Widex Hearing Aids Review

Why You Can Trust Our Expert Review

Our experts independently research and recommend products we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. We’ve spent collectively more than 5,000 hours conducting in-depth research on hearing aids. Throughout this process, we did the following:

• Engaged in ongoing independent research
• Consulted with independent audiologists
• Consulted with geriatric care experts
• Mystery shopped the brands
• Surveyed hundreds of hearing aid users
• Tested various models of hearing aids
• Interviewed experts in the field
• Read thousands of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties such as Better Business Bureau and
  Consumer Reports

Why Widex Is One of Our Top Picks

Widex made the list in our best hearing aids review because it is one of the oldest brands in the industry and offers best-in-class technology. It’s been in business for more than half a decade, and operates in five continents, so it has a solid international reputation. We also like that, although being an industry leader, its prices are similar or even lower than many of its main competitors. Its emphasis on using advanced machine learning to help customize sound and increase processing speed helps cement Widex as a top pick for one of the best hearing aids on the market.

Pros and Cons of Widex Hearing Aids

Pros

• Range of models for hearing loss ranging from mild to profound
• Less expensive than other brands
• Offers mobile apps for its main models
• Provides remote care services and live chat support

Cons

• Range of models for hearing loss ranging from mild to profound
• Less expensive than other brands
• Offers mobile apps for its main models
• Provides remote care services and live chat support

Comparison Table

* Widex doesn’t sell directly to consumers, so pricing will vary depending on which hearing provider the buyer sees.

Widex Hearing Aid Models

MOMENT is Widex’s flagship hearing aid model, offering a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, 2.4 GHz connectivity for Bluetooth streaming, and artificial intelligence capabilities for personalization. MOMENT is built on Widex’s PureSound platform, which reduces the time needed for the hearing aids to process sound. In January 2021, Widex introduced a new ZeroDelay Accelerator sound processing pathway to improve sound quality and reduce processing delays to less than 0.5 milliseconds across frequencies.

Also, in June 2021, the company released a set of Widex My Sound artificial intelligence features, which enable customization based on users’ activities and listing intent. There’s also a TruAcoustics feature that offers a highly customized sound. All this results in a hearing aid with industry-leading sound processing speed and AI-driven sound customization.

MOMENT wearers can stream directly from their Android and iOS devices wirelessly without any extra accessories, which is a key draw for this model compared to others. The MOMENT is available in two BTE models and three RIC models, with 13 colors to choose from. There are also four ITE models, with three standard colors. The mRIC R D and BTE R D MOMENT models offer lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. There is also a MOMENT Custom ITE model that can be customized to suit your unique needs.

Widex’s EVOKE offering stands out for its ability to automatically adapt to the wearer’s listening environment, making this model ideal for people on the go. With Widex’s Fluid Sound Analyzer and Controller technology, the EVOKE hearing aids automatically adjust to background sounds, so the user doesn’t have to change the settings manually. Some EVOKE models have rechargeable options.

Like MOMENT, the EVOKE model comes with its own app so users can customize sound settings and listening programs. The SoundSense Learn feature keeps the user’s chosen sound profiles up to date through machine learning.

EVOKE is available in nine BTE models (including RIC), with 13 colors to choose from. It is also available in four ITE options with three standard colors.

As the name implies, the UNIQUE model captures a wide range of sounds to suit the wearer’s specific environment and level of hearing loss. The model increases the input dynamic sound pressure level from 5 decibels to 113 decibels in order to deliver soft-level sounds in noisy environments and reduce the distortion of louder sounds. UNIQUE also has wind and soft-level noise reduction systems.

UNIQUE comes in five BTE models and three ITE models, with 15 colors for BTE models and three standard colors for ITE models. Users can get the COM-DEX streaming device and Remote Mic to stream phone calls and music from their smartphone to their hearing aids.

How Widex Works

Widex is a family business founded in 1956. All Widex hearing aids are manufactured at its headquarters in Lynge, Denmark, situated north of Copenhagen. Before it grew to become one of the largest hearing aid manufacturers in the world, Widex was behind some of the earliest inventions in the space. According to the Washington University School of Medicine, it developed digitally programmable hearing devices in 1988 and released the market’s first fully digital hearing aid in 1996.

In 2019, Widex entered into an $8.3 billion merger with Singapore-based Sivantos, another industry giant. The combination resulted in WS Audiology, a company operating in more than 125 markets and employing more than 11,000 people worldwide. Its portfolio—which includes brands like Signia, Rexton, and Audio Service—generates around $1.91 billion in revenue annually, according to the company.

