LifeSounds

LifeSounds is a module for Compass and is activated from within the Compass fitting software.

Real-world sounds for optimum fittings
LifeSounds is designed to solve a frequent dilemma; namely that while the quiet surroundings of the clinic are optimal when performing audiometry, the clinic is only one of many real-world environments in which hearing aids need to function optimally.

LifeSounds offers real-world sound samples, which can be used as a supplement to clinical equipment to ensure the best possible fitting in each individual client’s case.

The sound samples can also be used to demonstrate hearing aid features and troubleshoot the performance of the hearing aids.

Many advantages

LifeSounds can be used at different stages of the process of working with the client:

• Before fitting, LifeSounds can be used as a tool for demonstrating what hearing aids can do for the client.
• During the fitting session, LifeSounds can be used as a sound player.
• During fine tuning, LifeSounds can be used to identify potential sound problems and find the optimum hearing aid settings for the individual clients.

The advantages offered by Widex LifeSounds are many:

• Real-life sound samples which can be played in the clinic when needed.
  
  
• Speech and sound environments which are presented at the same natural levels as when they were recorded.
  
  
• The possibility of calibrating a setup of one or two loudspeakers. No additional equipment is needed. All that is needed is a hearing aid that can be used as an integrated sound level meter during the calibration procedure.
  
  
• Calibration covers all intensity levels and includes equalisation across frequencies.
  

The Sound Library

The Sound Library in LifeSounds contains samples of music and of speech in a large number of languages, most of them produced by both adult male and female speakers. The sound samples are approximately 1½-2 minutes long.

In order to ensure that the speech samples are as realistic as possible, the samples have been obtained from ordinary people rather than actors.

The sound samples include four input categories: Soft, Medium, Loud and Very Loud.

Sounds specially suited for children are available in each category. Ling sounds are also included in the large range of possibilities offered. Producing a standard list of sound situations is only a matter of selecting a button in the Sound Library, and an individual selection of sound situations can be created easily and simply if required.

Using LifeSounds

Everyday use of LifeSounds is extremely simple. In Compass V5 the LifeSounds MicroPlayer is always available from the Toptool bar.


Figure 1. The LifeSounds MicroPlayer can be accessed from the Toptool bar at all times.

From Compass, the hearing care professional can choose from among all defined sound situations.


Figure 2. The Sound Library contains a large number of sound samples. A standard list is easily generated.