Widex MOMENT Hearing Aids Review

In July of this year, Widex announced the release of its latest hearing aid technology: WIDEX MOMENT.

According to the company, the new MOMENT hearing aids boast a number of updates and new features, including:

The industry’s “most natural hearing experience” by combining the latest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning with two ultra-fast signal pathways.
The first hearing aid to eliminate the commonly complained-about ‘out of sync’ sound for patients with mild to moderate hearing loss.
New platform achieves this improved hearing experience by leveraging two distinct signal pathways: the ‘classic’ Widex signal pathway is paired with a second ultra-fast signal pathway that adds extra gearing to the platform.
Widex ZeroDelay™ Accelerator reduces the processing delay between microphone and receiver to below 0.5 milliseconds, enabling the two sound signals to meet at virtually the same time in the eardrum – thereby eliminating the artificial sound quality and creating a more natural sound experience. This new sound experience is called Widex PureSound™.
Also leverages breakthroughs in AI and machine learning to personalize one’s hearing experience and create hearing programs based on a wearer’s typical environments – a daily commute, an open-office floor plan, a favorite restaurant, and more.

The MOMENT devices also feature lithium ion rechargeability and smart streaming – which offer robust connectivity to the devices one uses every day.

First Impressions

This fall, we were able to get our hands on a pair of the premium rechargeable Widex MOMENT mRIC R D hearing aids.

Unboxing new WIDEX MOMENT hearing aids

The mRIC charger has a compact and sleek design, with a lightweight brushed anodized aluminum casing. It uses inductive charging, so there’s no need to worry about contacts touching in order for it to be charging – just ‘set and forget’.

widex moment charger According to the company, the devices offer 20 continuous hours of use without streaming, or about 16 hours with streaming. A full charge takes approximately 4 hours.

A ‘quick charge’ of 30 minutes in the charger can provide 4 hours of use, if needed.

In addition to the rechargeable receiver in canal (RIC) model, the company offers the new MOMENT hearing aids in size 13 and size 10 battery-powered RIC versions as well.

A full suite of custom models are offered on the MOMENT platform, as seen in the style comparison chart below:

Hearing aid style comparison chart -click image to enlarge

The MOMENT is available for a range of budgets as well, with the new platform available in 4 technology levels.

Comfortable Fit and Great Sound

The hearing aids provided an easy, comfortable fit and contoured nicely over the ear and into the ear canal without issues when using an open dome.

A variety of dome options for different size ears and hearing needs are available, as well as custom molds when appropriate for an individual’s hearing loss.

Widex MOMENT (L) with dome options shown (R)

Like some of the other premium hearing aids we’ve tested this year, the MOMENT has great sound quality for day to day usage and when streaming calls and music.

However, the PureSound™ program was truly a standout. The sound quality in this program, was found to be as good as advertised – surprisingly natural and pleasant.

Both new and experienced hearing aid users are likely to appreciate the sound quality in the PureSound™ program for listening to their own voice, as well as a less ‘artificial’ or ‘mechanical’ sound quality to other sounds and voices.

The MOMENT App

widex moment app The MOMENT app allows users the ability to control the settings on their hearing aids using using their iPhone or Android device.

The SoundSense Learn feature on the front screen offers a real-time machine learning guide designed to provide a better, more personalized hearing experience. Simply compare different sound profiles and choose A or B.

Within the app, you also have the ability to create and name your new programs – even give each a unique photo.

The MOMENT app works with the following devices:

mRIC (MRR2D)
RIC 312 (MRB2D)

All other models use the company’s TONELINK app, which allows you to adjust key functions such as volume and programs. (TONELINK does not feature SoundSense Learn)

Telehealth Compatible: Widex REMOTE LINK

Widex REMOTE LINK

With demand for remote programming and telehealth functionality at an all-time high, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Widex has introduced REMOTE LINK.

The REMOTE LINK allows hearing professionals to connect remotely for a live video appointment and adjust the settings of a patient’s hearing aids in the same manner as if they were at an in-office appointment. The device works through the REMOTE CARE app, available for both iPhone and Android phones.

One of the most appealing features of using Widex’s REMOTE LINK is that it’s backwards compatible, meaning that it works with several past generations of Widex’s wireless hearing aids — not just the most recent technology.

For the professional, the software is fully featured, including the ability to run a feedback test and use the company’s ServiceTracker tool – which offers a quick way to screen hearing aid functionality.

Overall, the Remote Care process was found to be incredibly easy and intuitive – connecting for a live session with the audiologist was simple with the REMOTE LINK device and app. During our session, the audiologist was able to seamlessly adjust the hearing aids in real-time and demonstrate the different programs and features.

Verdict

With a comfortable fit, attractive design and premium sound quality, the Widex MOMENT has a lot to offer. Available lithium ion rechargeability and robust connectivity features make them a particularly attractive option for anyone looking to upgrade their hearing technology.