I currently have Widex Evoke 330, RIC, in my left ear.
I’m shopping for new medical insurance, and the plans I’m looking at have different hearing aid options.
One plan would allow me to stay with my current audiologist and maintain a Widex option (I’m not sure what other brands they use).
Another plan, with what looks like a better coverage amount, would require me to use a different network that says they use Starkey, Phonak, and ReSound.
I’m not emotionally tied to my current audiologist, but they’ve done well by me in the past and I’d prefer to stay. So paying a little extra the next time I need hearing aids doesn’t bother me too much.
Since there’s really no need for me to upgrade in the near future, there’s a chance I wouldn’t use this coverage in the next year unless I break or lose what I already have.
Is there a noticeable difference in quality and performance throughout those brands in the RIC style?
Widex vs Starkey vs Phonak vs ReSound?
There’s another complication, and that’s my wife. She’s looking into getting hearing aids, too, and doesn’t have an audiologist. So if there’s an advantage towards one brand or another, and is it worth the cost difference in plan coverage, that would be nice to know for her decision.
Hard question. I think it’s more of a “flavor” kind of thing rather than “quality.” Once people find a hearing aid flavor they like, they are often reluctant to change. Unless you’re the venturesome type, I’d stick with what you have. If you like trying new things and tend to adapt well to change, go ahead and try something else.
For musicians, Widex seems to be the go to hearing aid.
For those who frequent noisy environments, Phonak, Starkey and Resound have all made improvements for hearing in that type of environment. Do a little research here if that applies to your needs.
The top-of-line Starkey hearing aid has access to Auracast, but you will need a phone that has an Auracast assistant built-in to use it. Resound/Jabra has access to Auracast and comes with a standalone app that will work with many other phones. Phonak isn’t interested in updated their high end hearing aid at this time to access Auracast. They are going to stick with Bluetooth classic for now. Oticon/Philips will update their high end hearing aids to Auracast in the near future. Don’t know if they will have a standalone app or use a built-in the phone assistant.
Auracast will be a game changer for some folks. For others, not so much. I suggest you read up on Auracast before purchasing any new phone or hearing aid.
Its like comparing Porsche, Mercedes, Tesla . I agree with @user990 comments.
I’ve heard that once someone has Widex HAs, they want to stay with Widex due to the way they process the sound. Hearingtracker.com has some product reviews that allow you to compare different brands.
My recommendation: Try different ones and ensure the audiologist has a trial period with no return fees.
I used Widex for years and 1.5 years ago tried both the most recent top of the line RIC Widex and Resound aids. For me there was really no comparison. The first thing was that although sound quality was more natural with the widex, voices for me were much more distinct with the Resounds. The biggest difference between the two brands was the Resound’s noise suppression which was much better than the Widex’s . My audiologist told me I was only at around 30%-40% of predicted needed sound levels with the Widex as background noises at higher levels were very disturbing for me. I am able to tolerate 90% of predicted volume levels with the Resounds and its sound suppression abilities. I am now able to clearly hear messages from my landline telephone answering machine which I had pretty much given up on hearing with the Widex. As others have stated it is a good idea to try a few different brands and see which one is better for your type of hearing loss.