Key Takeaways
Patients with cookie-bite hearing loss struggle to hear sounds in the 500Hz to 2000Hz range, where most speech and music occur.
After reviewing over 50 hearing aids from various brands, we found these five to be the best since they excel in functionality and ease of use.
1. Bluetooth Enabled Hearing Aid: Nano Audacity® RIC
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Nano Audacity® RIC is one of the recent and most premium hearing aids from Nano Hearing Aids. It uses Bluetooth to connect with smartphones and stream audio like music and podcasts, and calls directly to the hearing aids.
It has advanced feedback management and noise reduction technology to ensure clear sounds. With the multifunction button and app, users can create up to 3 listening profiles and switch between them accordingly.
Nano Audacity® RIC.
The best thing about Nano hearing aids is that they are very affordable - this particular model is only $697 for a pair and there’s 4 interest-free installments with ShopPay too.
2. Best for Mild to Moderate Hearing Loss: EARGO Neo HiFi Hearing Aid
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This hearing aid is recommended for mild to moderate hearing loss patients. It has an “open-fit” design to make it comfortable for users. Also, this hearing aid design produces less ear wax to keep the device intact for longer.
This device comes with a charging case and a 12-month warranty. The powerful noise-canceling feature allows users to hear clear sounds without difficulties. However, the smaller size of this device can cause problems for some users. But, because of its Bluetooth capabilities, the settings can be done via smartphone instead of having to adjust on the hearing aid itself.
EARGO Neo HiFi Hearing Aid.
3. Best Rechargeable Hearing Aid: Nano First Ear Plus ITE
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This hearing aid is recommended for mild to moderate hearing loss patients. It has an “open-fit” design to make it comfortable for users. Also, this hearing aid design produces less ear wax to keep the device intact for longer.
This device comes with a charging case and a 12-month warranty. The powerful noise-canceling feature allows users to hear clear sounds without difficulties. However, the smaller size of this device can cause problems for some users. But, because of its Bluetooth capabilities, the settings can be done via smartphone instead of having to adjust on the hearing aid itself.
EARGO Neo HiFi Hearing Aid.
Similarities Between Widex & Oticon
When you want to compare Widex and Oticon, you need to consider the similarities first and their origin.
Origin & Industry Prominence
Widex hearing aids is one of the most prominent brands in the hearing aid industry. This hearing aid manufacturing brand was established in 1956 and is based in Denmark. Similarly, Oticon is also known as one of the world’s top manufacturers of hearing aids. This brand started its journey in 1904 by Hans Demant.
Both these brands have been forerunners in this particular industry and have introduced a wide variety of hearing aid technologies in the market. For example:
Fit & Features
They also manufacture hearing aids of varying types, from BTE to ITE hearing aids.
On the other hand, the Oticon More line comes in RIC and BTE types.
The hearing aids from both brands have a lot of features (e.g., smartphone app support, Bluetooth connectivity) and a good range of technological support.
Battery & Rechargeability
Both brands typically use zinc air batteries - they’re a standard in the industry for its effectiveness in providing consistent power. They can last about 5 to 14 days, depending on the model and usage patterns.
These brands also offer rechargeable models that are cost-effective in the long run. For example, the Widex Moment and Oticon More are rechargeable hearing aids that use lithium-ion batteries. They should last for a full day of use on a single 3-hour charge.
Consequences of Hearing Aids Getting Stuck in the Ear
A stuck hearing aid or ear dome is usually a minor inconvenience, but leaving it in too long can damage the ear canal or eardrum - leading to infections or even bleeding if it presses against the eardrum.
If the ear canal develops inflammation, called acute otitis, you might suffer from the following symptoms:
Hearing Aid Design
Generally, smaller hearing aids or hearing aids that use ear domes are the ones to get stuck in the ear. In some cases, open-fit hearing aids can get stuck as well.
Using larger-sized hearing aids or hearing aids without loose components can help prevent them from getting stuck.
Also Read: CICs (completely-in-canal hearing aids) sit entirely inside the ear canal, making them completely invisible. Learn how to choose the right one so that they fit your hearing loss level without getting stuck in your ear.
Customer Support
Both Widex and Oticon offer 2 to 3 years of warranties, about 30-day trial periods, and timely customer support. Widex’s support number is 844-497-8844, operational from 5 AM to 2 PM PST, while Oticon’s 24/7 customer service line is 855-400-9766.
Differences Between Widex & Oticon
Streaming & Connectivity
Widex hearing aids, particularly the Moment series, are compatible with Made for iPhone (MFi) technology - allowing users to stream audio directly from their iPhones.
The Oticon More also offers direct streaming for iPhones using MFi technology. However, it is also compatible with Android devices through Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) that consumes less energy.
Sound Systems
As stated earlier, both brands have created innovative sound systems but the technologies behind them vary greatly.
For example, the Widex Moment hearing aids use advanced sound processing features like ZeroDelay and PureSound to deliver a natural listening experience.
Oticon's BrainHearing technology makes sure that more relevant sounds reach the brain effectively to support better speech understanding.
Degree of Hearing Loss
Both brands effectively address mild to moderate hearing loss with their respective technologies. While some users may find Widex performs better for severe hearing loss, performance varies significantly based on individual needs and fitting by audiologists. That said, both brands offer models designed for severe hearing loss such as Widex Evoke and Oticon Xceed.
The Open Sound technology in Oticon Opn S, Oticon Xceed (pictured above), and Oticon Opn gives users a 360-degree sound experience - they can focus on specific sounds while still being aware of their surroundings.
Product Lines
Some of the best quality hearing aids manufactured by Widex are Widex Moment, Widex Evoke, Widex Dream, Widex Beyond, and Widex Passion. You can learn more through our complete Widex hearing aid review.
And some of the best quality hearing aids manufactured by Oticon are Oticon Ruby, Oticon More, Oticon Siya, Oticon Xceed, Oticon OPN, Oticon OPN S, and Oticon Ria2. Read more through our Oticon hearing aid review.
Cost Comparison
The price of hearing aids from both Widex and Oticon varies based on factors such as the model, the type of hearing loss, the features offered by the devices, and even the user’s location. Your insurance may or may not cover some part of the costs of the hearing aids.
The average starting price for the most basic models of both brands is around $1,200 USD. The overall price range for different hearing aid models from Widex is approximately $1,500–$3,500 USD, while the range for Oticon is about $1,000–$3,000 USD.
Our most recent and premium model is the Nano Audacity® RIC, which comes with Bluetooth technology for audio streaming and easy app control.
The Bottom Line
Widex and Oticon hearing aids offer similar quality, styles, features, and prices. Oticon is often preferred for mild to moderate hearing loss, while Widex is favored for severe hearing loss and tinnitus.
It ultimately comes down to the type of hearing loss you are suffering from, and the type of features you prefer for your hearing aids. Rest assured, you will get great sound quality and service from the hearing aids of both these brands. However, the price range for both of these brands is quite high, which can turn a few people away.
If you want a high-quality product without breaking the bank, you definitely need to check Nano Hearing Aids. Nano is a US-based brand that manufactures FDA-registered Class 1 OTC hearing devices, and has over 1000+ reviews.
The key difference is that Nano hearing aids can be bought through our online store, without any hearing test or audiologist consultation. They are specifically designed for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss too.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Widex excels in severe hearing loss and tinnitus management, while Oticon is favored for mild to moderate hearing loss.
The Nano Audacity® RIC offers Bluetooth streaming, app control, and advanced noise reduction for just $697, making it an affordable alternative to premium brands.
Nano hearing aids are cost-effective, easy to buy online, and designed for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. They provide advanced features without the high price of traditional hearing aids.