Taking a Closer Look: Exploring Widex Hearing Aids

In a world where hearing aids have become the go-to prescription for millions grappling with hearing loss, the market is teeming with options. Among the key players, Widex stands out as a powerhouse in the hearing aid industry. This discussion dives into the nuances of Widex Hearing Aids, dissecting their models, styles, and innovative features.

Hearing aids vary significantly, and choosing the right brand is crucial. Widex emerges as a popular choice, often recommended by audiologists for its efficacy in addressing various hearing difficulties. In a comprehensive review, we explore the diverse Widex hearing aid models, styles catering to different preferences, and the technology levels that set them apart.

Affordability is a significant factor in the hearing aid decision-making process. Widex holds its ground with a pricing structure comparable to other top-of-the-line prescription hearing aids like Oticon and Phonak. But what truly distinguishes Widex in this competitive landscape?

Enter the Widex Moment, an innovative line-up that places an unwavering focus on one paramount aspect: sound quality. The Widex Moment lineup promises something that resonates deeply with its users—fast and clear sound. For those who prioritize unparalleled sound quality and are willing to invest in a premium product, Widex Moment beckons as a compelling choice.

What sets Widex apart from the competition? Speed. Widex hearing aids process sound faster than any other contender in the market. While some argue that the standard millisecond delay is imperceptible to the human ear, devoted Widex enthusiasts swear by the brand’s unique sound quality.

Widex’s commitment to innovation recently garnered significant acclaim. In the fourth annual Hearing Technology Innovator Awards, three Widex solutions clinched the top spot in their respective categories. Widex Sound Assist, Widex Zen, and Widex Sound Relax stood out for bringing meaningful benefits to those dealing with hearing loss and tinnitus. The recognition spanned categories such as Remote Microphone Technology, Mobile App for Tinnitus Management, and Tinnitus Management Devices.

• History of Widex
• Widex Hearing Aid Models
• Widex Technology Features
• Widex Hearing Aid Accessories
• Pros vs. Cons
• Summary

The History of Widex

The history of Widex, the sixth-largest manufacturer of hearing aids globally, dates back to its founding in 1956 by two Danish families, Topholm and Westermann. Engineer Christian Tøpholm and businessman Erik Westermann initiated the venture by converting Tøpholm’s home cellar into a workshop and production hall, giving rise to the first Widex hearing aid, the Widex 561.

Headquartered in Denmark, the company has grown significantly over the years and now operates in almost 100 countries, employing around 3,800 people worldwide. The success of Widex is attributed to its commitment to innovation in hearing aid technology and design.

In 2019, Widex merged with Sivantos, a hearing aid conglomerate, forming WS Audiology alongside brands like Signia and Rexton. This merger contributed to a substantial market share of 19%, making WS Audiology the third-largest hearing aid company globally.

Despite this collaboration, both Widex and Signia have maintained their brand autonomy. Widex’s U.S. headquarters are located in New York City, emphasizing its global reach.

Throughout its history, Widex has been at the forefront of hearing aid innovation. In 1995, they introduced the first fully programmable digital hearing aid, Widex Senso, marking a significant technological breakthrough. In 2018, Widex once again made history by incorporating machine learning technology into their digital hearing aids.

Notably, in 2020, Widex achieved another milestone by introducing the smallest rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in hearing aids. This innovation showcased the company’s dedication to advancing technology for the benefit of those with hearing loss.

Widex is not only committed to technological advancements but also to ethical business practices and environmental responsibility. As a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the company emphasizes its dedication to human rights, labor rights, environmental preservation, and ethical business conduct.

This commitment to sustainability is evident at Widex’s headquarters near Copenhagen, where they employ a geothermal system and windmill. These initiatives contribute to making the facility CO2-neutral, and any surplus energy generated is redirected to the local electricity grid.

Widex’s leadership in technological innovation, dedication to ethical practices, and focus on sustainability continue to define its impressive legacy in the hearing aid industry.

