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When you're shopping around for a hearing aid, it's essential to know the differences between popular hearing aid companies. This way, you can choose the hearing aid that fits you best and offers the most useful features to you. Phonak and Widex are two highly reputable names in the hearing aid business, offering different features to their users. We'll compare these providers and their offerings below.
Phonak Fast Facts | |
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Widex Fast Facts | |
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At first glance, you can see that Widex and Phonak both offer numerous styles and models of hearing aids. While both have apps and accessories to go along with those hearing aids, Widex has more of a variety of accessories and apps for its products.
Widex offers several devices, including a lineup of automatic hearing aids on their Evoke platform and models that are a great option for musicians. Phonak's Marvel platform gives users a clear, rich sound, as well as the ability to connect to smartphones and other devices. It also enables hearing aids to be rechargeable and gives access to the Phonak app.
Widex Evoke App
Comparison | Phonak | Widex |
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Bluetooth capability | Yes | Yes |
Tinnitus support help | Yes | Yes |
Customer service | Online FAQ, 1-800 number, Online form | Online videos, help in app, local repairs |
Accompanying App | Yes | Yes |
Warranty | 1-year limited international warranty, inquire about local warranty | Yes, only products sold by authorized distribution sales |
Like most major hearing aid providers, Customers must purchase Phonak and Widex hearing aids in-store from a hearing specialist or audiologist. These companies don't list their prices online, so it's best to speak with your local hearing specialist for pricing information and to find the hearing aid that's right for you. It's also important to note that prices vary from provider to provider.
For more information about where you can purchase your hearing aids, take a look at our hearing aid shopper’s guide. This guide covers everything you need to know when shopping for hearing aids.
One look at Widex's product line, and you can tell that it is technology-focused. It relies on many different apps to control hearing aid functions through the user's smartphone. Besides cutting edge hearing aids, Widex also offers accessories that allow you to stream the sound from different devices to your hearing aid. You can also get sound from television, radio, and other sources streamed directly to your devices. For those with tinnitus or ringing in the ears, Widex's “Zen” tinnitus management smartphone app allows you and your dispenser to customize a tinnitus management program to suit your needs and lifestyle.
One of Phonak’s BTE hearing aid styles
Phonak also utilizes apps to allow users to control hearing aid functions. The provider offers solutions for single-sided hearing loss for those who don't need two hearing aids. Phonak has hearing aids that can be worn in the ear, receiver behind the ear, and some that are truly invisible. Phonak's most unique offering is Lyric, a first-of-its-kind hearing aid that sits entirely in the ear and is worn 24/7. Users have their hearing aids replaced by a hearing specialist every three to four months. It's an excellent option for those who want the most discreet design possible or those who have a hard time remembering to charge their hearing aids.
FYI: Want to learn more about Phonak or Widex's product lineup? Our latest Phonak review and in-depth Widex review, written by our hearing specialist, offer all the details on both providers and their hearing aids.
Widex has several cutting-edge hearing aid models that utilize the latest technology. The company also provides a long list of accessories for those who want to enhance and personalize their hearing experience even further. Widex may be a wise choice for users who enjoy using their smartphone and can handle all the functions. For those with tinnitus, Widex edges out Phonak a bit with their Zen smartphone app.
Widex Zen App
Phonak also has an extensive product line with various hearing aid models and styles to suit all users. It provides the world's only completely invisible hearing aid, which is important for those who want to conceal their hearing aid. The company also offers an app to allow users to customize their experience. Their Roger system of remote microphones makes Phonak the leader for those who need to hear their best in noisy or reverberant settings.
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