Its U.S. business operates as Widex USA, Inc., and is located in Hauppauge, New York.

How Much Do Widex Hearing Aids Cost?

Widex doesn’t sell its products directly to consumers, which is why it doesn’t share its pricing information publicly. As a result, prospective customers are left to get pricing information from the company’s network of hearing providers.

When mystery shopping for this review, we requested the average prices for Widex’s main hearing aid models. The company responded saying, “As a manufacturer, Widex works business to business and cannot discuss pricing. All pricing is determined through the hearing care provider of your choice.” However, we were able to uncover an average price range for each model: the Widex MOMENT series ranges from $1,950 to $3,600, depending on the model chosen. The EVOKE series ranges from $1,875 to $3,438. The UNIQUE series ranges from $1,500 to $3,000. Overall, Widex’s models generally range from $1,424 to $3,600, which is in line with market averages.

ZipHearing, which distributes Widex devices at hearing centers across the United States, has some price ranges available through its chat service. According to ZipHearing, Widex’s MOMENT and EVOKE models are $1,399 each for the 110 version, $1,499 for the 220 option, $1,799 for the 330 option, and $2,299 for the 440 option.

Are Widex Hearing Aids Covered by Insurance?

Insurance plans generally do not cover hearing aids, and neither does Original Medicare, per the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. However, some Medicare Advantage plans include coverage for hearing services and devices. A flexible spending account or health savings account might also reimburse you for hearing aid costs.

Some hearing specialists offer special financing programs with a monthly payment plan, so be sure to discuss that with the provider.

Widex’s hearing aids come with a 45-day money-back guarantee so that users can be refunded if they don’t like the product.

Widex Hearing Aids Warranties

Much like its pricing, details on Widex’s warranties are sparse. Specific terms vary by the model and dealer, but the company’s warranties generally range from one to three years and cover repairs, loss, and damage.

In a statement on its website, Widex says it only honors product warranties on authorized Widex dealers. So, be sure to refer to the list of Widex hearing aids dealers to select an approved hearing aid specialist.

Widex App and Accessories

Widex has dedicated apps for its MOMENT, EVOKE, and BEYOND models, allowing users to adjust programs and preferences through their Android and iOS devices. Its separate TONELINK app lets users adjust volume, sound settings, programs, and directional focus.

Widex sells a range of accessories to pair with its hearing aids:

• COM-DEX is a streaming device that allows users to stream up to eight hours from a mobile device to their hearing aids. Its companion product, COM-DEX Remote Mic, is great for improving conversations in noisy environments, like parties or car rides. With the COM-DEX app, users can manage programs, volume, sound levels, and directional focus.
• The RC-DEX remote control lets users activate and control the volume, programs, and other features of their hearing aids.
• For TV streaming, Widex offers TV DEX, a wireless assistive listening device, and TV Play, which provides direct stereo streaming to hearing aids.
• The Widex hearing aid dryer, PerfectDry Lux, sanitizes hearing aids in 45 minutes and uses a UV light to kill germs, bacteria, and fungi.
• The Widex Zen app is a relaxing sound player for tinnitus management, connecting to Widex hearing aids either through the streaming capability or via COM-DEX.
• There are two Widex hearing aid battery charger accessories: The standard charger for Widex’s rechargeable hearing aids provides a four-hour charge for a full day’s use and LED lights indicating charging status. The Charge N Clean charger offers the same capabilities as the standard charger plus a UV-C LED feature to eliminate bacteria, yeast, and viruses, as well as temperature stabilization to protect battery performance.

Widex Hearing Aids Customization

Custom hearing aids are available under the Widex CUSTOM lineup, covering ITE or in-the-canal designs. Customers can also order custom versions of the MOMENT and EVOKE hearing aids.

Customer Service and Satisfaction

Anyone who has questions about Widex’s hearing aids can reach out through a contact form on the company’s website. It also has a live chat service available on weekdays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern time. We used the live chat several times, and it took the support representatives about a minute to respond, on average.

Widex also offers customers a REMOTE CARE service to get fine-tuning support, professional advice, and remote adjustments without the need to visit a hearing clinic in person.

Widex’s website has a wealth of information on each model, with downloadable user guides, brochures, technical data, and more documents. Prospective customers can also use the free Widex online hearing test to gauge their hearing levels.

