Widex Hearing Aids

Widex is one of the hearing aid manufacturers in the world that is seen as a premium brand. Since their beginning, they have very much done things their own way. The Widex sound is famous across the hearing aid profession and it is said that a Widex hearing aid user will never be happy with any other hearing aid. In my experience and probably the experience of many hearing health professionals, that has been very true. Widex were the first hearing aid brand to introduce live machine learning to their hearing aids with the introduction of the Evoke in 2018. I think this year will be a big year for them with the introduction of the first ever Fuel Cell powered hearing aid. That's a hearing aid that never needs a battery. 

Widex are one of the few privately held hearing aid companies and they are still owned by the two families of the founders. They are based in Denmark and are ranked in the top 6 of the world’s hearing device manufacturers. Their focus has always been on the development of hearing aid technology that makes a difference to users. Widex have always been at the forefront of the development of hearing aid technology. They were the first company to deliver a fully digital in the ear aid to the market in 1995. They also won the European Inventor award in 2012 for their CAMISHA technology (Computer Aided Manufacturing of Individual Shells for Hearing Aids) which is now used by every hearing aid manufacturer. This involves using 3D laser modelling to create an accurate model of a person’s ear to ensure a perfect fitting.

They are also renowned for the quality and reliability of their hearing aids, their hearing devices have always been built to last. While they are by no means the biggest hearing aid manufacturer, they are among the very best. Widex very much follows their own path, they are not necessarily swayed by what other manufacturers do. For instance, they were focused for many years on introducing a completely new way to power hearing aids using fuel cell technology. Every other manufacturer is focused on Lithium-ion powered rechargeable devices.

Widex are finally going to introduce this type of technology and it will change hearing aids forever, no more batteries full stop. Simply fill up your hearing aids with a squirt of fluid for a couple of seconds and then use them for 24 hours. Things like that are what makes Widex a different animal than the others. Widex has stuck to four levels of technology within their hearing aid ranges for the last few years, their platforms have a name and a number, the number designates the technology level of the hearing aids. In that context, the 440 is the flagship hearing aid range and the 110 is the basic hearing aid range. Let's take an overview look at their latest technology. 

Moment Evoke Beyond Unique 440 Unique 330 Unique 220 Unique 110

Widex Moment Hearing Aids

Widex introduced the Moment platform worldwide in early 2020 but re-launched it later that year. The Moment is a real first, it is the first time that the signal processing on a hearing aid will have zero delays. It will provide the most natural sound experience ever for any hearing aid user. It should also make hearing aids easier to wear for both new and existing hearing aid users. The Moment platform will come in six hearing aid types across the usual four levels of technology from Widex, the premium 440, upper mid 330, lower mid 220 and the entry-level 110.  Initially, there were no Behind The Ear (BTE) hearing aids available, however, that will change sometime this year.

No Delay

As I said, the Moment is the first hearing aid that offers no delay in signal processing. That is a game-changer and without doubt, it is a paradigm shift in hearing aid sound. It means natural delivery of processed sound at the eardrum which should translate to an almost transparent sound experience. Widex say that the Moment is the most natural-sounding hearing aid ever produced, and technically it should be.

Every hearing aid suffers a delay in signal processing, in essence, it takes time to process sound and present it at the eardrum. While sound that enters the ear canal normally doesn't, leading to an out of sync signal. It is this artefact that makes hearing aids sound like hearing aids.

The brain perceives the delay and the sound is perceived as abnormal. Over time, the brain normalises the sound to a large extent, but it is never what you would call natural. Below is a graph presented by Widex detailing sound delays, the sound delay of some competitors, their own Evoke range and the new Moment range.

The Hearing Aid Models

Initially, there will be six hearing aid models, three Receiver In Canal hearing aid models and three In The Ear hearing aid models. The Receiver In Canal models are the RIC-10, which is the updated replacement for the Passion. The RIC 312D which replaces both the Fusion and the Fusion 2 and the new mRIC-R D which is a lithium-ion powered Mini Receiver In Canal hearing aid.

The RIC-10 (runs on a size 10 battery) is a very discreet device and the Passion it is based on was amazingly popular. The device is very small, so it doesn't have a telecoil onboard nor is it Bluetooth enabled. Although they are wireless and can access loop systems and streaming audio from other sources via a Dex.

