SoundRecover - Frequently Asked Questions

How does SoundRecover work?

Why is SoundRecover so important for children?

How is non-linear frequency compression different from frequency transposition?

Is SoundRecover needed if a hearing instrument has an extended bandwith?

Should SoundRecover be activated when fitting infants?

Can SoundRecover be beneficial for all degrees of hearing loss?

Are the results immediate?

Can I verify SoundRecover?

Does frequency compression affect listening checks?

Are there any risks in fitting SoundRecover to children?

How does SoundRecover work?

SoundRecover compresses and shifts high frequency sounds to a child's audible range. It improves audibility of high-pitched sounds and fricatives such as /s/sh/f/. This helps children to better understand speech in general and voices of women, children and environmental sounds in particular.

Why is SoundRecover so important for children?

Extensive studies have shown that the use of SoundRecover results in significantly improved high-frequency discrimination and own-voice quality. SoundRecover can significantly minimize delays in speech and language development.

How is non-linear frequency compression different from frequency transposition?

The fundamental difference is that transposed sounds overlay lower frequencies. This results in artifacts and may affect sound quality and intelligibility.

Is SoundRecover needed if a hearing instrument has an extended bandwith?

All modern digital hearing instruments provide broadband amplification. However, providing sufficient audibility at high frequencies (4000 Hz upwards) remains a challenge. There is strong scientific evidence that children even with mild to moderate hearing loss still do not get sufficient audibility. SoundRecover ensures audibility of high frequencies and is therefore recommended for all degrees of hearing loss.

Should SoundRecover be activated when fitting infants?

We have asked leaders in the field of pediatric audiology (Prof. Richard Seewald, Prof. Susan Scollie, Dr. Patricia Roush, Andrea Bohnert, Prof. Jace Wolfe for their professional opinion on the use of SoundRecover with infants. All these experts agree that SoundRecover can be beneficial for children of all ages right from day one.

Can SoundRecover be beneficial for all degrees of hearing loss?

There is compelling scientific evidence that SoundRecover provides significant improvements in audibility, speech intelligibility as well as own-voice quality for children and adults with all degrees of hearing loss.

Are the results immediate?

Experience has shown that SoundRecover enjoys a high spontaneous acceptance rate. In some cases these improvements can be measured immediately – others require an adaption period of 4 to 8 weeks. Further improvements were measured even after long-term use.

Can I verify SoundRecover?

Yes you can! We recommend you use the guidelines on “Electroacoustic Verification of Nonlinear Frequency Compression Hearing Instruments” developed by the University of Western Ontario. You may also verify SoundRecover with Verifit from Audioscan. Specific information on Verifit can be found at www.phonak.com/pediatric_fitting

Does frequency compression affect listening checks?

When performing listening checks, sound quality may be perceived as different compared to sound quality of previously checked hearing instruments. This is due to frequency compression.

Are there any risks in fitting SoundRecover to children?

No. SoundRecover has been thoroughly tested and poses no risk to a child’s hearing. On the contrary, SoundRecover provides numerous significant advantages for a child’s development.