Well-being benefits of overcoming listening challenges with Roger™ technology

Listening in some settings can be exhausting for your clients. Learn how enhancing their speech understanding and communication with Roger can improve their cognitive, social-emotional, and cognitive well-being.

While hearing devices have long been the go-to solution for improving auditory perception, innovations such as Roger technology have taken the listening experience to a new level.

Roger technology offers a range of devices designed to enhance speech understanding and communication, especially in loud noise, over distance and in rooms with poor acoustics. This is particularly helpful for individuals with hearing loss, and a recent study shows that Roger offers great benefit for individuals with normal functional hearing too.1

This blog explores how Roger technology improves the cognitive, emotional, and physical consequences of listening challenges, surpassing the capabilities of hearing devices alone.

Cognitive benefits

Listening challenges often go beyond just hearing the sound; understanding speech in noisy environments can be particularly taxing for individuals with hearing loss. Roger tackles this issue by utilizing advanced digital processing and wireless communication to improve speech comprehension in noisy situations.2

For example, the MultiTalker Network (MTN) employs a network of microphones to capture the speaker’s voice and wirelessly transmit it directly to the user’s hearing instruments, or to the Roger DigiMaster Soundfield loudspeaker. In this way, an optimal signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is maintained, reducing background noise and enhancing the clarity of speech signals.3

By reducing listening effort and enhancing speech intelligibility,1 Roger allows users to engage more effectively in conversations.4 As a result, they can experience less mental fatigue, strain, and frustration, fostering cognitive well-being.

Social-emotional benefits

Living with hearing loss can be emotionally challenging, leading to feelings of social isolation, anxiety, and emotional distress.5 Roger can address these emotional consequences by enabling better communication and social interactions. By minimizing the negative impact of background noise and distance, Roger devices allow users to actively participate in conversations4, connect with others, and strengthen personal relationships.

Furthermore, the increased speech understanding provided by Roger technology allows users to regain confidence in various aspects of life, such as professional endeavors, educational pursuits, and social gatherings. The ability to actively engage and understand speech without constant struggle may help to boost self-esteem and reduce the emotional burden associated with hearing loss.

Physical benefits

Beyond the cognitive and emotional advantages, Roger technology offers distinct physical benefits for those with hearing loss. Traditional hearing devices may have limitations in specific situations, such as large group meetings, classrooms, or conferences, where sound may come from various directions and distances. Roger overcomes these challenges by utilizing innovative wireless transmission.

Roger devices seamlessly connect with hearing devices, ensuring a more reliable and consistent sound experience. By providing improved speech understanding and reducing the need for constant repositioning or straining to hear, users can enjoy a more effortless and natural listening experience. This not only reduces physical discomfort but also diminishes the strain on the auditory system, promoting better hearing health and overall well-being.

Enhancing overall well-being

By enhancing speech comprehension, reducing background noise, and enabling clearer communication, Roger surpasses the capabilities of traditional hearing devices. Its ability to minimize listening effort, foster social connections, and enhance overall well-being make it an invaluable tool for those seeking to better understand speech in noisy spaces and when there’s distance from the speaker.  

As technology continues to evolve, Roger stands as an excellent example of how innovation can empower individuals with hearing loss to maintain their well-being in every listening environment.

To learn more about Roger technology, we invite you to visit our product pages.

The latest Field Study News on the benefits of Roger SoundField can be found here.

References:

  1. Rodrigues, T. & Latzel, M. (2023). Reduced listening effort and improved speech intelligibility with Roger™ SoundField. Phonak Field Study News. Retrieved from the Phonak Evidence Library, accessed January 16, 2024.
  2. Wolfe, J., et al. (2021). Evaluation of a Dual Adaptive Remote Microphone System. Journal of Educational, Pediatric & (Re)Habilitative Audiology, Vol. 25. 2021-2027.
  3. Thibodeau, L. (2020). Benefits in Speech Recognition in Noise with Remote Wireless Microphones in Group Settings. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, 31(6), 404-411.
  4. Thompson, E., et al. (2020). Remote Microphone System Use in the Homes of Children with Hearing Loss: Impact on Caregiver Communication and Child Vocalizations. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 63(2), 633-642.
  5. Timmer, B. H. B., Bennett, R. J., Montano, J., Hickson, L., Weinstein, B., Wild, J., Ferguson, M., Holman, J. A., LeBeau, V., & Dyre, L. (in press). Social-emotional well-being and adult hearing loss: Clinical recommendations. International Journal of Audiology. https://doi.org/10.1080/14992027.2023.2190864