This post contains affiliate links. We may earn an advertising or referral fee from this article. This helps us continue to provide high quality content for free to readers like you.
by Kirk P., Freelance Writer
Widex specializes in hearing aids and hearing care solutions for people with various hearing loss issues. The company doesn’t sell its products directly to the consumer through its website. However, you can find Widex hearing aids in hearing clinics across the United States. This provides you with an opportunity to try these products in the company of a hearing professional.
If you are thinking about Widex hearing aids, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive review will tell you everything you need to know about these products, including prices, specifications, and what customers really think about them.
About the Company
Established in Denmark in 1956, Widex has manufactured hearing aids for more than 60 years. The company says that it is one of the largest manufacturers of hearing aids in the world, and its products are sold in more than 100 countries. Widex has more than 4,000 employees.
What You Need to Know
Widex sells a wide range of different hearing aid solutions, but these generally fall into two categories: In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids and behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids.
Let’s take a closer look:
ITE hearing aids sit in the ear canal opening and suit people with minimal to moderately severe hearing loss, according to Widex. Some of the ITE style aids may be less ‘visible’ than others, meaning that many people will be unaware that you are even wearing a device. Widex also manufactures a completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid, which people will find even harder to detect than conventional ITE aids. This sits deep inside the ear canal.
BTE hearing aids come in two different types. There’s the standard BTE aid, where the electronic components are housed in the casing behind the ear. Then there’s the receiver-in-canal (RIC), sometimes referred to as receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing aid, which also sits discreetly behind the ear and is generally smaller than the standard BTE models. BTE hearing aids suit people with mild, moderately severe and profound hearing loss, according to Widex.
Most Popular Widex Hearing Aids
Widex manufactures far too many hearing aids to feature in this review, so we’ve picked some of the most popular models that you should know about:
EVOKE XP ITE
This ITE hearing aid is one of the most basic models and Widex claims it gives users “supreme sound in any sound environment.” The EVOKE XP ITE is small and discreet, comes with easy battery access, and it’s available in three different colors.
- Suitable for most people with hearing loss.
- Fits deep inside the ear canal.
UNIQUE CIC MICRO
This CIC hearing aid provides users with a discreet hearing solution. The Unique CIC Micro is extremely small and fits snugly in the ear canal. It offers a wide sound picture and can automatically adapt to different listening situations. It’s available in three different colors, too.
- Among the smallest hearing aids on the market.
- Uses the natural shape of your ear to naturalize sound.
EVOKE RIC 10
This RIC hearing aid is one of the most popular models manufactured by Widex. It uses smart technology that adapts to your listening environment and reacts to audio changes. The EVOKE RIC 10 continues to learn the more you use it, and Widex claims it gets “even smarter” as time goes on. It comes in more than 10 colors.
- Control the volume and select programs.
- Suitable for mild to severe hearing loss.
UNIQUE FASHION POWER
This BTE hearing aid has a wind reduction system, and you can choose from more than five colors. Widex says that this is the most powerful hearing aid in its UNIQUE range.
- Long battery life.
- Suitable for mild to severe hearing loss.
Prices
Prices of Widex hearing aids will depend on the model and the store where you purchase the device. Generally, prices range from $750 to $3,000 for each hearing aid (one unit), which is around the same as the average cost of hearing aids in the United States.
The EVOKE family of hearing aids follows the most advanced hearing aid technology trends, so these hearing aids command a high price, beginning at just under $2,000 per ear and going up to about $3,700 per ear, according to Hearing Tracker. Models in the UNIQUE family come in basic and premium technology levels with prices starting at about $1,600 per ear and going up to $3,000 per ear.
What are the Pros and Cons of Widex Hearing Aids?
Widex Pros
- The Widex website is easy to navigate.
- You can manage your device from your smartphone or tablet (EVOKE models only)
- Prices are in line with the average cost of hearing aids in the US.
- There is a wide range of customer service options if you have a problem.
- Widex devices are water-resistant
- Medicare supplement insurance may cover some of the costs of Widex hearing aids.
- Widex is a reputable company with 60 years of experience.
Widex Cons
- If looking to purchase online, you can’t buy Widex hearing aids directly from its website.
- Warranty lengths depend on the model.
- Some customers complain about hearing issues, especially in busy places.
Let’s look at some of these pros and cons in closer detail:
Pros
The Widex website is easy to navigate:
We found it easy to find information about products on the Widex website, which is frequently updated. You can discover product specifications and check out photos of the devices that interest you. There are also videos of Widex products if you need more information.
The main problem we found was the lack of prices.
