Widex was founded in 1956 in Denmark, and the company has been designing and manufacturing hearing aids for more than 60 years. Widex developed the first digital hearing aid that was produced commercially and they have been at the forefront of new hearing aid technologies since. The Evoke hearing aid is one of their most technologically advanced hearing aids and the company advertises it as “the world’s first smart hearing aid.” With a great app, multiple accessories, and a lot of features that make your hearing experience both natural and high in quality, the Widex Evoke is one of the better hearing aids on the market and should be on your list of devices to try. The following is a review of the Widex Evoke hearing aid including its features, strengths, weaknesses, and how to try one out.
Things to Consider Before Buying
The Widex Evoke, as mentioned above, was advertised as “the first smart hearing aid” when it hit the market in October of 2021, and it is important to understand what that means if you are in the market for a new hearing aid. The Widex Evoke features machine learning which means that as you use the device, it actually “learns” your preferences and the settings you want so that it can perform at a personalized optimal level geared specifically to your hearing needs.
The Evoke hearing aids are available in 11 styles, 4 technology levels, and multiple color options with the most popular being the Evoke made-for-iPhone, receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aid. It features high end sound quality as well as great directionality so that you always know where the sound you hear is coming from. There are multiple apps and accessories available and the Evoke app gives you some of the best features available in a Widex device. The strength of the Widex Evoke is that it provides a high end, personalized hearing experience specifically for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Pros
- Machine learning capability gives you one of the most personalized hearing experiences on the market.
- The stereo quality sound is as good as any high end headphone you can find.
- The Evoke app is feature-rich and easy to use, but even if your phone is not compatible with it, the ToneLink app works well too.
- Different settings available for the different environments you encounter so that you can hear as well in a crowded restaurant as you do in your own home.
- Remote care is available so that you can have your hearing aid adjusted and checked from the comfort of your own home.
- Widex Evoke devices are water-resistant and easy to clean.
- An audiologist can walk you through the process from start to finish and ensure that your hearing aids work at the highest level possible.
- 11 different styles to choose from including 7 BTE models and 4 ITE models.
- A very thorough lineup of apps and accessories.
- With over 60 years of experience, Widex is a well-known and reputable company.
Cons
- If you have severe hearing loss, or even the upper level of moderate hearing loss, you will not be able to enjoy many of the Evoke features.
- It is one of the more expensive models on the market.
- You have to be willing to give the machine learning time to learn.
- You cannot purchase the Evoke online, you have to find a local audiologist or retailer.
Features & Benefits
The most important thing to discuss within the “features and benefits” section of the Widex Evoke is the thing that sets this hearing aid apart from others: It is a “smart hearing aid.” With the SoundSense Learn function inside the app, the Sound Analyzer function, and the Universal Program of the Widex Evoke hearing aid, your hearing aids are actually learning your preferences and making changes accordingly. Your hearing aids can actually map out your environment and then set all of the features to the environment you are in without you having to do anything. These “smart hearing aids” are intuitive and will continue to learn and adapt according to your changing hearing loss.
The Widex Evoke line of hearing aids is one of the best Widex has to offer and is one of the most feature-rich hearing aid options on the market today. The following is a list of some of the features and benefits that the Widex Evoke has to offer and it should help you decide if this is the hearing aid for you.
- Design/type of hearing aid
With 11 different options of styles including 7 BTE and 4 ITE hearing aids, there is an Evoke model for pretty any style you are looking for. There are mini completely-in-the-canal (CIC) options that are virtually undetectable inside your ear, and an Evoke power hearing aid that is larger but also built for more severe hearing loss. There are plusses and minuses to each of the different styles, but the key is that Widex used the Evoke technology in multiple styles and colors so that you can have the benefits regardless of the style you want.
- For what level of hearing loss
If you want the most out of your Evoke hearing aid, mild and moderate hearing loss are the levels at which it succeeds. The spatial awareness features, hybrid natural/processed listening, and directionality features do not work as well as your hearing loss progresses toward severe and profound. There is an Evoke model, the “Evoke Fashion Power,” that focuses on severe and profound hearing loss as well.
- Fit and Wearability
Widex Evoke comes in so many styles, colors, and designs that the fit and wearability of the device is a major strength. Many of the earmolds will be directly fitted to your ear while all of the Evoke hearing aids will be chosen by an audiologist to fit the size and shape of your ear well while also offering the features you need for your hearing loss. To purchase a Widex Evoke hearing aid, you must go through a hearing healthcare professional, and that makes a huge difference in fit. Also, the Widex is known as a very durable, high-quality hearing aid that is very comfortable in your ear.
- Performance
- Battery
The Widex Evoke has both rechargeable and regular battery options, but more and more people are turning to the rechargeable models when given a choice. If you do choose a rechargeable option, you will get more than 24 functioning hours on a full charge so that even if you stream audio for most of the day, your hearing aids will not need another charge until you go to bed at night.
If you choose a regular battery, there are multiple options on the Widex website for any of the hearing aids they make. The non-rechargeable batteries are zinc air batteries and they last a long time. They come in different sizes and numbers so that it is easy to always order the right battery and have spares waiting just in case.
- Sound quality
- Directionality
With multiple microphones in many models, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, and spatial awareness features, your Widex Evoke hearing aids offer great directionality so that you can pinpoint the direction of any sound. There are also features that allow you to focus on the sound that is directly in front of you and give you the opportunity to converse with others and focus on the sound of their voice at the expense of ambient noises.