Company Ambassadors

At Widex, the quest for perfect sound is at the heart of their mission, and they actively engage with sound enthusiasts through the Sound Ambassador project. Three carefully chosen artists—Ida Riegels, Brian Jackson, and Dominique Le Gendre—passionate about sound, shared their insights into the role of sound in their lives. Through these ambassadors, Widex gained a deeper understanding of the universal pursuit of natural and beautiful sound, reinforcing their commitment to delivering an unparalleled auditory experience.

Widex is a leading hearing aid provider with a diverse range of models catering to various types and severities of hearing loss, from mild to profound. The company, known for delivering high-fidelity sound quality, specializes in technology that excels in real-life scenarios, making it a preferred choice, particularly for musicians.

With approximately 30 hearing aid models and 15 accessories, Widex offers an extensive selection and features.

Widex Hearing Aid Technology

Widex hearing aids require a prescription dispensed exclusively by a licensed audiologist or hearing instrument specialist. A hearing professional will conduct extensive evaluations using their expertise to accurately evaluate factors such as the degree of hearing loss, lifestyle considerations, exposure to noisy environments, budget constraints, to make the best recommendation based on an individual’s personal requirements.

As a result, Widex hearing aids are not available over the counter, emphasizing the importance of obtaining a prescription. Hearing exams provide crucial information and aid in eliminating alternative treatment options, including surgical procedures.

Product line and timeline:

2022: Widex MOMENT SHEER (current)
2020: Widex MOMENT
‍2018: Widex EVOKE
‍2016: Widex BEYOND
2015: Widex UNIQUE
2013: Widex DREAM

Widex’s most popular hearing aid, the Widex Moment Sheer, has been widely acclaimed in 2023. The company received top honors in three categories at the fourth annual Hearing Technology Innovator Awards for its solutions addressing hearing loss and tinnitus, and also earned recognitions for the Widex Moment app and Widex My Sound in CES 2023 and the previous year’s awards, respectively.

Widex Moment Sheer

Widex MOMENT Sheer marks a significant advancement in hearing technology, building upon the proven successes of Widex MOMENT to offer wearers a perfected natural sound experience, expanded features for wellbeing, and elevated design standards. It integrates advanced software and hardware technologies to support engagement, improved wellbeing, and an enhanced user experience.

The solution includes various cutting-edge features:

• MySound 2.0: Enhanced AI-based customization tool offering personalized sound experiences through compression settings and customizable parameters.
• Widex SoundRelax: An extensive library of fractal sounds aimed at calming effects and customizable through the Widex MOMENT app, catering to wearers with and without tinnitus.
• Widex Sound Assist: A five-in-one device providing partner and table microphone functionality, hands-free phone calls, Bluetooth streaming, and remote control of Widex MOMENT Sheer hearing aids.
• Modern Design: Elevated aesthetics in product, packaging, and accessories ensuring a harmonious blend of exceptional technology and design.
• Widex PureSound with ZeroDelay: Continues to offer the fastest sound processing, maintaining natural sound by preserving spatial cues for a more layered auditory experience.
• TruAcoustics™ and Instant Ear-tips: A new range of instant ear-tips coupled with TruAcoustics™ fitting calculation software ensures better acoustical stability and a broader range of hearing losses fitted with instant tips, providing hearing care professionals greater flexibility.

Key Features

Receiver in Canal (RIC) Style

• Ideal for mild to severe hearing loss.
• Available in 4 technology levels: 440, 330, 220, 110
• Rechargeable with 29 hours of battery life.
• Allows streaming of phone calls, music, and podcasts from Android or Apple devices.
• Comfortably sits behind the ear with buttons or an app for volume changes.

Widex Moment BTE Models

The WIDEX Moment™ BTE models offer discreet and potent solutions for hearing needs. The WIDEX Moment BTE 13 D, and BTE R D, securely positions behind the ear, designed to deliver natural, pure sound via Widex PureSound™ powered by ZeroDelay™ technology. This model ensures intelligent automation for seamless adaptability and personalized control when desired.

With direct streaming capabilities from iOS or Android devices through the WIDEX Moment app, users can revel in extended hours of entertainment or conversations.

