Widex Hearing Aids: A Decades-Long Love Affair
Widex is a Danish hearing aid company that specializes in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of advanced hearing solutions. The company was founded in 1956 by Erik Westermann and Christian Tøpholm and is headquartered in Lynge, Denmark. Widex has a strong reputation for innovation and has been at the forefront of hearing aid technology for many years.
I believe in sharing biases and Widex hearing aids represent a positive bias that anyone reading this blog needs to know. I will explain why I believe I have well-formed and well-thought-out bias.. As an audiologist with nearly three decades of experience, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the evolution of hearing aid technology. Among the many brands I’ve worked with, one name has consistently stood out in terms of quality and innovation – Widex. In this article, I’d like to share my personal journey with Widex hearing aids, highlighting the company’s remarkable technological advancements and their commitment to providing natural sound quality.
A Trip Down Memory Lane:
When I first started fitting hearing aids in the 2000s, I immediately gravitated towards Widex. Their dedication to improving the lives of those with hearing loss was evident, and their products spoke for themselves. One of the notable innovations I encountered was the Menu hearing aid in 2012, which allowed users to add features. Although it didn’t gain significant traction back then, I believe today’s world would embrace it more readily.
The Game-Changer – Widex Dream:
The turning point for me came with the introduction of the Widex Dream hearing aid. I couldn’t believe how natural it sounded – a vital factor for me as someone with a hearing impairment. Ironically, I hadn’t ventured into audiology due to my own hearing loss, but it became apparent as I worked in the field. The Widex sound resonated with me from the very beginning.
Remembering the Adorable Passion style:
Widex didn’t just impress with its sound quality; they also introduced adorable, tiny hearing aids like the Passion, complete with a shocking pink receiver-in-the-canal design. However, times have changed, and I no longer recommend the Passion due to its lack of a t-coil, especially with the increasing awareness of hearing loops.
The T-Coil Advantage:
A T-coil, short for “telecoil” or “induction coil,” is a small copper wire coil installed within a hearing aid or cochlear implant. It functions as a receiver for electromagnetic signals and plays a crucial role in connecting hearing aid users to hearing loops, also known as induction loops or assistive listening systems. Here’s how the T-coil works with a hearing loop:
The t-coil has been a popular choice as we share the benefits of the loop to hearing aid users and Widex has always had a great T-coil position and among many Widex styles. Even though the new Moment lithium-ion rechargeable style lacks a built-in t-coil, an accessory is now available, making it a viable choice for those who need this feature.
The Revolution Continues:
Widex continued to innovate, with the Unique technology offering a significant improvement in sound quality. Many of my patients noticed the difference and chose to upgrade. The sound difference became more refined, leading to even greater satisfaction.
Then Widex hearing aid technology names Evoke, Beyond, and Now Moment Sheer:
The Beyond was Widex’s first streaming hearing aid with an app, and the subsequent Evoke brought further improvements in clarity and reduced feedback. Known to have some AI in the Evoke hearing technology and the latest to help with a “universal” type program. Today, we have the Widex Moment Sheer, which represents another step forward in hearing aid technology.
The Importance of Updates:
Widex hasn’t stopped at introducing new models. They consistently update their software to enhance the user experience and thankfully without putting out a new hearing aid every year. The Widex Moment now called the Sheer is all an update from 2019 to today. While I currently wear a Moment, I find the differences between the Evoke and the Moment to be subtle. These updates say a lot about a company taking care of the consumer first being friendly to the environment as well.
The Accessory Game:
Hearing aid technology doesn’t stop at the devices themselves; accessories play a crucial role. The TV Play is a notable addition, replacing the cumbersome TV Dex and eliminating the need for a digital-to-analog converter. Additionally, Widex has made strides in remote microphone technology with the Sound Assist accessory, earning positive reviews from users.
A Natural Sound for Music Lovers:
One area where Widex truly shines is its technology for processing music differently from speech. The result is a natural sound quality that musicians and music lovers appreciate. The difference in sound quality compared to other brands is evident, and this sets Widex apart.
As an audiologist who offers demo sessions for various hearing aid brands, I can confidently say that not all hearing aids are created equal. Widex stands out for its commitment to delivering a natural sound experience and its dedication to continuous improvement. If you’re seeking a hearing solution and can’t experience a listening demonstration, Widex is a wise choice. Musicians and non-musicians alike can trust Widex for a hearing experience that feels truly natural.
Here are some more points about Widex hearing aid technology:
- Widex was founded with a vision to improve the quality of life for people with hearing loss. Over the decades, the company has grown and evolved, becoming a global leader in the hearing aid industry.
- Widex brand is known for its commitment to technological innovation. They have developed a range of advanced hearing aids that incorporate cutting-edge features such as artificial intelligence, Bluetooth connectivity, and noise reduction technologies. The company’s dedication to research and development has led to the creation of high-quality hearing solutions.
- Widex offers a wide range of hearing aids to cater to various types and degrees of hearing loss. Their product line includes both behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids, as well as rechargeable and disposable battery options. They have also introduced models designed for specific needs, such as tinnitus management.
- Many of Widex’s hearing aids are equipped with wireless connectivity features that allow wearers to stream audio from smartphones, TVs, and other devices directly to their hearing aids. This enhances the listening experience and makes it easier for users to stay connected in today’s digital world. As I mentioned the TV Play is easy to use and sounds fantastic. The new Sound Assist is also a new promising piece.
- While the company is headquartered in Denmark, Widex has a global presence with distribution networks and subsidiaries in numerous countries around the world. They work with audiologists, hearing care professionals, and clinics to provide hearing solutions to individuals with hearing impairment.
- In 2018, Widex announced a merger with Sivantos, a hearing aid manufacturer based in Germany. This merger resulted in the formation of WS Audiology, one of the world’s leading hearing aid companies. WS Audiology continued to market hearing aids under the Widex brand, along with other brands like Signia (formerly Siemens hearing aids).
