Glossary of terms
The following is a glossary and overview of various Unitron product terms used in the Unitron TrueFit™ software.
0-9
2cc : Curve display option that shows the gain or output of the hearing instrument as measured in a 2cc coupler. Unitron TrueFit™ automatically displays values in the appropriate coupler for the selected hearing instrument: an HA-1 for custom products and an HA-2 for BTE products. The graph options are accessed from the graph icon at the top right of the graphs.
A
Adaptation Manager: Control which adjusts the overall gain in the hearing instrument to provide a percentage of the prescribed target for the current fitting formula. An automatic component can be activated to gradually transition from a current setting that is focused on providing acceptable initial loudness (current setting) to a setting designed to optimize speech understanding (end value). Both the current and end value settings are adjusted by moving the position of the slider controls. The adaptation manager is a global parameter and therefore affects all programs. The adaptation manager can be adjusted in Fitting on the Tuning Screen.
Adaptive Directional: This input option uses an adaptive directional polar pattern strategy to improve speech understanding in noise. This input option is available for some manual programs under Fitting > Configure Features > Input.
AntiShock™: A feature which is able to instantly identify and minimize impulse sounds without eliminating or making the sounds unrecognizable and without affecting speech sounds. This adjustable feature works independently from the gain, MPO and the compression system. AntiShock can be adjusted in Fitting on the Configure Features screen.
Audio Streaming: Input that is provided by wireless transmission of signals (e.g., via uDirect™ inputs or Binaural Phone). Inputs can be adjusted in Fitting on the Configure Features screen.
Audiogram-based Noise: Random noise signal with a frequency spectrum that is based on the client’s entered audiometric data.
Automatic Program: Monitors each acoustic situation and selects the appropriate blend of listening environments.
Automatic Controls: Fitter-configurable controls that impact the switching behaviour of the Automatic Program. Clinicians have the option to configure the sensitivity of the Automatic Program to environmental changes (Very Low = slower reaction, Very High = faster reaction). In addition, controls are available to change the priority of various listening environments in the Automatic Program. Automatic Controls can be adjusted in Fitting on the Configure Features screen.
Automatic 4: In Quantum™ 20 and Moxi™ 20, the Automatic Program custom blends between three listening environments (Quiet, Speech in Noise, Noise), plus allows for a unique special treatment of music, based on each acoustic situation.
Automatic 3: In Quantum™ 12 and Moxi™ 12, the Automatic Program custom blends between three listening environments (Quiet, Speech in Noise, Noise) based on each acoustic situation.
Automatic 2: In Quantum™ 6 and Moxi™ 6, Automatic Program that custom blends between two listening environments (Quiet, Speech in Noise) based on each acoustic situation.
AutoMic: In Shine Rev 4 and 3 products, this manual program will switch microphone input from omni directional to the selected directional strategy when the noise exceeds the selected dB transition level.
B
Bass Enhancer: Available in Max™ products. A feature that provides increased output in the low frequencies for individuals who are able to utilize, or have a preference for extended low frequency listening cues.
Binaural Phone: Available in wireless products for Quantum™ 20, Quantum 12, Moxi™ 20 and Moxi 12. Binaural Phone automatically streams audio from the phone ear to the non-phone ear, allowing for binaural hearing while on a landline or mobile phone. Settings for this feature are located in Fitting on the Configure Features screen, when a telephone program is selected.
C
Calculated response: Curve display option which shows the calculated original quick fit sound level of the hearing instrument at the current adaptation manager setting prior to any fine tuning of the gain / frequency response. The Show Calculated Response option is available under the graph options that are accessed from the graph icon at the top right of the graphs.
Configure: Screen used to customize various feature settings of the hearing instruments; found under Fitting.
D
Data Logging: Accurately records usage data on topics such as hours of use per day, time spent in each program and listening destination, as well as volume and SmartFocus™ changes. At the follow-up appointment, the stored data is read into Unitron TrueFit™ and the results are displayed. The collected information can then be used to support fine tuning decisions and user counseling. The Data Logging screen can be accessed under Fitting.