Key features of the WIDEX Moment BTE models include:

• PureSound™ Technology: Provides natural and pure sound quality.
• ZeroDelay™ Technology: Offers fast sound processing without artificial sound.
• Direct Streaming: Seamless streaming capability from iOS or Android devices.
• Long Battery Life: The rechargeable BTE R D model offers up to 37 hours of runtime without streaming or 24 hours with 8 hours of streaming.
• Rocker Switch and Pushbutton: Features a new, user-friendly switch with LED indicator and pushbutton for easy control and adjustments.
• Discreet Design: Sits securely behind the ear, offering a discreet appearance.

Widex Moment Receiver In Canal (RIC) Models

The original Widex Moment line up (prior to the release of Moment Sheer), is still available and offered 3 different RIC options: RIC 10, RIC 312, and sRIC R D.

The RIC series offers discreet and advanced Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing aid solutions with a focus on natural sound quality and ease of use.

Key highlights of the Moment RIC series include:

• PureSound™ Technology: Delivers pure and natural sound quality with ZeroDelay™ processing for fast sound delivery.
• Discreet Design: Offers a discreet appearance while sitting securely behind the ear.
• Wireless Streaming: Enables direct streaming from iOS or DEX devices via the WIDEX MOMENT app for extended hours of entertainment or conversations.
• TONELINK™ App Control: Provides full control of the hearing aid settings and adjustments via the TONELINK app.
• Battery Options: Different models feature small but potent batteries or rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for enhanced usability and convenience.
• Future Connectivity: Prepared for future connections with Android devices, ensuring versatility and compatibility.

Widex Moment Completely In Canal Micro:

• 

  Smallest size, invisible.

• Custom molded to fit your ear.
• Uses a disposable size 10 battery.
• Ideal for mild to severe hearing loss.
• Does not allow Bluetooth streaming.
• Volume and program control through a Widex app or remote control.
• Does not allow remote programming.

Widex Moment Completely In Canal:

• Second smallest size.
• Custom molded to fit your ear.
• Uses a disposable size 10 battery.
• Best for mild to severe hearing loss.
• Does not allow Bluetooth streaming.
• Volume and program control through a Widex app or remote control.
• Allows remote programming.
• Ideal for those who want a small hearing aid with remote programming.
• Compatible with a wide range of Widex accessories.

Widex Moment XP:

• Largest custom molded device.
• Uses a disposable size 312 battery for 2-3 days longer life.
• Best for mild to severe hearing loss.
• Does not allow Bluetooth streaming.
• Volume and program control through a Widex app or remote control.
• Allows remote programming.
• Ideal for those with dexterity challenges and a need for longer battery life.

Other Widex Hearing Aids

EVOKE™:

• Released in 2018, EVOKE™ features automatic sound processing, natural sound, and machine learning for enhanced listening comfort.
• Suitable for a variety of listening environments with Sound Class technology across all product styles and tiers.
• Some styles offer Made-for-iPhone connectivity, and like MOMENT, EVOKE uses machine learning to improve listening comfort.
• Available in various styles for mild to profound hearing loss, offering wireless connectivity and smartphone compatibility.
• Described as the world’s first smart hearing aid, automatically adjusting settings based on the environment and discerning music types for optimal listening.

BEYOND™:

• The first Made-For-iPhone hearing aid by Widex, offering Bluetooth connectivity.
• Compatible with Widex’s wireless DEX™ devices, including a streamer providing Bluetooth connectivity for streaming audio from non-Apple devices.
• Features a smartphone BEYOND App for users to control their hearing aids, including streaming, volume adjustments, directional focus, and sound equalization.
• The first Made-for-iPhone model with telecoil functionality.
• Features app control for volume adjustments, directional focus, and location-based automatic adjustments.

UNIQUE™:

• Features superior sound quality with Sound Class Technology, dividing listening environments into nine distinct sound classes.
• Includes Wind Noise Attenuation to reduce wind noise and a Soft Level Noise Reduction system for understanding speech in noisy environments.
• Offers solutions for various technology levels, Bluetooth capability for direct streaming, and addresses affordability with different options.
• Utilizes nine sound classes for automatic identification and enhancement of voices.
• Offers Bluetooth technology for direct streaming from devices.

