Buying hearing aids is a big decision – one you need to take a lot of things into consideration.
Hearing aids cost money, and while they’re not the big ticket item like a car, choosing the hearing aid that’s right for you, can be a bit like buying a new car. What brand do I choose? What model? What style? What colour? Which features? Which hearing aid is right for my lifestyle and hearing needs? And there’s a lot of hearing aids in the marketplace.
All this can seem a little overwhelming and you may need some assistance to get the best hearing aid to optimise your communication. Hearing Choices can help. Check out the Phonak vs Widex hearing aids comparison or contact one of our friendly staff for further advice.
Phonak vs Widex hearing aids head-to-head comparison
When comparing Phonak vs Widex hearing aids you will find ‘world best’ features in their premium models. There are a lot of characteristics to like in both these companies’ hearing aids. Let’s start with Bluetooth.
Widex has the best sound quality for Bluetooth streaming. It has been shown to be significantly better than other similar products. The clarity of the streamed sound comes from the separate templates for speech and music, taking into account what type of sound you want to listen to. However, Phonak uses a different Bluetooth technology in its hearing aids, allowing its latest models to stream directly to all mobile phones without an intermediary device. Widex hearing aids will stream directly to iPhone for phone calls, but not for Android models. However streaming of music and other audio functions is available for all smartphones through the EVOKE App.
When comparing Phonak vs Widex hearing aids for sound quality in background noise, you will find that both have brilliant clarity, even in challenging listening environments.
Phonak and Widex hearing aids have rechargeable options available, however the use of Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries in Phonak hearing aids is preferred over the Z-Power utilised by Widex as the Lithium-ion type have been proven to have longer lasting charge.
The style of your hearing aids may be an important feature for you. When evaluating Phonak vs Widex hearing aids in this area, you will find each brand has a variety of styles from BTE to CICs, with Widex having a wider range of options in the size of their hearing aids.
Phonak has an excellent telehealth functionality in their latest models, whereas the Widex EVOKE does not have this feature as yet. Widex and Phonak have Tinnitus programs available on their hearing aids and both brands offer Telecoil functions for many of their hearing aid styles.
There are a wide variety of accessories available for both brands, with Phonak’s new Audéo M (Marvel) coming equipped as ‘Roger Ready’ for connection to their FM devices. Widex hearing aids can utilise DEX accessories.
Overall, Phonak vs Widex hearing aids present exceptional hearing aid technology. Phonak’s 5-star rating is well-earned and comes with its latest model – the Audéo M. These hearing aids have it all: excellent sound quality, ‘made for all’ Bluetooth streaming to all mobile phones, longer charge with its rechargeable battery, artificial intelligence, accessory ready and a fantastic telehealth functionality. The Widex EVOKE also earns a 5-star rating due to its superior Bluetooth streaming sound quality and Machine Learning technology. Widex was the first company to introduce artificial intelligence into their hearing aids with the EVOKE. The Machine Learning capabilities of EVOKE hearing aids are created through SoundSense Learn technology. SoundSense Learn allows the hearing aid to build up a sound map, analysing feedback, remembering your hearing preferences and learning from each experience. It constantly adapts to the changes in your listening environment to enhance your current real-life hearing settings.
So there you have it – two established brands with cutting edge technology, Phonak vs Widex hearing aids. The brands have two of the best hearing aids on the market today and, depending on your requirements, could provide you with the best solution for your hearing needs.
Don’t forget to check your Health Rebate for private insurance. And if you are on a pension, you will find both of these brands have hearing aids that are fitted under the Hearing Services Program scheme for Pensioner
