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Widex is among the top six hearing aid brands in the world. Like competitors, Widex offers Bluetooth streaming, rechargeable batteries, and AI-powered noise reduction.
What sets this brand apart? Speed.
Widex hearing aids process sound faster than any competitor on the market. While some claim that the standard millisecond delay is undetectable to the human ear, Widex diehards are notoriously loyal to the brand's unique sound quality that they feel sounds more natural.
In this article, we'll explore the backstory of the Widex brand, unpack their newest technology, hearing aid models, pricing, and more.
In preparation, I sat down with Sr. Director of Audiology Dana Helmink to discuss what makes Widex different and why the brand is obsessed with sound processing speed.
Widex History and Background
Widex hearing aids are sold in almost 100 countries, and the company employs approximately 3,800 people worldwide.
In 2019 Widex and Signia joined forces to create WS Audiology. Widex and Signia still operate their brands independently. Widex is based in Denmark, with U.S. headquarters in New York City.
Widex History
Widex was founded in 1956 when engineer Christian Tøpholm and businessman Erik Westermann converted Tøpholm’s home cellar into a workshop and production hall. The Widex 561 was born, and the business was off and running.
By 1988 the brand began to take the lead. Widex introduced the Quattro Q8 as the first digitally programmable hearing aid with remote control.
In 1995, the Widex Senso Series was the world's first digital in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid.
By the mid-90s, Widex began to find its focus. Sound quality. While other brands were racing towards the latest in Bluetooth and rechargeable batteries, Widex focused on creating natural sound.
Today the company's thesis is much the same. Audiologist, Dana Helmink shared that in 2024 Widex is focused on new features that provide better sound quality to address the challenges of living with hearing loss. That doesn't mean the brand doesn't offer new features like Bluetooth(more on that below), but it does shift the focus away from shiny objects and back to the core value - sound.
An Important Note 🌎
Widex is a leader in sustainability. The Widex headquarters, located just outside Copenhagen, use a geothermal system that uses groundwater as a heat reservoir to store an entire year's worth of heating and cooling.
A windmill rises above the HQ to deliver more power than Widex uses. Not only does this make the headquarters CO2-neutral - it also allows Widex to return excess energy to the electricity grid, providing a CO2-free contribution to the local area.
Current Widex Hearing Aid Models
Widex releases a new product line every few years. Each line has updated features and better sound quality.
The Last 10 Years of Widex Models
2022: Widex MOMENT SHEER (current)
2020: Widex MOMENT
2018: Widex EVOKE
2016: Widex BEYOND
2015: Widex UNIQUE
2013: Widex DREAM
Widex launched the Widex Moment Sheer line of products in September 2022. Moment Sheer platform is available across behind-the-ear and in-the-ear style devices.
The most popular behind-the-ear style has rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth connection but skips some more adventurous features that Starkey and ReSound added with their latest products.
Why Speed Matters
The biggest advancement in the Widex Moment Sheer line is speed of sound-processing. Moment processes sound in .5 milliseconds. The next closest competitor is 10X slower at 5 milliseconds.
I talked to Sr. Director of Audiology Dana Helmink about why speed matters so much to Widex. She explained that the speed at which sound goes from the microphone on your hearing aid to the receiver in your ear has a lot to do with how "digital" or artificial the sound in your ears feels.
She explained that people have just gotten used to hearing aids having a particular “radio-quality” sound that comes from lag.
That "digital" feeling is our brain perceiving a time gap between the natural sound that comes in through our ears and the sound our hearing aids produce. By increasing the processing speed, Widex increases sound clarity and creates a natural soundscape.
How Widex Wins Over Musicians
One benefit of Widex's low-latency sound is better music quality. Many hearing aid wearers find that traditional devices distort the sound of music in an effort to reduce "background noise" at a live performance.
Widex Moment Sheer achieves its natural sound quality through its Zero Delay and Pure Sound technology (branded terms to describe processing speed). These technologies speed up the processing and deliver a less distorted and smoother, more authentic sound quality.
Our readers often favor Widex for live music listening.
Let’s take a closer look at the Widex Moment Sheer lineup.
Widex Moment Sheer hearing aids come in several shapes and sizes. Each device uses the latest Widex computer chip system (the brain), but the hardware varies. If you are interested in Widex, you'll get your choice of five form factors.
Widex's custom hearing aids come in three sizes, from completely in the canal to a larger earbud size.