CUSTOM™:

• Reduces the processor engine size by 40%, providing custom cosmetic options without compromising sound quality.
• Available in MOMENT, UNIQUE, and EVOKE lines, delivering high-performance sound processing and Bluetooth connectivity through DEX™ accessories.

Overview of Widex Technology Features

PureSound Technology:

Integrated into Moment models, PureSound delivers natural and clear sound, processing eight to 20 times faster than other digital hearing aids.

Shown to improve speech understanding, this technology is lauded for its rapid sound processing.

Sound Sense Technology:

Learns from various situations to enhance the user’s listening experience over time, personalizing the hearing aid settings.

Widex Zen Therapy:

Addresses tinnitus effects through counselling, amplification, relaxation, and unique fractal tones.

Offers relief for stress and sleep difficulties associated with tinnitus.

Zero Delay Technology in PureSound:

Introduced in the Widex Moment platform, this feature enhances natural sound by eliminating delays between the microphone and receiver, improving overall sound quality.

Machine Learning and AI:

Widex pioneered machine learning in hearing aids with the introduction of “Sound Sense Learn” in Widex Evoke devices.

Users can adjust preset programs based on immediate listening experiences in challenging environments.

Dynamic Range:

Widex hearing aids offer a wide input dynamic range, crucial for providing various sounds in terms of loudness.

Particularly beneficial for music enthusiasts, ensuring a diverse range of sounds from very soft to very loud.

Fractal Tones for Tinnitus:

Widex uses fractal tones, resembling wind chimes, for sound therapy to treat tinnitus.

The unpredictable nature of fractal tones keeps the ear stimulated, proven effective in addressing tinnitus issues.

Widex InterEar Technology:

Enhances the benefits of hearing from both ears, improving hearing in background noise, sound localization, and speech recognition.

Utilizes InterEar Speech Enhancer to enhance speech understanding in noisy environments with background conversations.

Audibility Extender:

Addresses the loss of high frequency sounds common in hearing loss, particularly crucial for speech perception and language development in children.

Transposes inaudible high-frequency sounds to lower frequencies, enhancing speech sounds for improved conversations.

Sound Relax Technology:

Provides relief for tinnitus sufferers through soothing sounds like white noise, ocean waves, or rainfall, customizable based on user preferences.

Integrated into Widex’s advanced hearing aids, controllable through a smartphone app.

Fluid Sound Analyzer:

Automatically reacts to different listening environments, adjusting device settings with Fluid Sound Analyzer technology.

The Sound Class Technology minimizes the need for additional dedicated programs, ensuring comfort and clarity in various environments.

Widex Smartphone Apps

Moment App:

Controls Widex Moment hearing aid models, providing users with personalized adjustments. The Widex Moment App provides convenient control for hearing aid users, allowing adjustments through both iPhones and Android devices using the ASHA standard. The app offers functions such as volume and program settings, audio streaming, and features like SoundSense Learn.

Additionally, it enables hearing specialists to fine-tune the hearing aids remotely. However, for Remote Care functionality with Widex Moment aids, a separate neck loop device is necessary and must be purchased separately. Despite this requirement, the app facilitates seamless adjustments by hearing health providers through remote care options.

ToneLink App:

Pairs seamlessly with all Evoke hearing aid models for enhanced connectivity.

Evoke App:

Exclusively designed for the Evoke F2 model, offering tailored control options.

Remote Care App:

Links users with hearing professionals for fine-tuning and assistance remotely.

COM-DEX App:

Part of the COM-DEX system, streams sound and allows adjustments for hands-free control.

Widex Zen App:

Designed to provide comforting sounds for effective tinnitus relief.

Hearing Aid Accessories:

Sound Assist:

Wirelessly couples Widex hearing aids to remote mic options for hands-free control.

UniDex:

A neck-worn plug-and-play solution streaming wireless audio to hearing aids, offering a convenient alternative to COM-DEX.