Directional Microphone: Microphone setting designed to provide emphasis of sound in front of the wearer while decreasing amplification of sound from other directions to improve speech understanding in noise. Options in Unitron TrueFit include: Fixed Directional, Adaptive Directional, Smart Directional and SpeechZone Directional.
Driving Orientation: Refers to the drivers seating position based on the country. This data is used to determine defaults for the Car with speech direction manual program that is available in Quantum2 Pro and Moxi2 Pro.
DuoLink: Fitter-configurable feature that provides binaural coordination of program/volume/SmartFocus™ changes for each of the available hearing instrument user controls. That is, this feature allows changes made on one hearing instrument to be wirelessly communicated to the opposite hearing instrument so that both devices are synchronized. This feature can be set on the End Fitting > HI Setup screen.
E
Ear simulator: Curve display option which shows the sound level of the hearing instrument as measured in a coupler that is designed to simulate the impedance, volume and overall response of the average adult ear. The graph options are accessed from the graph icon at the top right of the graphs.
Easy-t: An optional feature, which automatically switches the hearing instrument to a telephone program when a telephone receiver is held next to the hearing instrument. This switching is accompanied by a series of beeps (optional) to inform the client that a change has occurred in the hearing instrument. Movement of the telephone receiver away from the hearing instrument causes the device to automatically return to the previous listening program. The easy-t program can use telecoil or acoustic input. The easy-t program is indicated beside the program name under Fitting > Program Manager.
Easy-DAI: An optional feature, which automatically switches the hearing instrument to a DAI program when a direct audio signal is being received into the hearing instrument. This switching is accompanied by a series of beeps (optional) to inform the client that a change has occurred in the hearing instrument. The hearing instrument automatically returns to the previous listening program when the direct audio signal is no longer available. The easy-DAI program is indicated beside the program name under Fitting > Program Manager.
F
Feedback Optimization: Screen under Fitting that allows clinicians to complete a feedback test which documents the maximum stable gain in the hearing instrument prior to feedback.
Fitting Advice: A feature on the Fitting >Tuning screen that provides clinicians with fitting solutions to client listening issues. Clinicians are provided with various suggested programming changes that can be easily applied to the hearing instrument.
Fitting Mode: A preselected group of hearing instrument defaults designed to provide age-appropriate settings for adaptive features and user controls that consider the unique fitting needs of children versus adults.
Fitting Summary: Screen under End Fitting that provides a summary table of various hearing instrument parameters including program list, user control settings, general status, and audible indicator states.
Fixed Directional: This input option uses a fixed directional polar pattern strategy to improve speech understanding in noise. This input option is available for some manual programs under Fitting > Configure Features > Input.
Flex:trial: The first hearing instrument system to offer clinicians the ability to download different technology levels into the same trial hearing instrument using Unitron TrueFit software, offering clients risk-free trials of amplification.
Frequency compression: Available in Max products. Frequency compression shifts sounds away from areas where hearing is most damaged and compresses them by a specified ratio into a client’s audible frequency range to provide improved awareness and speech intelligibility.
G
Getting Started Guide: A printable short-form document designed to be used by clients which provides straightforward and succinct counseling instructions to assist with the use and care of their hearing instruments and/or provided accessories.
H
HI Repair / Reset: This wizard allows clinicians to attempt a hearing instrument repair when prompted by the software; found in the Hearing Instrument menu. This wizard allows the fitter to reset the firmware within an instrument in cases where it stops communicating with the software.
HI Setup: Screen under End Fitting that allows clinicians to configure multiple aspects of their hearing instruments including client control functionality, volume settings, start-up settings, data logging / learning and program toggle options.
HI Update: This wizard allows clinicians to update the software image and associated features currently contained on the hearing instrument when prompted by the software; found in the Hearing Instrument menu.
Homologation Settings: Sets the hearing instrument into a special test mode used for certification of product parameters when dealing with Unitron software support services.
I
iCube: Wireless programming device that can be used with wireless enabled hearing instruments. An iCube can be configured using the Options > iCube Configuration short cut to reach the iCube preferences; an iCube can be checked, upgraded, added or removed here.
