Widex SmartRIC™ Boosts Patient Success for Dr. Caitlin Dold

Patients with hearing loss have historically been asked to make a choice: opt for larger hearing aids that can be charged on-the-go; or select smaller hearing aids that look stylish and fit more comfortably – but may run out of battery at inopportune times.

According to Dr. Caitlin Dold of Audiology Associates of Westchester in Harrison, New York, patients no longer have to make this choice. Thanks to Widex SmartRIC™ – which boasts a discreet form factor, industry-leading battery life, and an efficient portable charging case – patients can pursue both form and function, which has made all the difference in Dr. Dold’s practice.

“I have had people ask me for years if there was a rechargeable option that was also small and discreet, and I was never able to provide it – until now,” Dr. Dold explained. “Widex SmartRIC is enabling me to support my patients better and help our practice in profound ways.”

Widex SmartRIC is the company’s longest-lasting rechargeable RIC hearing aid, providing up to 37 hours on a single charge. “When I see patients that are professionals, a big issue is charge time,” she said. “They're on the phone all day streaming conference calls, so they need their hearing aids to last. Worst case scenario, if their hearing aids die they can no longer present or participate in a conversation. Widex SmartRIC’s battery life paired with it’s rechargeability  enables my patients to perform their work and live their lives without worrying about a charge.”

When the 37 hours are up, patients can use a sleek, portable charging case to fully charge the hearing aids in only four hours. The case offers five full charges and fits right into a pocket or small bag. “The charging case provides peace-of-mind,” she said. “If a patient is running low on battery, or they are taking a break from work, they can easily pop them into the charger for a quick boost.”

All of Widex SmartRIC’s powerful battery life features are packed into a sleek and aesthetic form factor that, in addition to looking good, boasts other functional benefits for patients. For example, one of the most common complaints Dr. Dold hears from patients is how uncomfortable a hearing aid can be behind the ear while wearing glasses.

“Other rechargeable devices have been on the bulkier side as there is only so much inventory behind your ears. However, because of SmartRIC’s size and angles, it really disappears behind the ear seamlessly,” she added. “SmartRIC is incredibly slim, and hugs the ear comfortably so they are easier to wear with glasses.”

Dr. Dold’s patients are already thrilled with SmartRIC. “Recently, I fit a long-time hearing aid wearer with SmartRIC and after REMs she was hearing so much better that she began to cry,” she said. “In addition to the amazing natural sound quality that Widex is known for, she was thrilled by how comfortable and natural they felt. Patients are having positive reactions across the board – which has been terrific for my patients.”

According to Dr. Dold, the new hearing aid is helping her to better meet the needs of modern patients that are looking for the balance of aesthetics, strong battery life, and of course, top-tier sound quality. “It really can’t be understated how incredible the SmartRIC’s battery life and rechargeability is,” she said. “Telling patients that they can charge it out in the real world without a wire or power source is a serious point-of-convenience.”