will explain our design concept ”Widex Ease”.We will take you through a quick tour of the M-DEX for mobile phone applications, remote control and the FreeFocus feature.We will continue with the TV-DEX for TV viewing applications and explain the TV-Controller and the TV-Base.After the TV-DEX we will turn towards the RC-DEX for simple and intuitive remote control of the basic hearing aid functions.Those of you who were present at Widex Day in Nuernberg last year probably remember the standing ovations we got when we presented EasyMatch. We have a little film which shows how easy the DEX devices are matched to the hearing aids.Before we open for the questions session we will hear about the competition as we see it out there today.>CLICK<
Widex’s user interface design is based on human cognitive ergonomics. That is, the aim is to match the user interface to human cognitive abilities and limitations. Cognitive abilities are mentally based skills and processes that are needed to carry out any task – from the simplest to the most complex.>CLICK<
The DEX devices needs to react in a manner that is predictable as well as understandable in order for the interaction to be smooth. The DEX device has to react in the way the user expects it to react – in example when the user turns up the volume.The DEX product has to signal in a very clear manner when it acts on its own initiative, for example by communicating the presence of an incoming phone call on the M-DEX by vibrating.>CLICK<
Different kinds of user behaviour situations require different amounts of effort.When the user has to pay attention to the task at hand, for example when trying to solve a problem, it requires time and effort (Conscious behaviour).>CLICK<When the user’s behaviour is characterized by being highly practiced and skilled, it can be executed without conscious attention. Behaviour learned from mobile interaction dictates that the display awakens when a button is pushed, the user does this automatically. This automated behaviour requires little amounts of effort.>CLICK<
This figure illustrates the key elements in Widex Ease. >CLICK<When users embrace a new product like a DEX product, it is often with an assumption of how it will work. It is therefore an aim to design the DEX devices to look and function in a way most people would expect. This is the foundation of user understanding.>CLICK<. For example, the on/off key on the TV-DEX is similar in placement and look to the on/off button on a television remote control (illustration).>CLICK<. Recognition plays an important role in making the user feel that the device is easy and intuitive to use. Keys and displays on our products have a design and location that is familiar from other technologies.>CLICK<. Both the TV-DEX and M-DEX (illustration) for instance, resemble a TV remote and a mobile phone respectively. >CLICK<. As mentioned before Automated behavior is characterized by being highly practiced and skilled. Interaction with the user interface should be as automatic as possible. Not only does it need to be fast, it should also require little attention and effort from the user.>CLICK<. Users’ actions are intentional and predictable. A device must react in a manner that is predictable as well as understandable. One push on the Volume Up button must give a corresponding reaction where the volume is turned up one step.>CLICK<. The device’s sensory response is important for users to establishassurance and comfort in the decision making process. >CLICK<. When interacting with a DEX-product, users get a tactile response like click from a button, visual response like information on the display as well as auditive response like smart speak in the hearing aid.
The DEX products are built on a dedicated design with separated functions on each device. We know from marked research that this is preferred by dispensers and users. Through interviews and focus groups we found demands for separate DEX devices in connection with our hearing aids to make it easier for users to control their devices.>CLICK<
Many hearing aid manufactories make it complicated and difficult for users to control their different devices, because it has to be done with one single control unit (for example the Epoq streamer). Thus, a large number of functions are embedded in a small number of buttons.In the following you can see that, ‘user friendliness’ is a key word in the DEX products - embedding what we know from science about cognitive ergonomics. >CLICK<
The M-DEX is therefore a brilliant example on our design philosophy Widex Ease. It designed to look like a mobile telephone. Using the same design element you know from these products.We are bound to say...“I recognise this product and I know how to operate it”>CLICK<
We have reached our first litte break in our web conference where we make a brief stop to give you an opportunity to reflect on the important learning so far.1: Reconisability has been designed into the DEX products...a...to make the products look niceb...to enable the user’s knowledge on how to operate itc...to come fast to the market2: Widex Ease is all about...a...having large buttons on the productsb...designing user friendlyness by use of cognitive ergonomicsc...building as many functionalities into each product as possible>CLICK<
