The "go to" hearing aid for musicians
Released on July 8, 2020, MOMENT is Widex's flagship line of hearing aids, available in all styles, and for all hearing losses. MOMENT is most wel... READ MORE
The Inside Scoop on Widex Hearing Aids: What You Need to Know
Key Takeaways
- Widex hearing aid prices range from $2,000-$8,000 for the pair, and the costs vary based on the model, style, technology level, service package included (if any), and retailer.
- There are several ways to buy Widex hearing aids, but Widex recommends purchasing from a retailer that provides in-person, face-to-face care, stating that (if you don’t), it will void the warranty.
- Widex’s best hearing aid is the Widex Moment, and wearers praise its natural sound quality, with several users mentioning that the hearing aids restored their ability to hear high-pithced sounds, TV, and music with clarity.
Unique Approach to Tinnitus Management
If you have some degree of hearing loss, there's a high chance you also suffer from tinnitus. Oftentimes, just wearing hearing aids alone will reduce an individual's perception of their tinnitus— sometimes making it completely unnoticeable. But when hearing aids alone aren't enough, that's where extra features inside a hearing aid can help, and that's something Widex excels at.Widex hearing aids have a proprietary noise generator built into them, which play (at low levels), Zen fractal tones. These tones, which sound a bit like wind chimes, can be adjusted for a custom pitch, tempo, and volume. Playing these Zen tones at a low level "in the background" can retrain a wearer's brain to no longer even notice their tinnitus.
#1 Choice For Musicians
When you're serious about your music, you need a hearing aid brand that's equally as serious. That's why Widex is the #1 choice for musicians around the world. Widex has unique technologies in their hearing aids such as PureSound™ and ZeroDelay™, that provide the lowest-latency out of all the hearing aid brands, making their aids perfect for musicians and studio work.Widex hearing aids are engineered to handle sound levels up to 113 dB SPL, reducing distortion and delivering a balanced sound quality that includes both speech clarity and musical richness.
Wind Noise: A Non-Issue
Wind noise is a common complaint of hearing aid wearers. When the wind passes over the microphones, it makes a scratchy noise, which drowns out any other sounds in the environment the wearer would want to hear. One of the things Widex is known for and excels at is their ability to automatically detect and reduce wind noise.This wind noise reduction happens almost immediately. Whether you find yourself in a windy forest, by the bustling ocean, or in any breezy setting, this feature ensures you maintain clear auditory access to crucial sounds without the interference of wind.
Pioneers in Sustainability
Sustainability, especially in packaging, is something hearing aid manufacturers really struggle with...for some reason. In fact, in audiology forums, the over-the-top packaging is a common complaint among hearing providers—it's just needlessly wasteful. More than any other brand, Widex has has committed to sustainability, from a wind-powered headquarters with geothermal systems, and future plans to establish a solar park.As a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, Widex adheres to global principles in human rights and environmental conservation and has earned recognition for its contributions to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
Room for Improvement
All major hearing aid brands release a new flagship hearing aid every 2 years. For Widex, this hasn't happened since their 2020 release of Widex Moment. There have been small updates to that product in the past few years, but no new substantial releases from Widex. A new product launch is eagerly awaited.As is true for nearly every other hearing aid brand, Bluetooth connectivity could be smoother. While iOS users enjoy a seamless experience, Android users might require an additional accessory called the COM-DEX for full functionality. Widex hearing aids, like many other brands, can only connect to one Bluetooth device at a time, making the process cumbersome for those using multiple devices.
Conclusion
Widex definitely has some areas in which it shines—for musicians, those who struggle with tinnitus, and outdoor enthusiasts. They also offer the most compact and discreet receiver-in-canal style hearing aids powered by a tiny sized 10 battery. Still, it's fair to say the brand has fallen a bit behind in terms of generating buzzworthy new product releases and we're hoping for a new release from Widex in the near future.
*Based on pricing data published by HearingTracker.com
2020: MOMENT
Pairing Instructions
1. Go to the Android phone’s home screen and tap on the “Settings” icon.
2. In the settings menu, tap on the Bluetooth icon.
3. Tap on the slider button to turn Bluetooth on.
4. Open and close the hearing aid battery doors. Or, if you use rechargeable Widex hearing aids, switch the hearing aids off by pressing and holding the push button for 3 seconds, then repeating to turn them back on again.
5. Open the “Settings” app on your phone
6. Tap “Connected devices”, and “Pair new device.”
7. If you have more than one hearing aid: Wait for the first hearing aid to connect, then tap the other hearing aid in the list of available devices.
8. Your Android phone is now connected to your Widex hearing aids.
2020: MOMENT
2018: EVOKE
Not sure which model you have? Check your user guide, or call the Widex provider who sold the devices to you.
Pairing Instructions
1. Make sure that your phone's Bluetooth is on. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, and make sure the toggle switch is set to On.
2. Open and close the battery doors on your hearing device. Or, if you use rechargeable Widex hearing aids, switch the hearing aids off and on again, by pressing and holding the push button for 3 seconds to turn them off, and repeating to turn them back on.