The RIC-312D (runs on a size 312 battery) is the same size and shape as the Fusion and Fusion 2 which it replaces. It is a hugely versatile RIC that will cover hearing losses down to severe to profound. It has a telecoil onboard and the new upgraded Bluetooth radio that is Made For iPhone compatible and ready for Made For Android.

The new mRIC R D is a very discreet lithium-ion powered rechargeable RIC. It is a very versatile RIC which will cover hearing losses down to severe to profound in nature. It offers a telecoil and the new Bluetooth radio which offers a direct connection to iPhones and other Apple products and ready for Made For Android. Widex say that it is the smallest rechargeable RIC available on the market. The device looks about the same length of the RIC 10 but wider at the bottom.

The device offers twenty hours of use with one charge and sixteen hours of use with streaming. The three In The Ear hearing aids are the IM, the XP and the CIC. None of them has a telecoil, although they can access loop systems via a Dex. None of them is Bluetooth enabled although they are wireless and can connect to the Widex Dex accessories for streaming audio.

The IM is powered by a 312 battery and has a programme button as an option. It will cover moderate to severe hearing losses. The XP is powered by a 312 battery, it will not offer a programme button option and again it will cover moderate to severe hearing losses. The CIC is powered by a size 10 battery, it will not offer a programme button and again will cover pretty much the same hearing losses.

The absence of a programme button means that you will not be able to access any extra programmes unless you have a Remote Dex or use the Tonelink app on your smartphone.

The Apps

Widex have used the Evoke app as the foundation for their new Moment app. They have also updated the Touch app to work with the non-Bluetooth hearing aids on the Moment platform.

The app has been re-built to be even more intuitive and easy to use. They have tried to keep as much as possible on one screen so that you have a lot of power when you open it.  The same can be said for the Tonelink app. The SoundSense Learn, which is the machine learning system has been continually updated in the background since the introduction of the Evoke hearing aids. Widex say "To date, SoundSense Learn has created almost one million personal sound solutions for users around the world – each one making our AI-engine more efficient than ever and leading to better fitting in the clinic."

Levels of technology

The Moment will be available in the usual four levels of technology, the 440 at the top and the 110 at the entry-level. Even the 110, is a splendid entry-level device that will produce pretty good results although it will not have access to the SoundSense machine learning feature.

Widex Evoke Hearing Aids

Widex Evoke 440 Hearing Aids

Flagship Evoke Hearing Aids

Widex

Unique 440 Hearing Aids

The Unique 440 is the flagship or premium range of hearing aids in Widex's new "Unique" range. The feedback from users of these devices so far has been outstanding, even experienced Widex users say that these are the best Widex hearing aids that they have ever used. Widex have introduced some new technology and some new strategies with this new range including their latest wind noise management feature and for the first time sound classes. 

Unique 440 Prices

We would expect the Unique 440 range to be sold at prices from £1700.00 to £2200.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €2400.00 to €3000.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $2400.00 to $3200.00 in the USA.

Main features

Sound Processing

The Unique 440 uses Widex's new U-platform chip which processes sounds across 15 channels. 15 channels is typical of all Widex flagship hearing aids. What is different for Widex though is the introduction of and use of "Sound Class Technology", this feature classifies what kind of sound environment you are currently in out of a choice of nine possible environments that are programmed in. It then adjusts the sound accordingly to maximise your ability to hear speech sounds clearly. The 440 has the most channels in the range and also has a "High-Frequency Boost" feature that isn't available in the lower models to give additional speech clarity when needed.

Wind noise attenuation

Widex claims that it's new wind noise attenuation feature is an industry leading wind noise reduction feature. Widex don't make claims very lightly, so we would be of the opinion that if they say it, it is true. The Unique 440 can attenuate more wind noise than any other hearing aid out there, no matter the direction the wind is coming from, even from directly ahead. However, this new feature is only available on the 440 models. It makes the 440 an ideal choice of hearing aid for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.

Background noise reduction

All manufacturers have good background noise reduction features as standard these days. However, Widex has introduced a new feature that has extra emphasis on reducing softer, low-level background noise that may be annoying. Widex have always put great emphasis on soft sound inputs because they believe that soft sounds in speech are very important for understanding. However, there are soft input sounds that you just don't want to or need to hear, like a computer fan or the noise of a fridge. This new feature in combination with their existing noise reduction features means that Widex hearing aids are now comfortable in all sound environments.

