For many of us in Denver and throughout Colorado, our active lifestyles are deeply intertwined with the natural beauty that surrounds us. Whether it's the satisfying crunch of boots on a hiking trail, the gentle rustle of aspen leaves, or the melodic songs of mountain bluebirds, sound plays a crucial role in our outdoor experiences. But for those dealing with tinnitus, these cherished sounds can be overshadowed by an unwelcome internal noise. At Professional Hearing Services, we understand how tinnitus can impact your quality of life, and we're excited to share an innovative solution that's helping many of our patients rediscover the sounds of Colorado: Widex SoundRelax.

Tinnitus: When Your Inner Soundtrack Drowns Out Colorado's Natural Symphony

Tinnitus isn't just a minor inconvenience - it's like having an unwanted soundtrack playing constantly in your ears. For some, it might sound like the persistent buzz of I-25 traffic, while for others, it could mimic the high-pitched whistle of a mountain wind. Whatever form it takes, tinnitus can be more than just annoying - it can significantly impact your daily life and enjoyment of Colorado's natural wonders.

Imagine trying to appreciate the serene quiet of a snowfall in Rocky Mountain National Park, only to have it interrupted by an internal ringing. Or picture yourself at a Rockies game, struggling to focus on the crack of the bat because of a constant buzzing in your ears. For many Coloradans, both Boomers and Millennials alike, these scenarios are all too real.

Tinnitus can result from various causes - maybe it's from years of enjoying concerts at Red Rocks a bit too enthusiastically, or perhaps it's tied to the natural aging process. Sometimes, it's even associated with other health conditions. Whatever the cause, the impact can be profound, affecting everything from your work performance to your ability to enjoy a peaceful hike in the Flatirons.

How Hearing Aids Can Help Turn Down the Volume on Tinnitus

Now, you might be wondering, "What do hearing aids have to do with this internal noise?" It's a fair question, especially if you've always thought of hearing aids as devices that simply make things louder. But modern hearing aids, like the Widex Moment, can do so much more.

Here's the deal: Many people with tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss. By amplifying external sounds, hearing aids can help mask the internal noise of tinnitus. It's like turning up the volume on Colorado's natural soundtrack to overpower that annoying internal radio station.

But sometimes, amplification alone isn't enough to provide complete relief from tinnitus. That's where specialized features like Widex SoundRelax come into play.

Widex SoundRelax: Bringing the Tranquility of Nature to Your Ears

Widex, a pioneer in hearing aid technology, has long been at the forefront of tinnitus management. Their latest innovation, SoundRelax, is a feature available in Widex Moment hearing aids that offers an expanded library of soothing tones and nature sounds designed specifically to help manage tinnitus symptoms.

Think of SoundRelax as your personal sound therapist, available 24/7. It uses a combination of fractal tones (mathematically generated sounds that are both random and harmonious) and nature sounds to give your brain something pleasant to focus on instead of your tinnitus.

For our nature-loving patients, this could mean having the gentle sound of a mountain stream or the soft whisper of wind through pines available at the touch of a button. These sounds are carefully crafted to provide maximum relief and relaxation, helping to mask your tinnitus and promote a sense of calm.

The Science Behind the Serenity

But why do these sounds help with tinnitus? It's all about giving your brain an alternative focus. Tinnitus often becomes more noticeable in quiet environments because there's nothing else for your brain to process. By providing a pleasant, non-intrusive sound, SoundRelax helps shift your attention away from the tinnitus.

What's particularly exciting about SoundRelax is its level of customization. Working with our audiologists at Professional Hearing Services, you can fine-tune the sounds to your personal preferences. Whether you find the sound of gentle ocean waves calming (even though we're a landlocked state!) or prefer the soft patter of rain on a tent, we can help you find the perfect sound to mask your tinnitus and promote relaxation.

SoundRelax in Action: Stories from the Colorado Front Range

Let's look at how SoundRelax has helped some of our patients here in Colorado. (Names have been changed for privacy.)

Sarah, a 68-year-old retiree from Littleton, loved attending the Colorado Symphony but found her enjoyment diminished by persistent tinnitus. After being fitted with Widex Moment hearing aids with SoundRelax, she shares, "I can now enjoy performances without the constant ringing in my ears. The soft background sounds from SoundRelax help me focus on the music instead of my tinnitus. It's like I can hear every note clearly again!"