3. On your Apple device, go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing, and select Hearing Devices.
4. Your Apple device will search for your hearing device.
5. Under MFi Hearing Devices, tap the name of your hearing device.
6. Tap Pair when you see the pairing request on the screen. If you have two hearing devices, you'll get two requests. Pairing could take up to a minute.
7. You can start using your hearing device when you see it under MFi Hearing Devices with a check mark.
Widex hearing aid models compared
There are technically 3 different Widex models available on the market, Widex Moment, Evoke, and Unique.
However, the Evoke and Unique lines are outdated, and we'd encourage everyone interested in Widex to focus on their Moment hearing aids.
The Moment family offers something for everyone, with discreet custom in-ear models, to sleek receiver-in-canal styles, to large behind-the-ear models. To determine which model to buy, you'll want to first decide on the style to buy, and then the technology level. To learn more about these styles, we’d recommend this video.
Once you’ve decided on the style you prefer, the next thing to consider is which technology level you prefer. Widex hearing aids are available in 4 technology levels, from best to lowest: 440, 330, 220, 110.
Use the chart below for a high level Widex model comparison, and click through to the model pages to learn more about the different technology levels available as well.
Reviews | 41 reviews • 12 video reviews |
Sales popularity | 100% |
Return rate | 18.5% |
Released date | Jul 08, 2020 |
Hearing loss | Mild-Severe |
Styles | RIC 312 D, mRIC R D (Discontinued), RIC 10, BTE 13D, BTE R D, CIC, CIC Micro, XP, Custom, sRIC R D, SmartRIC R D |
Battery | Rechargeable or disposable |
Widex hearing aid reviews
You'll be hard-pressed to find anyone disparaging Widex as a brand. While it's true they haven't had a new release for a while, this brand is all about quality over quantity. Several of our customers have tried Widex hearing aids head-to-head with the newest models from (as of late), more buzzworthy brands like Oticon and Phonak, and have come away choosing Widex. There is something about the high fidelity sound of Widex hearing aids that really endears the brand to musicians and sound engineers. Below you can check out some hearing provider reviews of the brand, as well as actual reviews from customers, if you click through to the Moment model page.
Expert reviews
Read what a few of our favorite ZipHearing providers have to say about Widex
What I like
Absolutely the most natural sounding hearing aids available currently. Digital hearing aids have always had a bit of a delay to process all the sounds of life and, as a result, that makes them sound artificial - such as voices sounding like they are through a “tin can”. With Widex, especially now with their “PureSound” program and blazing fast processing, the sound is more comparable to normal/natural hearing. In other words, audiophiles, musicians, people who have had perfect hearing until recently, only have one ear that needs some help, and/or people who are otherwise used to normal hearing or high end audio, absolutely LOVE the sound of the Widex Moment hearing aids. Their app is also excellent - very comprehensive, versatile, and consistent.
What needs improving
Inside the devices are excellent, however the design of the Moment RIC is a bit clunky and not as streamlined in my opinion. If you have hair to cover the devices, it’s a non-issue, but for those of us with limited hair available, it could be. Additionally, while most people tend to want to adjust their hearing aids via the app, there is limited manual control available outside the app.
What I like
Widex may not be a household name, but in the hearing industry, Widex is recognized to be a pioneer and leader in hearing aid technologies. Widex has the most advanced true-input chip technology at all price points, making it affordable and accessible for everyone’s budget. Widex hearing aids provide extraordinary hearing performance in noise and consistent ability to hear in a variety of everyday environments, including superior music representation with the widest frequency fidelity and highest input range. Widex’s hearing aids can connect to a greater variety of BlueTooth enabled devices than any other brand and provides the most clean, pure, and best sound quality in the world. As far as batteries, Widex, having the industry’s best battery life, has a full range of products that use either rechargeable lithium-ion or standard disposable batteries. Widex revolutionized tinnitus management with their patented ZEN tinnitus and relaxation therapy management system and is the most effective sound therapy system available in an ear level worn device.
What needs improving
As advanced as Widex hearing aids are, particularly those rechargeable instruments using Lithium-ion batteries, the device will eventually need to have the battery replaced at the factory and this interruption can be inconvenient to patients using the hearing aids. It is for this reason that we stock loaner hearing aids for patients to use as they will be without their hearing aid while it is being serviced and/or replaced. Also, Widex only offers rechargeable batteries in the Receiver-in-the-Canal style hearing aids. Rechargeable batteries in custom hearing aids, as well as replaceable rechargeable batteries in RIC style hearing aids would be a significant feature to be able to offer our patients.
What I like
The Widex line of hearing instruments has been very successful with our patients. Patients report that they have better clarity of speech than they had before with other products. Lately, they also enjoy how natural the new PureSound technology sounds to them with the new Moment line of hearing aids. The app is streamlined and easy to use, for the beginner to the more tech-savvy. As a practice, we enjoy seeing our patients be successful from the benefits with Widex hearing aids.
