Have you ever sat in a quiet room and still heard a high-pitched ringing that no one else notices?
If you have, you’re not imagining things—and you’re certainly not alone. Tinnitus affects millions of Canadians, especially those who’ve spent years around loud machinery, power tools, or aircraft engines. For many in Winnipeg, it’s become an unwelcome part of daily life.
But there’s hopeful news: new technologies are helping people like you finally find relief. One of the most promising options? Widex Zen Therapy and its newly released Sound Relax feature.
Why Does the Ringing Happen?
Tinnitus is often described as ringing in the ears—but it can also sound like buzzing, hissing, or clicking. It isn’t a disease in itself, but a symptom that your auditory system is under stress.
For some, it’s temporary. For others, it’s a constant companion that makes sleep difficult, conversations frustrating, and peace of mind harder to come by.
Calming Sound, Backed by Science
Widex, one of the world’s top hearing aid manufacturers, offers a unique solution: Zen Therapy, built right into many of their hearing aids.
Zen Therapy uses random, melodic tones—like Zen Aqua, Zen Coral, or Zen Lavender—to create a calming sound environment that masks tinnitus and reduces its emotional impact.
The Technology Behind Widex Zen Therapy
Zen Therapy isn’t just a set of soothing tones—it’s a sophisticated sound therapy system based on proven neuroscience and decades of tinnitus research. Developed by Widex, it’s designed specifically for people who hear persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing that doesn’t go away.
Sound Designed to Distract and Retrain
Zen Therapy uses fractal tones—random, melodic musical sequences that don’t repeat in a predictable way. Because the brain can’t anticipate the pattern, it stays gently engaged without becoming overstimulated. This helps reduce focus on tinnitus and promotes relaxation.
Unlike white noise or static, Zen tones are musically structured yet calming—similar to wind chimes or soft ambient music.
Personalization Through Compass GPS
Each Widex hearing aid equipped with Zen Therapy connects to a platform called Compass GPS, which your audiologist uses to:
- Adjust the pitch, volume, and rhythm of Zen tones
- Pair the therapy with your unique hearing profile
- Combine it with notch therapy or masking techniques for greater impact
The result? A completely personalized tinnitus solution that fits your hearing, your lifestyle, and your emotional needs.
Training the Brain to Tune Out Tinnitus
These customized sounds help your brain “retrain” its reaction to tinnitus. Instead of being stressed or distracted by it, your mind begins to tune it out—similar to how you stop noticing the hum of a refrigerator after a while. This process is known as Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT).
New Tech: Widex Sound Relax
This year, Widex expanded their approach with Sound Relax, a collection of new soundscapes designed to promote relaxation, focus, and overall mental well-being. These include:
- Winter
- Spring
- Autumn
- Seaside
- Summer Swells
- Blossom
- Breeze
These sounds play randomly to help your brain stay engaged and relaxed—especially helpful when tinnitus seems loudest at night or during quiet moments.
A Smart Solution for Daily Tinnitus Relief
But for those looking for a more complete, everyday solution that combines hearing support with tinnitus relief, Widex has taken it a step further.
Widex SmartRIC: Hearing Support Meets Calm
The Widex SmartRIC is a breakthrough in hearing technology—and one of the few devices that pairs world-class amplification with full Zen Therapy support in a discreet, wearable design.
Whether you’re at home, at work, or outdoors, SmartRIC is built to help you stay connected while reducing the impact of tinnitus.
Why Clients Love SmartRIC:
- Zen Therapy Built-In: Includes randomized calming tones like Zen Aqua or Zen Lavender—ideal for managing tinnitus throughout the day or while falling asleep.
- Optimized Microphone Design: Its L-shaped design improves speech clarity while reducing wind and handling noise—great for walking outdoors or working in busy environments.
- Up to 37 Hours of Battery Life: Get all-day relief and stay powered through long shifts or travel days.
- Smart App Control: Adjust your sound therapy, volume, or listening mode right from your phone.
- Natural Sound Processing: PureSound™ technology keeps your voice and the world around you sounding clear and lifelike.
“As someone who uses SmartRIC, I can tell you—it’s more than just hearing better. It’s about feeling calmer, more in control, and less focused on the buzzing in my ears.” – David G.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
At Polo Park Hearing Center, we use Compass GPS software to help program and personalize your Zen Therapy experience. Together, we can test which sounds feel most soothing for you.
You don’t need to use these programs all day—some people prefer a few hours before bed, or during quiet reading time. Whether you already use hearing aids or are just exploring options, there’s flexibility to suit your lifestyle.
Is Zen Right for You or a Loved One?
Zen Therapy is especially helpful if:
- You experience chronic or recurring tinnitus
- You’re not quite ready for full-time hearing aid use
- You’ve tried other tinnitus remedies without lasting results
- You want a non-drug, non-invasive option
- You’re looking for a tool to help you and your family feel more connected again
Tinnitus doesn’t just affect your ears—it affects your relationships, your mood, and your quality of life. But you don’t have to face it alone. Whether it’s your first consultation or your fifteenth, we’re here to walk the journey with you.
You Deserve Peace and Quiet Again
You’ve put up with the ringing long enough. It’s time to turn down the noise—and turn up the calm.
Call us today at (204) 788-1083 or book your tinnitus consultation online. We’ll help you explore solutions like Widex Zen Therapy and the Widex SmartRIC to find a path that works for you and your family.