Mike, a 35-year-old software developer living in LoDo, struggled with concentration at work due to his tinnitus. He reports, "With SoundRelax, I can create a peaceful soundscape in my open-plan office. It's made a huge difference in my productivity and stress levels. Plus, when I go for a run in City Park after work, I can enjoy the sounds around me without my tinnitus getting in the way."

These are just a couple of examples of how SoundRelax is helping people in our community manage their tinnitus and improve their quality of life, allowing them to fully engage in all the activities Colorado has to offer.

Integrating SoundRelax into Your Colorado Lifestyle

While SoundRelax can be a powerful tool in managing tinnitus, it's most effective when used as part of a comprehensive tinnitus management plan. That's where our team at Professional Hearing Services comes in.

Our experienced audiologists work closely with you to develop a personalized tinnitus management strategy that fits your Colorado lifestyle. This might include:

1. A thorough hearing evaluation and tinnitus assessment
2. Fitting and fine-tuning of Widex Moment hearing aids with SoundRelax
3. Counseling on tinnitus and its management
4. Instruction on relaxation techniques and sound therapy
5. Regular follow-ups to adjust your plan as needed, ensuring it continues to meet your needs whether you're navigating city life in Denver or exploring the great outdoors

One of the tools we use to ensure you're getting the most out of your hearing aids and SoundRelax is Real Ear Measurement (REM). This technology allows us to measure exactly how sound is being delivered to your ear canal, ensuring that your hearing aids are providing the right level of amplification and that the SoundRelax tones are at the optimal volume.

Widex Moment: High-Tech Hearing Aids for Your High-Altitude Adventures

SoundRelax is available in various models of Widex Moment hearing aids, including the new SmartRIC and Sheer models. These hearing aids offer more than just tinnitus relief - they're packed with features to enhance your overall hearing experience, perfect for the Colorado lifestyle.

The Widex Moment line is known for its natural sound quality, thanks to Widex's PureSound™ technology. This means you're not just managing your tinnitus - you're also enjoying clearer, more natural hearing in all your day-to-day activities, from business meetings in the Denver Tech Center to casual conversations at your favorite craft brewery.

For our active Colorado residents, the Moment line offers excellent connectivity features. You can stream music or phone calls directly to your hearing aids, perfect for staying connected while tackling a 14er or navigating I-25 traffic.

The SmartRIC model, with its unique L-shaped design, offers improved directionality, helping you hear better in noisy environments. This could be a game-changer whether you're trying to follow conversations at a busy restaurant on Pearl Street in Boulder or cheering on the Broncos at Mile High Stadium.

And for those who value convenience (and who doesn't?), the rechargeable models offer up to 37 hours of use on a single charge - more than enough for a full day of work followed by an evening concert at Red Rocks.

Your Journey to Tinnitus Relief Starts Here

Living with tinnitus can be challenging, but you don't have to face it alone. At Professional Hearing Services, we're committed to helping you find relief and improve your quality of life, allowing you to fully embrace all that Colorado has to offer.

Our mobile audiology service means you don't even have to leave your home to start your journey to better hearing and tinnitus management. We can come to you, wherever you are in the Denver metro area, to conduct hearing tests, fit hearing aids, and help you experience the benefits of SoundRelax firsthand.

Imagine being able to enjoy a quiet evening at home in Wash Park without the intrusion of tinnitus, or being able to fully appreciate the peaceful atmosphere during a weekend getaway to Estes Park. With Widex Moment hearing aids and SoundRelax, these scenarios can become your reality.

We invite you to take the first step towards reclaiming the soundscape of your life. Contact us at Professional Hearing Services to schedule a consultation. Whether you prefer to visit our office in Lakewood or would like us to come to you, we're here to help.

Don't let tinnitus hold you back from enjoying all that Colorado has to offer. With the right tools and support, you can manage your tinnitus and get back to fully enjoying life's soundtrack - from the urban buzz of Denver to the tranquil beauty of our mountain parks. Give us a call to learn more about how Widex SoundRelax and our personalized approach to tinnitus management can help you.

Remember, your journey to better hearing and tinnitus relief is unique, and we're here to support you every step of the way. Let's work together to help you hear your best and live your most vibrant, engaged Colorado life - tinnitus-free. After all, in a state as beautiful as ours, you don't want to miss a single sound!