Wider dynamic range of hearing

Widex have also introduced a wider dynamic range of hearing to the Unique so you can hear more than ever. What this means is that most hearing aids take a range of sounds from quiet to loud and compress them into what hearing you have remaining to provide you with the full range of sounds for you to hear. They often ignore the very softest sounds and don't process louder sounds very well. What the Widex Unique hearing aids are doing is extending that range slightly so that very very quiet sounds (5dB) that aren't picked up by normal hearing aids will now be processed enabling you to hear the low sounds that most hearing aids ignore. This will allow you access to even the softest speech cues.

Connectivity

For communicating with other devices there is the COM-DEX accessory, which is a Bluetooth enabled pendant you hang around your neck. This will pair to your phone so that you can stream audio to your hearing aids from your phone, via the COM-DEX. You can also download an app for your smartphone (Apple or Android) which lets you use it to remotely control the hearing aids. Also available are the usual range of extra accessories for TV or audio equipment streaming. Widex use their very own type of wireless communication protocol, it is recognised as the very best in the business.

Tinnitus management

Nearly all modern Widex aids have the option to use Zen tones, Zen is a proprietary feature belonged to Widex that will help to reduce the effects of tinnitus. For tinnitus sufferers, these predictable yet non-repetitive sounds are used in combination with counselling and relaxation techniques to deliver tinnitus relief as a part of a tinnitus management programme.

Unique 440 Hearing Aid Types & Sizes

There are three sizes of behind the ear model and three in the ear models available. The Passion is the slim, attractive behind the ear receiver-in-canal model and is suitable for most hearing losses. It has no manual controls so can only be adjusted by remote control or app. The Fusion is the larger, more powerful behind the ear model which also features a push button for program changing. The Fashion is the largest of the over the ear models and is mainly for people who want or need a full earmold.

Of the three in the ear models, one is the standard sized in-the-ear, one is the CIC or completely-in-the-canal. The smallest is the CIC-M which is Widex's equivalent of an IIC or invisible-in-the-canal. Being so small, some features had to be cut from this model, mainly anything requiring wireless communication which this aid cannot fit in.

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Widex

Unique 330

The Widex Unique 330 is the upper mid range or advanced devices in the new "Unique" range from Widex. They have delivered a very strong range at this price point as they always do, retaining some of the better features from their flagship hearing aid range.

Unique 330 Prices

We would expect the range to be sold at prices from £1400.00 to £1800.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1800.00 to €2400.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1900.00 to $2500.00 in the USA.

Main features

Sound Processing

As is normal with Widex, the Unique 330 is a 10 channel aid utilising Widex's U-platform chip that the whole Unique range is built on. The 330 uses the new Sound Class technology feature but the aids are restricted to five possible environmental types, again, the aim is to always maximise speech sounds when they are present and comfort when they are not.

Background noise reduction

The noise reduction in the Unique 330 is excellent and is suitable for all but the noisiest environments. However, if you are really active with lots of exposure to quite noisy environments then you might want to think about the Unique 440.

Wider dynamic range of hearing

The 330 also has access to that wider dynamic range of hearing, they have also included the soft sound noise reduction so that you won't get annoyed by hearing the fridge buzzing away in the background.

Zen Tinnitus management

As with the previous two ranges of Widex hearing aids, the Zen tinnitus management features are available in the 330.

Model types

The model types are the same across all of the technology levels, the 330 has the full-sized traditional BTE, the Fashion. The middle-sized RIC the Fusion and the rather tiny and discreet Passion. In the ear models range from the full sized ITE, down to the tiny micro CIC.

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Widex

Unique 220

The Widex Unique 220 is their offering for the lower mid-range or standard hearing aid market. This range of aids is for people who need to hear well in light social environments as well as in quiet and would like to hear the television. It has many of the features of the Unique 330 but at a lower price point, however, with its superior processor, it is still an outstanding hearing aid.

Widex Unique 220 Prices

We would expect the range to be sold at prices from £1100.00 to £1400.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1400.00 to €1800.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1500.00 to $1900.00 in the USA.