The overall sound processing is the same throughout the line, but some technology like Bluetooth and rechargeable batteries is only available in larger sizes. Here are the features from left to right:
Widex Moment - Receiver-In-Canal
- Most popular style that is best for mild to severe hearing loss
- Rechargeable
- Stream phone calls, music, and podcasts from Android or Apple devices
- Sits comfortably behind the ear and has buttons or an app for volume changes
Widex Moment - Behind-The-Ear
- Made for people with a wide range of hearing loss from mild to severe or profound
- Comes with disposable or rechargeable batteries
- Allows streaming through Apple and Android
- Sits behind the ear with buttons or an app for volume changes
- Smallest size, nearly invisible
- Custom molded to fit your ear
- Uses a disposable size 10 battery
- Best for mild to severe hearing loss
- Does not allow Bluetooth streaming
- Volume and program control through a Widex app or remote control
- Does not allow remote programming
Widex Moment Completely-In-Canal
- Second smallest size
- Custom molded to fit your ear
- Uses a disposable size 10 battery
- Best for mild to severe hearing loss
- Does not allow Bluetooth streaming
- Volume and program control through a Widex app or remote control
- Allows remote programming
- Best for those who want a small hearing aid with remote programming
- Compatible with a wide range of Widex accessories
Widex Moment XP
- Largest custom molded device
- Uses a disposable size 312 battery for 2-3 days longer life
- Best for mild to severe hearing loss
- Does not allow Bluetooth streaming
- Volume and program control through a Widex app or remote control
- Allows remote programming
- Best for those with dexterity challenges and a need for longer battery life
Widex hearing aids also come in a variety of technology levels.
Widex offers each of the above styles at four technology levels. Each time you go up a level, you get more features for an increased price. Here's a chart that demonstrates how this works with prices from one of our favorite clinic partners.
Widex Moment Sheer 440 - is the top technology level available in the line. The 440 comes with a complete set of sound processing features, including wind noise reduction, speech enhancement, and 15 adjustment bands of customization for your audiologist. If you regularly travel or spend time in groups, this top-end level will probably be worth the additional cost.
Widex Moment 330 - is the second technology level available and comes with most of the core features available. The 330 has 12 channels of customization for your audiologist to work with and loses some ability to process high-frequency sounds and adjust for wind noise. If you spend time in mid-sized groups and at home, this product is an excellent choice.
Widex Moment 220 - is the third technology level available and comes with most of the core features available. The 220 has 10 channels and does not offer the highest level of speech enhancement. If you spend the most time in 1-1 settings or at home, this product will work well for you.
Widex Moment 110 - is the base technology level available and comes with many of the core features available. The 110 has 6 channels and does not offer several features that help to manage background noise. If you are looking for a budget option and have simple listening needs, this could be a good choice.
Learn more about how to choose a hearing aid technology level here.
Widex Apps
Widex has three apps that support Widex hearing aid users, depending on their needs. All Widex apps are available via iPhone and Android phones.
The Widex Moment™ app is the main app you'll access as a remote control and personalization features.
The Widex ZEN app will help you find the right tinnitus masking sounds. For remote programming, you'll need the.
Widex Remote Care app. Apart from the Widex Moment™ app, the brand offers two other apps that serve specific purposes.
You can read our full review of the Widex App ecosystem here.
Widex Accessories
Widex offers a suite of hearing aid accessories to assist with specific or challenging listening situations. In most cases you'll need to purchase accessories through your hearing care professional.
Charger - Most hearing aids come with a recharging case. You can purchase additional cases in places like Club Hearing.
Sound Assist - Multi-purpose microphone that doubles as a remote control.
TV Play - Streams TV audio directly to your hearing aids.
Com - Dex - Streams audio directly from a partner mic at a distance.
RC-Dex - A discreet remote control you can carry in your pocket or bag for on-the-go adjustments.
Widex Pricing
The national average price for Widex Moment Sheer 440 hearing aids is around $7,200 per pair.
Our research indicates that the best pricing and care packages are currently available through ZipHearing. ZipHearing offers a pair of Widex Moment Sheer 440 hearing aids with one year of unlimited care for $4,598 per pair.
👉 Use this page to compare up-to-date pricing across technology levels.
Widex Process
ZipHearing will match you with a local clinic near your zip code and pre-negotiate a lower price (typically 25% less than the national average).
Fill out the form on this page to get matched with a local clinic.
Our readers are consistently happy with ZipHearing's offering and give the company 97% 5-star ratings on Trustpilot.
Widex vs. Oticon, ReSound, Starkey Signia and Phonak
Widex hearing aids come at a comparable price to the other top-of-the-line products like Oticon and Phonak. So what makes this hearing aid different?
Widex Moment is laser-focused on one thing, sound quality. Nearly every innovation within the Widex Moment line goes back to this goal. They don't have the leading rechargeable batteries or Bluetooth connections, but these are devices to consider if you want fast and clear sound.
If you prioritize sound quality over everything else and can swing the price for a premium product, you will not likely be disappointed.
📝 Notes from Our Audiologist
While most of this guide focuses on the wearer's view and experience with Widex, it's worth noting that audiologists have their own software which they use to program and fine-tune your devices. Our audiology lead, Amy Sarow, shared some notes.
Widex is particularly popular among the musician community, who value the brand's exceptional sound quality. I also recommend Widex hearing aids for patients seeking effective tinnitus management because of their unique approach to sound therapy. One of the most appreciated features of these hearing aids is the 'Zen' program. This program plays soothing fractal tones, reminiscent of wind chimes, which many patients find relaxing and helpful in managing their tinnitus symptoms.
The Zen program serves as a form of sound therapy, diverting the brain's attention from tinnitus and promoting relaxation. The calming effect of these fractal tones can be truly beneficial for patients, enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life.