IntelliVent: Optional feature that calculates vent design characteristics considering your client’s unique ear canal dimensions and hearing loss. Unitron TrueFit™ software works with IntelliVent to automatically optimize gain/frequency response for the acoustics of the vent. IntelliVent codes are entered on the Instruments > Acoustics screen.
In Situ: Screen under Instruments that allows clinicians to conduct hearing tests via the hearing instrument. Clinicians have the option of conducting threshold testing and uncomfortable loudness measurements that can then be used as the basis of generated fitting targets for the client.
L
LearnNow™: Feature available with Quantum™ 20 and Moxi™ 20 that allows clients to train the hearing instruments to their preferred volume and SmartFocus™ settings. Pressing the LearnNow button on the Smart Control accelerates the learning process in the hearing instruments for volume and SmartFocus settings in different listening environments. The LearnNow feature can be enabled in hearing instruments under End Fitting > HI Setup > Data Logging. The LearnNow feature can be enabled on remotes from the Instruments > Accessories screen under the appropriate accessory (Smart Control or Smart Alert).
Linear processing: Linear amplification, with output compression limiting for loud inputs. A processing option that may be appropriate for previous linear wearers or those with more severe hearing losses. The processing strategy can be adjusted in Instruments on the Instruments > Pre-Fitting screen.
M
Multiband adaptive directional: A microphone system that tracks and suppresses multiple moving noise sources, while focusing on sounds from the front. This is referred to as Adaptive Directional in Unitron TrueFit.
MyMusic: Specialized frequency response / gain offsets for the Music program designed to enhance the music listening experience based on user preference. The music genre for MyMusic can be selected under Fitting > Configure Features > MyMusic when a Music program is selected.
N
Natural Sound Balance: Adaptive feature that continuously monitors the relationship between the direct sound path (vent-transmitted sound) and the amplified path and automatically adjusts the hearing instrument output to ensure the sound mixture provides natural sound quality. This feature is always enabled on all Quantum and Moxi products.
Noise reduction: Adaptive feature that improves listening comfort by decreasing gain / output of the hearing instrument in those channels where noise is the dominant signal. Noise reduction is incorporated into SmartFocus for Quantum and Moxi products.
Noise reduction with level dependency (noise reduction LD): Enhancement to adaptive noise reduction feature within SmartFocus 2 to allow the maximum amount of noise reduction available to be dependent on level. With this feature, the maximum amount of noise reduction available for soft and loud sounds is greater than for average sounds across all environments.
O
Occlusion Manager: Adaptive feature that adjusts the low frequency output of the hearing instrument to reduce the perception of occlusion. This feature is a global parameter and therefore affects all programs. The occlusion manager can be adjusted under Fitting > Tuning .
P
Phase Canceller: Adaptive feature that generates a phase inverted signal to cancel out the feedback signal, effectively eliminating feedback without gain loss. The strength of the phase canceller can be adjusted in Fitting on the Configure Features screen.
Pink Noise: Random noise signal with a frequency spectrum where the amount of energy progressively decreases as the frequency increases. Similar to white noise but with a low-frequency tilt.
Pinna Effect: This feature considers the location of the hearing instrument microphone and adjusts the microphone response to recreate the natural ability of the external ear to collect sound. This feature is always enabled in Quantum 20 and Moxi 20.
Program Manager: Screen under Fitting that allows the clinician to add and/or remove listening programs, rename selected programs and activate/deactivate easy-t and easy-DAI (when applicable).
Q
Quick Fit: Automatically calculates and adjusts hearing instrument settings based on the default or selected fitting formula. The Quick Fit button is located at the top right of the screen. When the Quick Fit button turns orange, a “quick fit” is recommended. Quick Fit options can be seen by clicking on the arrow to the right of the Quick Fit button.
R
Real Ear: Curve display option that shows the estimated level (dB SPL) of the hearing instrument measured in a client's ear, as when using a probe tube. The sound source is assumed to be a 0 degrees azimuth. The graph options are accessed from the graph icon at the top right of the graphs.