We already mentioned that, unlike some other hearing aid manufacturers, Widex doesn’t sell its products directly to the consumer through its site. However, it would be nice to see a list of updated costs on the site so we can make fair comparisons with other products on the market.
You can manage your device from your smartphone or tablet.
If you purchase any of the devices from the EVOKE and BEYOND ranges, you can often control the audio settings of your hearing aid from a mobile app. Many other models have wireless capability as well, but they require the use of an intermediary device.
These features provide you with a lot of flexibility. Using the mobile app, you can personalize your listening experience with a swipe of a finger. Plus, there are mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices. When reviewing other smart hearing aids on the market, we tend to find most companies offer just an iOS app, leaving Android users out in the cold.
Prices are in line with other hearing aids on the market.
We found Widex prices to be pretty standard when compared to other products on the market. It’s worth noting here that individual stores can reduce Widex hearing aids they sell or offer promotions and discounts, which will bring down the cost of these products significantly.
Widex devices are water-resistant.
We love how Widex hearing aids are water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry if they get wet in rainy weather. This includes all parts of the hearing aid unit, such as the outer shell and internal electrical parts.
“Moisture, rain, humidity — these are all things that can affect the performance of a high-tech hearing aid. That’s why Widex has always worked hard to ensure your hearing aid is protected from the elements,” says Widex. “Our super protection doesn’t in any way affect the clear, natural sound of your Widex hearing aids.”
Medicare supplement insurance may cover some of the costs of Widex hearing aids.
This isn’t something that’s unique to Widex, but it’s worth pointing out that if you’re looking for hearing aids, some Medicare plans might help you cover the cost.
Typically, Medicare supplement insurance will cover some of the costs of hearing aids, but you will need to check with your insurer first. Another thing to remember is that Medicare Part B pays for hearing and balance exams if a doctor needs to examine you for medical treatment.
Widex is a reputable company with 60 years of experience.
We believe that this is Widex’s biggest selling point. The company has more than 60 years of experience, making it a market leader when it comes to hearing loss solutions. Despite radical technological changes in hearing aids over the decades, Widex has managed to remain a major player in this niche.
Widex has also won many accolades over the years, including the ID PRIZE design award in 1985. The company was the world’s first to produce an ITE hearing aid that generated the same audio quality as a BTE hearing aid.
Cons
You cannot purchase Widex hearing aids directly from its website.
Not being able to purchase hearing aids from the Widex website can make it hard for some consumers if they want to buy online. However, it is certainly best practice to be evaluated by a hearing professional.
You will also need to find your nearest store that stocks Widex hearing aids, which could be a long journey from your home. This will slow down the purchasing process in some cases.
Warranty lengths depend on the model.
However, this applies to pretty much any manufacturer of hearing aids – both professionally fit and online
Warranty Information
As mentioned before, Widex warranties all depend on the model you choose. Most warranties last for two or even three years, but some models come with just a one-year warranty. Make sure you check all this information before you purchase a device from this company.
You can also purchase an extended warranty. These will last for an extra one or two years (again, depending on the model) and cost between $75-150. These prices are in line with other extended warranties offered by hearing aid manufacturers in the US.
All of these warranties cover repairs and loss and damage, which provides you with the peace of mind you need.
Customer Service
Widex has various customer service options if you need to speak to a member of the team about malfunctioning hearing aids, warranty information, app connectivity, or other issues. Customer service reps respond to queries quickly.
You can live chat with a Widex rep about accessories and app connectivity from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Eastern Time Zone). You can also call the Bluetooth connectivity support team if you have tech issues during the same hours. If you need repairs or supplies, Widex can match you with a local partner through their website.
Outside of customer service hours, you will find plenty of useful resources on the Widex website, including a Support Centre and frequently asked questions.
Customer Reviews
Depending on which site you look at, Widex holds anywhere from 3 to 4 out of 5 stars. Similar to other major hearing aid brands.
Takeaway
With so many hearing aids out there, it can be difficult to know where to start. With Widex, you can find a hearing solution that matches your budget and circumstances and work with a company that has more than 60 years of experience. You will also benefit from various customer service options.
Not all customers are happy with Widex products, however, with some complaining about audio issues, but in our era of constantly updating smartphone software and apps, you’ll likely encounter this with any Bluetooth powered hearing aid. If you are looking for reasonably-priced hearing aids (including smartphone-enabled aids), you might want to check out Widex’s wide range of products.
Kirk P is a freelance writer who specializes in technology and consumer reviews. He writes so people with hearing loss can make better buying decisions.