Widex Hearing Aids Versus Similar Brands

What to Consider Before Buying Hearing Aids

Consumers should consider their activity level, memory concerns, physical issues such as low vision or poor dexterity, degree of hearing loss, warranty/insurance for repairs or loss (typically ranging from one to three years), and whether the audiologist charges for future visits before buying hearing aids, according to Hadassah Kupfer, Au.D., CCC-A, a certified audiologist and hearing aid dispenser based in Brooklyn, New York. They should also factor in any upcoming vacations or events that could complicate the process of adjusting to their new hearing aids.

It’s essential to determine your degree of hearing loss and whether the model is a good match for your specific needs. “Although your audiologist will certainly take looks into consideration, make sure that you are not sacrificing on sound quality in order to get the ‘smallest’ device or exactly what your friend has,” Kupfer said. “We want you to have the most natural sound with the best appearance, and what works for your friend’s hearing loss may not be the answer for yours.”

Kupfer also cites smartphone compatibility as a key consideration in purchasing hearing aids. “Many hearing aid models nowadays are smartphone-compatible for little to no additional cost, and this will allow you to adjust settings such as volume very easily and stream your phone calls, music, and audiobooks directly through your hearing aids,” Kupfer added. “Hearing through both ears is much clearer than just hearing your phone from one ear, as we are used to. When we hear better on the phone, phone calls with family and friends can be longer and more meaningful.”

Meryl Miller, Au.D., an audiologist and founder of ClearWorks Audiology in Sandy Springs, Georgia, says there are many different avenues to purchase hearing aids after undergoing a complete evaluation with an audiologist who recommends hearing aids. Next, the consumer should think about how much professional support they want and need.

“You can buy hearing aids that have a couple settings and volume levels,” Miller said. “For these hearing aids, the user interprets directions and set-up, and teaches themself how to use and care for them.” Miller added that there are professionals who can support you through the process of learning about the hearing aids, adjusting them, and programming them to suit your unique hearing needs.

Widex Hearing Aid Customer Reviews

Widex has mixed reviews on third-party websites that aggregate customers’ experiences:

• Trustpilot: 2.5/5 stars (poor) based on five reviews
• Better Business Bureau: 1/5 stars based on an average of one review; two complaints closed in the last 12 months
• ConsumerAffairs: 3.9/5 stars based on 244 ratings
• ConsumersAdvocate: 3.9/5 (very good)
• Google Reviews (for the Widex USA headquarters): 4.2/5 stars, based on 13 reviews

How We Reviewed Widex Hearing Aids

We reviewed Widex hearing aids using the following criteria:

• Price
• Audiologist care
• Warranty
• Customer satisfaction
• Customer service
• Features such as Bluetooth capability and rechargeable batteries
• Comfort and fit
• Reliability

Bottom Line

As one of the top hearing aid brands worldwide, Widex offers the latest in-demand products for mild-severe to profound hearing loss. Its offerings are also more affordable than other brands in the market, though its selection is a bit limited, with just a few flagship products.

For most of its models, customers will likely need to pay extra for a Bluetooth streaming accessory, which is a key drawback of this brand.

FAQs

RESOURCES

Widex Documents Library:
https://www.widexpro.com/en/business-support/document-library/
Widex MOMENT hearing aids offer pure, accurate, and complete sound AND now truly impressive direct Android streaming sound quality. (2021). https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/widex-moment-hearing-aids-offer-pure-accurate-and-complete-sound-and-now-truly-impressive-direct-android-streaming-sound-quality-301399829.html
Introducing the Widex MOMENT BTE R D. (2021). https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/introducing-the-widex-moment-bte-r-d-the-companys-first-rechargeable-behind-the-ear-hearing-aid-to-deliver-widexs-unparalleled-natural-sound-experience-301425921.html
Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Aids. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/otolaryngology/specialty_areas/hearing/faq.html
Widex Hearing Aid Models, Prices, and Reviews.
https://www.ziphearing.com/hearing-aids/widex
Widex My Sound PR: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/widex-introduces-my-sound-a-new-portfolio-of-ai-enabled-features-for-customization-of-its-industry-leading-widex-moment-hearing-aids-301309198.html
About Us: WS Audiology. https://www.wsa.com/en/about-us/
Timeline of Hearing Devices and Early Deaf Education (2009). http://beckerexhibits.wustl.edu/did/timeline/