RECD: Real Ear to Coupler Difference. The difference, in dB, between the SPL measured in a 2cc coupler and the SPL measured in the client’s real ear, for a given input signal level. RECD values are ultimately used in the generation of hearing instrument targets and can be entered on the Client > RECD screen.
Remote control: A hand-held device that provides easy adjustment of hearing instrument settings including volume level, listening programs and the comfort and clarity of sound via SmartFocus. A remote control can be activated or simulated on the Instruments > Accessories screen.
REUG: Real Ear Unaided Gain. The difference, in dB, between the level in a sound field and the level in the listener's ear when unoccluded and unaided (i.e., the open response). REUG values are ultimately used in the generation of hearing instrument targets and can be entered on the Client > REUG screen.
RIC: Receiver-In-Canal. A behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing instrument style where the receiver is located in the ear canal instead of being contained within the BTE shell; formerly termed CRT (Canal Receiver Technology).
S
Sensitivity: The Sensitivity of the Automatic Program can be adjusted. A Low sensitivity setting means the Automatic Program is less sensitive to the changing environment and will switch less frequently. A High setting means that the Automatic Program is more sensitive to the changing environment; therefore it will switch more frequently. The Sensitivity setting can be adjusted under Fitting > Configure Features > Automatic Controls.
Self Learning: Hearing instrument feature that gradually learns the clients situational listening preferences for volume control and SmartFocus settings and applies them automatically to the automatic, manual and wireless listening programs. Self Learning settings can be adjusted under End Fitting > HI Setup > Data Logging.
Smart Alert™: A hand-held remote control that allows clients adjustment of hearing instrument settings while also alerting them to various devices in their home (e.g., doorbell, telephone, smoke detector and more). A Smart Alert can be activated or simulated on the Instruments > Accessories screen.
Smart Control: A small hand-held remote control which allows the client to adjust multiple aspects of their hearing instruments including the volume levels, switch between listening programs and adjust the the comfort and clarity of sound via SmartFocus™. A Smart Control can be activated or simulated on the Instruments > Accessories screen.
Smart Directional: This input option is available for the Automatic Program and some manual programs under Fitting > Configure Features > Input. The specific SmartFocus or SmartFocus 2 clarity or comfort setting will dictate directional microphone strategy when the Smart Directional input is selected.
SmartFocus™: Exclusive Unitron feature that optimally combines microphone strategy, speech enhancement, noise reduction, and gain modification along a Comfort / Clarity scale. SmartFocus can be configured by the fitter in the Fitting > Configure Features screen. SmartFocus can also be client controlled for more clarity or comfort in specific situations by using hearing instrument controls or a remote control. The hearing instrument controls can be set up under End Fitting > HI Setup. The remote control options can be set up under Instruments > Accessories and then select the appropriate remote control.
SmartFocus 2: Exclusive Unitron feature that is the next generation of SmartFocus. Speech enhancement and noise reduction features have been enhanced in SmartFocus 2 to include speech enhancement+ and noise reduction with level dependency. These updates give patients a noticeable new level of listening ease in challenging situations and less distractions from every day noises.
SmartFocus SP: Available in Max products. Exclusive Unitron feature that optimally combines microphone strategy, speech enhancement, noise reduction and gain so that they work synergistically together to provide the best speech understanding or comfort as the situation demands for clients with severe to profound hearing loss.
Speech enhancement: Adaptive feature that identifies the presence of speech in the listening situation and increases gain in any of the channels where speech is the dominant signal. Speech enhancement provides greater enhancement to softer inputs while providing less enhancement as input levels rise, to prevent loudness tolerance issues. Speech enhancement is incorporated into SmartFocus™ for Quantum and Moxi products.
Speech enhancement+: The adaptive speech enhancement feature continues to enhance speech in all environments as well it has been further enhanced within SmartFocus 2 to apply additional speech weighted gain in speech in noise environments and is optimized to work with noise reduction LD.
SpeechZone™ directional: SpeechZone automatically lets clients clearly enjoy conversations even in the toughest listening situations. SpeechZone, enabled by binaural spatial processing, is activated when the hearing instruments determine speech is coming from the front in a noisy environment – then both hearing instruments become more directional and zone in on speech. SpeechZone directional is selected under Fitting > Configure Features > Input in the Automatic Program.