Main features

Sound Processing

The 220 is powered by the U-platform processing chip, Widex says that the chip is significantly better than the previous generation. The Unique 220 has just 6 channels and it only has three environments for the aid to choose from in it's Sound Class Technology. The three environments are, speech in quiet, speech in noise and a comfort in noise setting.

Background noise reduction

The noise reduction feature in the Unique 220 range is good enough for hearing speech clearly whilst suppressing background noises in up to moderately noisy environments. If you lead a particularly active lifestyle then you may want to go for one of the better models.

Soft sound amplification

As with the rest of the range, the Unique 220 aids have access to that wider dynamic range of sound, they amplify sounds as quiet as 5 dB so that you can pick up even very soft sounds.

Tinnitus

The Unique 220 also has the Zen programme so it can be used to help relieve tinnitus.

Model Types

The model types are the same across all of the technology levels, the 220 has the full-sized traditional BTE, the Fashion. The middle-sized RIC the Fusion and the rather tiny and discreet Passion. In the ear models range from the full sized ITE down to the tiny micro CIC.

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Widex

Unique 110 Hearing Aids

The Unique 110 is the new entry-level or basic hearing aid from Widex. The Unique 110 has retained a number of features even though it is the most basic in the range. It has the famous Widex sound and it is a significant step up from the older Dream 110 which wasn't well received.

Widex Unique 110 Prices

We would expect the range to be sold at prices from £700.00 to £1100.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1000.00 to €1400.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1100.00 to $1500.00 in the USA.

Main features

Sound Processing

The Unique 110 has four channels and doesn't have Sound Class Technology on board. While it is an automatic aid, It doesn't adjust itself as well as the higher technology models so if you go into a noisier environment you may want to consider programmes so you can adjust the aid to reduce the background noise. The 110 has three manual programs available.

Background noise reduction

Background noise reduction on the 110 is very basic, this is not really the hearing aid for you if you go into environments with a lot of background noise on a regular basis, it may be somewhat difficult to hear speech in these environments.

Soft sound amplification

The Unique 110 still benefits from the extended range of hearing that the more expensive models have and the soft sound noise reduction feature is also present. 

Model Types

The full range of models is available in the Unique range from the smallest CIC to the larger power BTE's. Even the smaller aids are suitable for up to severe hearing losses.

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Widex Dream Hearing Aids

The WIDEX DREAM is an older hearing aid platform from Widex, although they are still available. The main breakthrough that was offered with the Dream was that fact that they allowed more sound in than any other hearing aid that was available at the time. This meant that you could hear more details of the world around you. Even in noisy environments such as parties, sport events or at the cinema. Thanks to unique technology that preserves the human voice, you can also hear more words.

For instance, enjoy conversations, even in the noise of a crowded restaurant or at a concert hall. DREAM is also more personal – only with Widex do you get online access to MY.WIDEX.COM - your personal website with all the advice and help you need on your DREAM hearing aids.

Dream Prices

The Dream hearing aid range was sold at prices from £1000.00 to £2200.00 depending on the technology level in the UK also dependent on the Practice and location. The range was sold at prices from €1100.00 to €3000.00 in Ireland. The range was sold at prices from $1400.00 to $3200.00 in the USA.

If you’re looking for a discreet hearing aid that looks good and delivers great sound, then look no further. The new ultra small DREAM CIC MICRO from Widex is a hearing aid that doesn’t compromise on either. It is one of the smallest hearing aids on the market and up to 30 percent smaller than their traditional CIC (Completely-in-canal) hearing aids.

The New Fashion Power

If you have severe-to-profound hearing loss, it is essential that your hearing aids have a lot of power. That they deliver a lot of output, but power or output alone does not provide great sound. The new FASHION POWER hearing aid from Widex has enough power to help someone with even profound hearing loss hear in any listening situation while delivering the incredible sound quality you would expect from the most advanced technology available.

With FASHION POWER, you can enjoy richer sound without any distortion, hearing more detail from the world around you. As with other hearing aids from the Dream range, ou can enjoy conversations even in the noisiest of situations, all with natural, true-to-life sound.

SIMPLY EASY TO USE

FASHION POWER is designed to be easy for you to use. Its failsafe technology lets you simply focus on listening, while the hearing aid automatically does the rest.

But doesn't all that power use a lot of batteries? No! FASHION POWER has a very smart special feature called PowerSaver that conserves ebergy during use, allowing you to enjoy your hearing aid for longer periods of time without changing the batteries. Allowing you to get on with the enjoyment of hearing without worry.