Another feature of Widex hearing aids that is appreciated by patients and audiologists alike is the natural sound quality. The natural sound quality of Widex hearing aids is because of their innovative technology that incorporates their own Widex PureSound Technology. This technology analyzes the surrounding environment and adjusts the hearing aid settings to provide the best sound quality.
Widex offers plenty of backend customization to your hearing professional, including special programs, background noise management, and targeted tinnitus masking.
Frequently asked questions
Widex is the product of a Danish hearing aid manufacturer—engineered meticulously by WS Audiology. In 2019, two big name companies, Sivantos Group and Widex, orchestrated a merger that resulted in WS Audiology. This powerhouse union was less of a corporate handshake and more of a high-five for innovation, bringing together over 140 years of combined experience to sharpen the edge of hearing aid technology. With such a dynamic duo joining forces, the blend of time-honored tradition and cutting-edge science means that Widex has some great engineering behind it. In addition to Widex, WS Audiology also manufactures Signia hearing aids.
Both Widex and Phonak are reputable hearing aid manufacturers that offer advanced technology and features to improve the lives of those with hearing impairments. Which one is better ultimately depends on an individual's specific needs and preferences. Some may prefer Phonak's universal Bluetooth feature, while others may find Widex's unique sound processing technology and tinnitus solutions a deciding factor. To make an informed decision, it's essential to evaluate both brands and determine which one works best for you. You can also check out our comparison here to see how these two brands stack up side-by-side.
Yes, Widex is a Danish hearing aid manufacturer that was founded in 1956 by two Danish families. It is now part of the WS Audiology company, which is headquartered in Denmark and has a global presence.
Widex has several unique features and technologies that set them apart from other hearing aid brands. Their signature sound processing technology, called ZeroDelay, ensures that sound reaches the user's ears as quickly as possible, providing a natural and true-to-life listening experience with less of a processed sound quality. Additionally, Widex offers customizable tinnitus management solutions through their Zen program, making them a popular choice for those with both hearing loss and tinnitus.
Widex is known for its innovative sound processing technology, ZeroDelay, which delivers a natural and true-to-life listening experience. They are also recognized for their customizable tinnitus management solutions through the Zen program that features fractal tones (similar to wind chimes).
Widex is considered one of the best hearing aid brands for tinnitus due to its Zen program, which offers customizable fractal tones that can help soothe and manage tinnitus symptoms. The unique sound processing technology of Widex also helps provide a more natural and less processed sound, which some report reduces discomfort for those with tinnitus.
Both Widex and ReSound are reputable hearing aid manufacturers with advanced technology and features. The decision between the two ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences. Those with tinnitus may prefer Widex's customizable Zen program, while others may find ReSound's M&RIE receiver providing natural sound quality to be a deciding factor. To make an informed decision, you might enjoy our side-by-side comparison here.
Widex Moment Sheer is one of the smallest RIC hearing aids on the market. And its smooth, natural sound quality is a favorite among musicians as well as patients with tinnitus. Moment is available in several levels of technology to meet your needs. Some potential cons include the need for a neck loop for remote programming and Widex chargers do not hold a charge themselves, which may be less convenient for those who travel frequently. Additionally, the RIC style may not be suitable for individuals with dexterity issues who may have difficulty handling a smaller hearing aid.
There is no one "best" hearing aid on the market. However, Widex has gained a reputation for its innovative technology, natural sound quality, and customizable tinnitus options, making them a top choice among those with hearing loss and tinnitus. You'll want to research and compare different brands to find the one that best suits your specific needs. So while we cannot say that Widex is the best hearing aid overall, it may be the perfect choice for you. To assist in your decision making, check out our comparison feature to see how Widex stacks up against other brands.
Widex hearing aids are not completely waterproof, but they do have a high level of water resistance with an IP68 rating. They can withstand light rain and some moisture exposure, but it is not recommended to submerge them in water or wear them while swimming. It is essential to follow proper care and maintenance of your Widex hearing aids to ensure their longevity and function.
The lifespan of Widex hearing aids can vary depending on individual use and care. On average, they can last up to 5-7 years with proper maintenance and regular servicing. Factors such as exposure to moisture, dust, and other environmental elements can affect the longevity of the hearing aids. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions for care and maintenance and have them serviced regularly to ensure optimal performance and prolong their lifespan.
Widex is a highly reputable and trusted brand in the hearing aid industry. They have been in the business for decades, continuously innovating and staying at the forefront of technology to provide high-quality hearing aids. With a focus on sound quality, customization, and individual needs, Widex is a popular choice among those with hearing loss and tinnitus. However, the ultimate decision on whether Widex is a good brand for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Be sure to research and compare different brands to find the best fit for you.
Widex rechargeable batteries can last up to 16-29 hours on a single charge, depending on the amount of streaming that you're doing. The charging time for the batteries is approximately 4 hours, and they are designed to last for four to five years before needing to be replaced.
The Widex Moment sRIC and Moment BTE are available in rechargeable.