As mentioned before our small break, the M-DEX is a brillian example on our design concept Widex Ease.>CLICK<Let us take a quick tour through the basic functionalities of the M-DEX>CLICK<
The M-DEX is a devise which ensures wireless connectivity between the hearing aids and the mobile telephone.In other words the M-DEX is creating the wireless bridge between the mobile telephone and the hearing aids.It’s primary purpose is to solve the difficult situation for the hearing impaired mobile phone user. >>CLICK<<
The M-DEX uses WidexLink to communicate with the CLEAR440 hearing aids.….and Bluetooth for connect to the mobile telephone.>>CLICK<<
It uses the hearing aids as wireless headphones when a telephone call either comes in or when the user wants to make a call.Many studies have shown that we get a 6 dB improvement in the signal to noise ration when the telephone conversation is transmitted to both ears – in a binaural fitting.As mentioned preciously the M-DEX is designed to look and function like a mobile telephone.>CLICK<
Volume up and down is also among the primary functions on the M-DEX. Volume is adjusted by using the up and down arrows on the navigation wheel.Three different volume scales are designed to accompany the volume step choises which are available when fitting CLEAR440 with Compass 5.0. >CLICK<
Let us briefly turn to the M-DEX in remote control situations.>CLICK<
It is also possible to access your hearing aid program stack using your M-DEX as a remote control for program shift.When an M-DEX is matched to a specific set of CLEAR440 hearing aids it automatically gets information about which programs are installed in the hearing aids during the fitting.The different programs have their dedicated icons which are easy to recognise for both the end user as well as the dispenser.Program shift is accessed by pressing left or right arrow at the navigation wheel.>CLICK<
Another new feature in CLEAR440 and the M-DEX is the FreeFocus feature. The special FreeFocus feature is designed to give the hearing aid user an opportunity to direct his listening attention in a specific direction.This feature is similar to the Zoom function which was introduced by Phonak in their Exelia series wireless hearing aids and the myPilot remote control. The feature is also known at the ”car feature”.Phonak Zoom also became known for draining the hearing aid battery in a matter of hours when enabling it.FreeFocus uses a completely different technology to obtain a user controlled listening direction and has an un-changed battery usage.>CLICK<
FreeFocus is designed for situations where you need to have your viewing attention locked in a fixed direction – like when driving a car or being a passenger in a car – and you would like to have your listening attention to the person next to you or behind you.FreeFocus is activated by pressing the button with the FreeFocus icon one and then choosing your listening direction:>>CLICK<< Front – the Locator goes into a standard MASTER program>>CLICK<< Back – the Locator goes into a reverse MASTER program pointing the directional microphones backwards>>CLICK<< Left – the Locator goes into omni on the left side and adds a very sensitive noise reduction algorithm to the right hearing aid>>CLICK<< Right – the Locator goes into omni on the right side and adds a very sensitive noise reduction algorithm to the left hearing aid>>CLICK<<
It is possible to set up your user preferences via the Menu button at the centre of the navigation wheel.Here you can pair the M-DEX to your mobile telephone and manage your Bluetooth setup.You can give your audio input a special spectral emphasis according to if you normally are listening to speech or music.You can adjust volume at the left and right hearing aid individually.You can enable the integral telecoil in the M-DEX....and you can set your M-DEX up in your preferred way with vibrating alarm key lock etc.>CLICK<
I hope this gave you a better insight to the M-DEX primary functions. More indepth training will come when we get closer to the release of the product.>CLICK<
But before we leave the M-DEX I would like to give you some factual information about the perfomance.>Explain the table<>CLICK<
How does the M-DEX connect to the hearing aid?Via a Bluetooth connectionVia the short range WidexLinkVia the long range WidexLinkWhich feature shouts out environmental noise when using the M-DEX?The Free Focus buttonThe program shift buttonThe Room Off buttonHow can the M-DEX be used for program shift?By using the arrow keys left/rightBy using the green button as toggle buttonBy using the arrow keys up/down>CLICK<
Another example of dedicated design is the TV-DEX.TV-viewing is an extremely challenging listening situation for hearing aid users due to poor loudspeaker components used in the televisions and the poor room acoustics of an average living room.The Assistive Listening Device specialists Phonic Ear (Oticon) have stated that approximately 80% of the requests for ALD systems are for TV solutions.Furthermore many of our clients spend extremely many hours in front of the television.This puts our dedicated TV solution in a very important possition in the DEX product range.>>CLICK<<