What needs improving
The transition to the Moment line of products with Android streaming capabilities has had some issues with bluetooth connectivity, but those issues have been resolved with current firmware and software updates.
What I like
We recommend Widex devices quite often at our clinic and have phenomenal patient outcomes! In addition to what they’re known for, which is excellent sound quality and clarity for speech, they also have a diverse product platform which enables us to meet the needs of our patients, whether you’re a musician, have tinnitus, looking for something discreet, want comprehensive app features, etc. Bonus points for Widex customer service being one of the best in the industry! The Widex Moment has proven to be a fantastic hearing aid time and time again!
What needs improving
Although the wired version offers more stability with streaming, we would love to see Widex come out with a wireless option for their remote microphone system. It would also be great if they added a custom rechargeable option to their Moment lineup for those patients who are interested or would benefit from those features.
What I like
I love Widex Hearing aids & so do my customers. I love how easy they are to fit, and my customers love the exceptional sound quality. Widex Moment implements a new technology for natural-sounding hearing. While most hearing aids have delayed processing times that interfere with the natural sound and can create echoes, Widex has significantly sped up these processing times so wearers hear sounds the “moment” that it happens. MOMENT hearing aids currently have the fastest processing time in the industry. I have fit many musicians with the Widex Moment Hearing Aids, and they have been thrilled with the natural sound quality. I have heard comments such as “The Widex has a cleaner, more precise sound quality that allows me to hear all the various textures and colors of sound I’ve not been able to hear with other hearing aids.” The comfortable fit, attractive design, superior sound quality, and robust connectivity features make them a particularly attractive option for anyone looking for great hearing aids!
What needs improving
I’d like to see more styles such as in-the-ear hearing aids available with rechargeable capabilities & direct to Bluetooth options. I would also like to see recharger options such as portable rechargers that can recharge without being plugged in, or rechargers that have Dry Aid kits built in to help those with moisture issues.
What I like
One of the biggest questions I always get from new patients is which hearing aid brand will deliver the best sound quality. When it comes to clear and natural sound, my go to is Widex. The extended bandwidth and Pure Sound program, although not appropriate for all hearing losses, provides patients with a pleasant listening experience. Another great feature is their Cell Phone Application. The app gives users the freedom to make adjustments and create their own personalized settings without coming into the office, which I find is very helpful for those with busy schedules.
What needs improving
While the sound quality and overall appearance of Widex hearing aids are major benefits, one limiting factor is lack of direct Bluetooth connectivity and Streaming to Android devices. Although this shouldn’t be deal breaker for patients, the fact of the matter is that people want to stream, and many of them are Android users. Widex does have accessories patients can purchase that will allow them to stream, however it is another thing that someone has to buy and carry around in their pocket, which in my opinion is dated and inconvenient by today’s technology standards.
What I like
The Widex Moment is the smallest rechargeable hearing device in the industry. It has a superior sound quality and excellent device reliability. It has a very slim design on the case for comfort and discreet looking fit. Widex has the longest lasting battery life for devices in the industry. It will connect to many optional accessories seamlessly and without other components needed.
What needs improving
It is unfortunately only able to connect directly through Bluetooth capability to Apple phone devices at this time. It is not scheduled to be Android compatible until fall of 2021.
Widex hearing aid prices
Widex's best-selling hearing aid right now is the Moment 440. A quick Google search will show you prices ranging from $1274 to $2499 per hearing aid. So what's with that huge price discrepancy? It's all about how you buy the hearing aid—whether from a remote (mail order) seller, or from a local provider offering in-person service.
Widex encourages all buyers to buy from local providers trained in their products and warns consumers that warranties may be voided on hearing aids that are purchased from online (remote only) sellers.
If you want the best of both worlds (discount prices and local care), consider purchasing through a company like ZipHearing can refer you to a local Widex affiliate offering discounted rates and services, potentially saving up to 50% off retail prices.
Model | National Average Pair Price * | Our Discount | Available Styles | % of sales |
---|---|---|---|---|
Widex Moment 440 | $7,200 | 36.1% | mRIC R D (Discontinued), sRIC R D, RIC 312 D, SmartRIC R D, RIC 10, CIC, Custom, CIC Micro, BTE 13D, BTE R D, XP | 69.3% |
Widex Moment 330 | $5,664 | 32.9% | mRIC R D (Discontinued), sRIC R D, RIC 312 D, SmartRIC R D, RIC 10, CIC, Custom, CIC Micro, BTE 13D, BTE R D, XP | 23.5% |
Widex Moment 220 | $4,756 | 32.8% | mRIC R D (Discontinued), sRIC R D, RIC 312 D, SmartRIC R D, RIC 10, CIC, Custom, CIC Micro, BTE 13D, BTE R D, XP | 6% |
Widex Moment 110 | $3,900 | 28.3% | mRIC R D (Discontinued), sRIC R D, RIC 312 D, SmartRIC R D, RIC 10, CIC, Custom, CIC Micro, BTE 13D, BTE R D, XP | 1.2% |