SpeechZone™2: uses binaural spatial processing to determine the exact location of speech, whether it’s coming from the front, back, left or right. It automatically selects a binaural or asymmetric synchronized microphone strategy to ensure the best speech understanding in noisy environments.
T
Test Mode: Software feature that allows the fitter to easily transfer test settings to the hearing instrument for the purposes of comparing to electroacoustic specifications. Test mode can be found in the Hearing Instrument menu.
Tinnitus Masker: Noise generator intended to provide a sound enrichment source that stimulates the auditory system. Intended to be used as part of a comprehensive tinnitus therapy program.
Tinnitus Pitch Match: Frequency (in Hertz) that corresponds most closely to the client’s perceived tinnitus. This diagnostic information is entered into the provided field on the Client > Audiogram screen and is used during the prescription of the tinnitus masker frequency response and output level.
Tinnitus Loudness Match: Loudness level corresponding to the perceived loudness of the client’s tinnitus at the identified tinnitus pitch match frequency. This loudness level is expressed in terms of the number of dB above the client’s threshold (i.e., dB SL) at the tinnitus pitch match frequency.
Trial Duration: Flex:trial devices can be used by clients for a set period of time called the trial period. Hearing instruments will play a repeated beep when the trial period expires. Set the trial duration from the End Fitting > Beeps screen.
Transition Level: In Shine Rev 4 and 3 products, the AutoMic manual program will switch microphone input at the selected dB transition level.
Tuning: Screen under Fitting that provides access to hearing instrument adjustments such as the adaptation manager, occlusion manager, soft / moderate / loud adjustments, MPO / Gain adjustments as well as access to Fitting Advice.
U
uAudio: A wireless program in the hearing instruments that is automatically activated when the uDirect™ streams signals either from wired audio inputs or from Bluetooth®-enabled devices that use a one-way communication mode (e.g., music streaming).
uDirect™: Neck-worn device used to transmit sound wirelessly between wireless-enabled hearing instruments and Bluetooth®-enabled electronic devices or those that can be plugged directly into uDirect device. A uDirect can be activated or simulated on the Instruments > Accessories screen.
uDirect™ 2: Neck-worn device used to transmit sound wirelessly between wireless-enabled hearing instruments and Bluetooth®-enabled electronic devices or those that can be plugged directly into uDirect device. Also has remote control functionality and spoken notifications. A uDirect 2 can be activated or simulated on the Instruments > Accessories screen.
uFM: A wireless program in the hearing instruments that is automatically activated when the uDirect™ streams signals from FM devices via the 3-pin Europlug connection.
uPhone: A wireless program in the hearing instruments that is automatically activated when the uDirect™ streams signals from Bluetooth®-enabled devices that use a two-way communication mode (e.g., mobile phone).
uTV: Device that sends sound wirelessly from the TV (or similar device) to the client’s wireless hearing instruments via the uDirect neck-worn accessory. The uTV does not need to be configured in Unitron TrueFit.
uTV 2: Device that sends sound wirelessly from the TV (or similar device) to the client’s wireless hearing instruments via the uDirect 2 neck-worn accessory. The uTV 2 does not need to be configured in Unitron TrueFit. Provides the same functionality as uTV, with different charging slot dimensions to accommodate the uDirect 2 housing.
V
Verification Mode: Software feature that allows the fitter to quickly deactivate adaptive features in the hearing instrument for the purposes of running measurements. Fitters have the option of choosing between: Real Ear Verification and 2cc coupler Verification. Real Ear Verification disables all adaptive features except for Natural Sound Balance in the hearing instrument until the mode is exited. 2cc coupler Verification disables all adaptive features and directional microphones in the hearing instrument until the mode is exited. Test Mode can be found in the Hearing Instrument menu.
W
White Noise: Random noise signal with a flat spectral density over the widest possible bandwidth.
Wind Noise Manager: Reduces amplification in hearing instrument channels where wind noise is detected to improve listening comfort. The Wind Noise Manager settings can be adjusted under Fitting > Configure Features.