COM-DEX:

Hands-free, neck-worn device streaming audio wirelessly into Widex hearing aids from Bluetooth devices, improving sound quality up to a 10-meter range. Allows streaming from any Bluetooth device to hearing aids, pairing with a remote mic for easier conversations.

RC-DEX:

A discreet wireless remote control for basic adjustment of hearing aid features, conveniently sized for a keychain.

TV-DEX:

Connects to televisions to prevent echoes and accelerate sound processing, providing a direct audio feed to Widex hearing aids.

TV Play:

Specifically designed for Moment models, ensuring wearers enjoy TV with optimal sound quality. (shown in video below)

Hearing Aid Chargers

Tabletop Chargers:

Regular chargers providing a full day of use with a 4-hour charge, or 4 hours of usage with a quick 30-minute charge.

Widex Charge n Clean:

Three-in-one chargers that charge, sanitize, and dry hearing aids, optimizing performance.

PerfectDry Lux Dryer 

A stand-alone dryer combating moisture-related malfunctions (white model shown above), recommended for daily use to extend the performance of Widex hearing aids.

Pros vs. Cons of Widex Hearing Aids

What We Like about Widex:

• High-Fidelity Sound Quality: Widex hearing aids are praised for delivering superior sound quality.
• Performance in Noisy Situations: Solid performance in environments with background noise enhances the user experience.
• Options for Different Hearing Conditions: Widex offers solutions for individuals with single-sided deafness and those with regular hearing or hearing loss in the other ear.
• Range of technology available for wide range of budgets
• Bluetooth Capability: Many Widex models come equipped with Bluetooth functionality, providing added connectivity.
• Warranty Coverage: Warranties vary by model, typically ranging from two to three years.
• Water-Resistant Design: All Widex hearing aids are water-resistant, contributing to their durability.
• Tinnitus Solutions: Widex stands out as one of the best options for individuals dealing with tinnitus.
• Commitment to Sustainability: Actively contributing to five United Nations Sustainable Development Goals showcases Widex’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Possible Drawbacks of Widex:

• Complex Range of Models: The extensive range of models and technologies offered by Widex may be overwhelming for some customers.
• Reliability Concerns: Some users online have expressed concerns about the reliability of Widex hearing aids. However, it is not substantially higher than other manufacturers
• Additional Purchase for Bluetooth Functionality: The Bluetooth functionality for Android requires an additional accessory purchase in most cases.
• Unavailable Direct Purchase: There are no OTC options, so customers cannot order self-fit models if this is something they want
• Short Warranty Durations for Some Models: Warranty durations vary by model, and some are as short as one year.

Summary

Widex stands out as a top-tier choice for superior sound quality and personalized hearing solutions, bolstered by evidence-based clinical studies and a global presence spanning over 100 countries. Embracing the diversity in hearing care needs, Widex prioritizes a tailored approach, acknowledging the absence of a universal solution for hearing aid acquisition.

Central to this approach is the pivotal role of hearing care practitioners who meticulously assess factors like hearing loss, age, and lifestyle, guiding users towards the most suitable hearing aid while ensuring a personalized technological solution, complemented by professional support and rehabilitation for an optimal user experience.

While the Widex Moment Sheer has received acclaim, users should be aware of reported limitations and considerations. Widex’s recognition in annual hearing aid lists reinforces its likelihood of being a preferred option for addressing a wide range of hearing losses. However, potential users should discuss with their hearing care professional the option that best meets their needs and carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision.

 

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About the author

Nausheen Dawood is an experienced Audiologist and Project Manager with a professional background including primary health care, corporate social investment, and business development. Proficient in the development of academic courses, training, and lecturing, with a focus on clinical student training and supervision. Adept in freelance copywriting, particularly in audiology and health-related topics. Holds a Masters degree in Audiology (Cum Laude), with a strong foundation in clinical research, project development, and strategic planning, complemented by technical training. Specializes in content development and training tailored to diverse audiences. Demonstrates a long-term commitment to research and development, including the implementation of randomized controlled trials, projects, and clinical examinations. Known for establishing robust networks and cultivating valuable stakeholder relationships.