- Adaptability
While the Widex Moment focuses on mimicking natural sound, the Evoke focuses on adaptability. It learns to change with your preferences taking into account environment, volume, and even your physical location. Adaptability is key in hearing because things constantly change, and having a hearing aid that will adapt to your ever-changing life and environment is the main thing that sets the Evoke apart.
- Automatic sound adjustment based on environment
As a smart hearing aid, not only does the Evoke automatically adjust the sound settings based on your environment, it can actually learn the different environments you are in. There is a “Universal” setting for the Evoke hearing aids that allow your device to change based on the machine learning that has already taken place.
- Streaming
You can stream directly from your iPhone or Android device with Widex hearing aids. The Bluetooth technology also allows you to use your Widex hearing aids like a headset when you are listening to music or watching television. These streaming capabilities keep your hands free to do other things while controlling the sound from your earpieces.
- AI Features
The Evoke is full of AI features including machine learning, the Fluid Sound Analyzer that reacts to your physical and sound environment, and it never forgets the information that you teach it.
Accessories
- COM-DEX
The Com-Dex is a small, wireless “re-broadcaster” worn around your neck that accepts Bluetooth signals. When you are wearing it, you can hear the Bluetooth signals in both ears giving you hands-free calling capability because the device picks up your voice as well. You can also place the device on someone else’s shirt and hear everything they say clearly, even in a crowd.
- RC-DEX
Essentially a remote for your Widex hearing aids that allows you to control volume and program settings. While the same functionality is available in the Widex apps, some people do not have a smartphone or prefer the small size of this remote.
- TV-DEX
The TV-Dex base connects to your television and audio output. It transmits to a pendant that you wear around your neck. The base sends wireless signals to the pendant which is connected through BlueTooth to your hearing aids.
Unique Perks and Features
- Bluetooth connectivity
All Widex Evoke hearing aids are equipped with Bluetooth, and many models are “made for iPhone” hearing aids meaning they connect with every audio feature of your iPhone. To do hands-free calling with an android device, you will need an additional accessory, but for streaming music and other audio from your phone, the Widex Evoke devices are already equipped. Not only that, but there are settings within the Evoke app that can make your streaming sound even better depending on the device and application you are using. The Evoke hearing aids will connect with any other Bluetooth device, but to get the best functionality possible, an iPhone is the way to go.
- Apps
There are two main apps that are compatible with the Widex Evoke line of hearing aids, the ToneLink app and the Evoke app. While they offer some similar features, and they both give you remote control of your hearing aids from your phone, it is the Evoke app that is designed specifically for Evoke hearing aids and offers things like SoundSense Learn, tinnitus care, and more.
- Evoke App
The Evoke app does everything that the ToneLink (described below) app does and also leverages machine learning to help your hearing aids adjust to your needs. You can also take complete control of your devices in the palm of your hand, allowing you to make adjustments and create your own sound programs for different environments. You can also stream audio from your phone using this app.
- ToneLink App
This app eliminates the need for a remote control or any other type of assisting device. The functions of this app include program selection, volume adjustment, mute and user-selected directional focus. If you have an iPhone or Android device, you can use this app to make adjustments to key functions without ever touching your hearing aid.
- Remote Care
Widex capitalized on the increased TeleHealth capabilities brought on through the Covid-19 pandemic by offering a “Remote Link” which allows you to connect with a hearing specialist remotely. Through this remote connection, you can attend a live video appointment and the hearing specialist can adjust the settings of your hearing aids with the same effectiveness as if you were in the office.
- Tinnitus Relief
The Widex Zen therapy feature is helpful in combating the effects of tinnitus that many hearing aid wearers experience. It uses relaxation, sounds/noises, fractal tones, counseling, and amplification to help fight against the stress and sleep difficulties that come with tinnitus.
Cost
The cost of Widex Evoke hearing aids will depend on which style, technology level, and design you choose. It will also vary greatly depending on where you choose to purchase them and the care level you receive from your provider. In general, the Widex Evoke hearing aids are priced similarly to what you will find in other major hearing aid manufacturers. You will not find prices online easily, and will probably have to go to a local audiologist to find what the price would be.
FAQs
- What is the cost of the Widex Evoke?
While, as mentioned above, there are a lot of variables that go into the cost of a Widex hearing aid, you can expect to pay approximately $1500 to $5000 per hearing aid.
- How long do Widex hearing aids last?
Widex has been around for more than 60 years and have become known as one of the most durable hearing aid brands on the market and one of the best. Most hearing aids last between three and seven years and you can expect the same to be true of the Widex Evoke.
- How long do Widex Evoke hearing aid rechargeable batteries last?
You can get 24 hours or more of hearing aid use on a full charge for the Evoke rechargeable options. If you stream a lot of music/audio that time might be slightly reduced, and if you do not use your hearing aids much during the day it could be slightly more.
- How do I adjust the volume on my Widex Evoke hearing aid?
The easiest way is to connect your hearing aid to either the ToneLink or Evoke app and adjust the volume on your phone. Otherwise, depending on the style, your hearing aid will probably have a volume button on either the earpiece or the device behind your ear.
If you are looking for a hearing aid that will adapt to your hearing style and preferences, the Widex Evoke is the hearing aid for you. It has enhanced AI technology along with the ability to learn and adjust to your preferences so that your hearing aid will perform well in all settings and environments. Once your hearing aid learns something, it never forgets it, and if you use the “Universal” setting, it will adjust the settings and features you need to the environment you are in. There are more natural sounding devices, but there is no other hearing aid on the market that adapts as completely to your listening style and preferences as the Widex Evoke.