EASY TO KEEP CONNECTED

If you want to talk on the phone or watch television, FASHION POWER makes that easy too. as part of the Dream family it has Widex now famous wireless link. 

the Fashion Power works seamlessly with the DEX assistive listening devices so you can stream audio directly to your hearing aids without any echo or delay from any of the Dex devices. 

Giving you the ability to talk on your mobile phone, listen to your TV and talk to people on your landline, completely hassle free with the best possible reception. 

DREAM 440 Hearing Aids

The DREAM 440 is the premium range of digital hearing aids from Widex. For those of you who demand the best, in even the most complex listening situations such as attending a dinner party, enjoying yourself with friends and family or going shopping, DREAM 440 is the single best choice. It is a perfect hearing instrument for letting you focus on speech in complex noisy environments. Dream 440 is a high performance hearing aid.

Listening situations:
Parties and social events
Meetings and small groups
Shopping and public areas

Features:
Comfort for sudden sounds is preserved
Natural focus on the voice in front/behind
Speech enhancement for the dominant voice in a crowd
Enhanced identification and cancellation of feedback
Warning signals when connection is lost
Excellent performance when talking on the phone, listening to music or watching TV

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DREAM 330 Hearing Aids

If you expect a high level of performance from your hearing aids at a mid range price, then the DREAM 330 range of digital hearing aids is for you. It offers specific features for localising and focusing on specific sound sources from the front or the back. And it makes complex outdoor listening situations with lots of high pitched noise more tolerable. Dream 330 is a mid range performance hearing aid.

Listening situations:

Parties and social events
Meetings and small groups
Shopping and public areas
Features:

Comfort for sudden sounds is preserved
Natural focus on the voice in front/behind
Understanding speech in complex environments
Enhanced identification and cancellation of feedback
Great performance when talking on the phone, listening to music or watching TV

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DREAM 220 Hearing Aids

DREAM 220 offers ideal performance not just in one-on-one situations but also in more complex listening situations like when attending theatres, lectures and events as well as when watching TV or listening to music at home. Dream 220 is an essential performance hearing aid.

Listening situations:

One-to-one
Good performance in theatre and lectures
Focus on comfort

Features:

Enhanced identification and cancellation of feedback
Improves hearing for sounds of any loudness
Support the localisation of sounds in complex environments
Hear speech clearly from behind

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DREAM 110 Hearing Aids

DREAM 110 gives you excellent sound quality at an affordable price. If you need a hearing aid that performs well in listening situations such as one-to-one conversations or talking on the phone, then DREAM 110 is a great choice. Dream 110 is a basic performance hearing aid.

Listening situations:

One-to-one
Phone conversation
Good sound quality

Features:
Listening comfort in noise by reducing noise and intensifying speech
Allows soft sounds to be heard
High pitched sounds are audible in all listening situations.

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Super Hearing Aids

The power to hear

Small, comfortable and versatile - WIDEX SUPER introduces RITE technology to the super power segment for the first time.

• has the power to provide loudness
• has the gain for speech understanding
• has no feedback/doesn’t whistle
• has a long battery life
• is made for all day, everyday use
• has a robust and stylish design
• gives you the choice of two receivers, for either moderate to severe or severe to profound hearing loss, plus various ear-tips and earmoulds. This versatile model is packed with InterEar features for better localisation.

The SUPER family

SUPER440

The high-end SUPER440 hearing aid comes with a full range of advanced features that let you localise and focus on the dominant voice in a crowd. SUPER440 also comes with Zen, the revolutionary tone and relaxation program that plays random and harmonic tones in stereo to help you relax or manage tinnitus.
SUPER440 gives you the power to hear more, it provides you with better orientation of sound, it can be used all day in all kinds of weather and yet it is a very small and smart looking RITE solution.

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SUPER220

The SUPER220 hearing aid is a powerful wireless hearing aid at an affordable price.

A small, weather-resistant and stylish hearing aid that provides the advantages of comfort and clarity while giving you the power to hear. Furthermore the clever design reduces wind noise by up to 18 dB. SUPER220 features the Audibility Extender, which helps hearing aid users to better hear high frequency sounds such as birdsong and children’s voices.

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