The TV-DEX consists of 2 devices:The TV-Base – which is a combined long range transmitter and charger for...The TV-Controller – which is a combined system remote and intermediate transmitter to the hearing aids.>CLICK<
The TV-situation is one of the most obvious examples where the speed of the audio transmission is critical to obtain EchoFree sound quality.Remember that in case you are watching TV with normal hearing people the TV sound need to be on, so does your hearing aid microphones.If the mix of the TV sound from the hearing aid microphones and the TV sound from the wireless transmission via the assistive listening device are not aligned in time, echo start to occur.The TV-Dex uses the ultrafast WidexLink between the TV-Base and the TV-Controller and again between the TV-Controller and the hearing aids to obtain stereo, enhanced bandwidth and EchoFree sound quality.>>CLICK<<
The TV-DEX comes with a neck-loop and illustration shows where we recommend the TV-Controller is placed during use – at the chest of the user.The TV-Dex needs to support the functionality we know from TV viewing situations and the TV-Controller is therefore designed as a compact version of a normal TV-remote control.We say:“I recognise this device and I know how to operate it”>>CLICK<<
We recognise...On/offVolume...and again we see the unique and important “Room off” button with exactly the same functionality as we know it from the M-DEX. It mutes the hearing aid microphones.As 80% of the clients for assistive listening devices are asking for solutions to assist them specifically in television viewing situations.Why give them more advanced solutions at the risk of increased user support or even product returns?Give them exactly what they ask for:Sound quality and ease of use!>>CLICK<<
The TV-Base is a combined transmitter and battery charger for the TV-Controller.This device is connected to the audio output of the television and it comes with a handy cable and connector kit.We have power inputTV sound input ...and an additional input for another sound sounce, for example a stereo systemIn case you have connected a second sound source next to the TV input you will toggle between TV input, Audio input and OFF using the On/Off button on the TV-Controller.At the buttom end of the TV-Base we find a hearing aid switch where we can set the system up to transmit to one (mono) or two (stereo) hearing aids. The switch is marked with 1 or 2 hearing aids.>CLICK<
We have reached the end of the TV-DEX section where I would like to give you a few performance specifications.>Explain the table<>CLICK<
Last but not least we have reached our basic compact remote control - the RC-DEX.>CLICK<
The RC-DEX also uses WidexLink to comunicate with the CLEAR440 hearing aids.>CLICK<
It is our compact remote control which gives hearing aid users control of the 2 basic functionalities...>>CLICK<<
...volume and program toggleAs you can se from the design you know how to operate it even without looking.Volume up and down are counter sunk buttons divided by the slightly elevated program toggle. The back of the small casing is unsymmetrical so you directly know how to turn it...blindfolded.Furthermore you are supported by click buttons and SmartSpeak to find your way to the correct program.>CLICK<
Also the RC-DEX has a couple of specifics we would like to share with you.>Explain the table<>CLICK<
Let us take a sneak preview on one of the coming instruction animations from the new Compass 5.0 for clear440 and see how easy EasyMatch really is.>>START ANIMATION AND SPEAK<<Do you think this procedure has a future?>>CLICK<<
The DEX product concept based upon 100% market driven development.Before we started this project we went out and asked our customers how they would like a wireless hearing aid concept to be. We interviewed dispensers from all over the world to find the pain. Where was the hurt? How could we make assistive listening devices better and ease difficult listening situations for the hearing aid user?The dispensers gave us what we trust to be the key to a winning concept:Focus on sound quality and ease of use.We needed to ensure that the wireless technology we chose for our future concept was versatile enough to handle all the difficult dispenser and end user situations. And we needed to ensure that sound quality was up to the Widex reputation.Furthermore the dispensers urged us not to design all-purpose-devises like all our colleagues in the business do. These remote controls are impossible for our end-users to operate – much too advanced.We were urged by the dispensers to make situation specific devices and focus on ease of use.>>CLICK<<
The Dex assistive listening devices are important elements which make clear440 the future proof choice for the end user.If we can get the message across to the dispensers, that the hearing aid users should choose clear440 and Dex assistive listening devices out of two simple reasons:Because they have the best audio quality...and.....they are the easiest to use.Then we have a winner concept not only in performance, but also in sales!...The clear440 concept offers an un-surpassed range of new advantages - not only for the end user - but also for the dispenser. We just saw how “EasyMatch” makes a world of difference to how matching used to be performed.
