Phonak vs. Widex — A Side-by-Side Comparison
Phonak vs. Widex — A Side-by-Side Comparis...
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Key Takeaways
- Phonak and Widex both offer online hearing tests that can help you determine the type and degree of hearing loss present.
- Phonak and Widex offer a wide variety of types and styles of hearing aids, making them capable of helping with mild to profound hearing loss.
- Neither company sells direct-to-consumers, which means you’ll visit a retailer or hearing specialist to purchase.
Both Phonak and Widex offer similar style options for hearing aids, including:
- Receiver-in-canal (RIC)
- Behind-the-ear (BTE)
- In-the-ear (ITE)
- Completely-in-canal (CIC)
- Receiver-in-ear (RIE)
Have your family or loved ones told you that you seem disconnected during conversations? Are you struggling to concentrate in loud environments? If so, it’s possible you may be experiencing some degree of hearing loss and could benefit from hearing aids.
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), approximately 15% of American adults aged 18 and older (roughly 37.5 million individuals) report experiencing some trouble hearing. Additionally, about 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from using hearing aids.
The first step in determining the need for hearing aids is to ascertain whether or not you have hearing loss. This can be done through an appointment with an audiologist or hearing specialist or through a free online hearing test. These experts will determine if your degree of hearing loss is mild, moderate, severe, or profound. They can also determine if your type of hearing loss is conductive, sensorineural, or a mix of both. Determining your type and degree of hearing loss can help you choose an appropriate hearing aid.
When shopping for hearing aids, you may be surprised to learn there are many models and styles to choose from. Two popular hearing aid companies, Phonak and Widex, offer high-tech options, giving you a variety of ways to improve your hearing and quality of life. This article compares the options available with Phonak and Widex.
Phonak Overview
Phonak is a global provider of hearing solutions, with locations in 100 countries. Started in 1947, Phonak has developed technology to overcome obstacles people face that impact their hearing. Phonak has a wide variety of options for hearing aids, each equipped with different features and styles to fit your specific needs. Available device options include:
- Audeo Life
- Virto Paradise
- Virto M-Titanium
- CROS P
- Lyric
- Bolero Marvel
- Audeo Paradise
- Naida Paradise
- Sky Marvel
AginginPlace.org has expert reviewers who have listed out specific information on each of the Phonak devices. Phonak offers multiple applications to help tailor an individual’s experience with its devices. The myPhonak app can be used with Bluetooth-enabled smartphones to make real time adjustments to your hearing aid devices. You can set preferences and change those settings depending on the environment you’re in or if you are making a phone call or watching TV. The brand´s devices also allow for noise cancellation and speech focus options.
Phonak offers Roger directional microphones, which can help your hearing aids distinguish voices from background noise or during group discussions.
Widex Overview
Widex is another top-rated global hearing aid manufacturer, with more than 60 years of experience. Widex is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact and has been recognized for its efforts in using sustainable energy for its headquarters and production. The options available through Widex continue to demonstrate the company’s experience in the development of advanced and innovative hearing solutions. These device options include:
- Widex MOMENT
- Widex EVOKE
- Widex UNIQUE
Comparison of Phonak and Widex Features
As you can see from the table below, the features available with Phonak and Widex are very similar.
| Tinnitus masking | Phonak | Yes | Widex | Yes |
|---|
| Severe/profound hearing loss solution | Phonak | Yes | Widex | Yes |
|---|
| Noise cancellation | Phonak | Yes | Widex | Yes |
|---|
| Speech focus | Phonak | Yes | Widex | Yes |
|---|
| SmartPhone app | Phonak | Yes | Widex | Yes |
|---|
| Device streaming | Phonak | Yes – no max number of devices | Widex | Yes |
|---|
| TV connector | Phonak | Yes | Widex | Yes |
|---|
| Directional microphone | Phonak | Yes | Widex | Yes |
|---|
| Bluetooth connectivity | Phonak | Yes | Widex | Yes |
|---|
| Trial period | Phonak | 30 days | Widex | 30 days |
|---|
| Warranty | Phonak | 1-year international warranty, ask hearing care professional about local warranty | Widex | 2-3 years |
|---|
| FDA approved | Phonak | Yes | Widex | Yes |
|---|
Price Comparison
Neither company sells direct-to-consumers, which means you’ll have to contact a local retailer or hearing specialist to be fitted with and purchase Phonak or Widex hearing aids. Prices will vary between different retailers, but prices of equipment from both companies are quite similar. For your reference, our experts have summarized pricing estimates for Phonak and Widex devices.
Other Hearing Aid Brands We Recommend
Expert reviewers at AginginPlace.org have also looked at other hearing aid brands. Here are some alternative companies that offer quality products for hearing loss:
Summary
Finding the right hearing aid device can seem overwhelming, but companies like Phonak and Widex make it easy to personalize their products to suit your specific needs. Both companies offer cutting-edge technology, providing users with the most advanced equipment in hearing support.
Why You Can Trust Our Expert Review
Our experts research and recommend products that can help give you a better quality of life. Using our high standards and rigorous testing methodology, we’ve spent more than 4,000 hours, collectively, researching the best hearing aids to help you find the device that’s best for you. Throughout our research process, we did the following:
- Consulted with audiologists and geriatric care experts
- Mystery shopped the brands
- Surveyed hundreds of hearing aid users
- Tested various models of hearing aids
- Interviewed experts in the field
- Read thousands of verified customer reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
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Phonak is a world-renowned leader as a trusted hearing aid manufacturer, with more than 70 years of experience and locations in 100 countries.
WRITTEN BY
Danielle Pagano is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner currently practicing Internal Medicine in rural Illinois. She has extensive experience in primary and long term care, including preventive medicine and complex chronic disease management. Danielle has participated in several medical mission trips, serving communities in Brazil, Kenya, and Ethiopia. As a working mother of three young children, Danielle appreciates spending her time outside connecting with nature while hiking or running, or relaxing with her husband.
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