By David Bryce on 12th January 2018

Made For iPhone Hearing Aids From Widex

Widex introduced the new Beyond hearing aids last year, and they are their first ever Made For iPhone hearing aids. We spoke about what they have to offer in the article An Update on The Widex Beyond. They connect directly to many Apple iPhones, iPods and iPads so you can stream music, audiobooks and phone calls. The connection also offers deeper control over the hearing aids with an app that can be used as a deeply functional remote control.

We have been impressed with the function of the Beyond hearing aids and also the success we have had with it with our Patients. The devices offer real freedom and control for people with iPhone devices. While they will not connect directly to Android phones, the addition of a Com-DEX allows streaming and there is an Android app which offers the deeper control. Here is a review of the hearing aids from one of our recent customers.

When I approached Geoff Bryce at Aberdeen Hearing Services recently, it was at the recommendation of two friends who were long-term satisfied customers. I am delighted with the performance of the Widex Beyond Hearing aids that I now have fitted; I am also highly impressed with the service provided by Geoff Bryce at Aberdeen Hearing Services. My hearing has been deteriorating for several years, due to a career spent in a noisy environment. 

Consequently, in addition to increasing hearing loss, I have been suffering from tinnitus, particularly in my left ear. Accordingly, Geoff used hearing test tones clearly different to the slight sound of my tinnitus, thus ensuring an accurate audiogram. After a study of my audiogram and discussion of various hearing aids, I decided upon a pair of Widex Beyond Hearing Aids. Two days later, Geoff called at my home, “tuned” my hearing aids from my audiogram on his laptop, and decided on which ear inserts to use. 

It is no exaggeration to say that, since then, my life has been transformed. I no longer need to rely on a combination of lip-reading and guesswork to understand what is being said to me. I was initially concerned at how they would perform in a crowded noisy room, but they work well, providing a remarkable balance between background noise and the voices I want to hear. They do not over-emphasise loud background noise. 

A further concern was how the aids would perform in wind. If I am facing the wind, there is no problem whatsoever; if the wind is more from one side, I hear some wind noise – but it is not a problem. On cold winter days – we have had several recently – a woolly hat worn over the ears excludes the noise of very strong wind but still allows effective hearing. A feature of these hearing aids is their ability to be controlled by a smartphone, and they can be used for telephone calls or to listen to music, and to select various programmes such as one for music and one for directional focus. 

However, I find that the “Universal” setting works well and that I use for most of the time. I now tend to disconnect the hearing aids’ Bluetooth in the car, and connect instead to the very steady Bluetooth connection from the car’s hands-free system. Having the Bluetooth allows you to check battery condition and to decide when the hearing aid stops, whether it is due to a low battery or a blocked wax filter. I recommend this useful feature. 

A further option offered by Widex is rechargeable batteries. I considered this option, but given that even rechargeable batteries have a finite life of about two years, it is more cost effective to opt for standard batteries, which seem to last about a week. Geoff provided me with a generous supply of these – and wax filters. In summary, I am completely satisfied with these hearing aids, and I have been most impressed by the high quality of service from Geoff Bryce. If this review were for “Trip Advisor”, there would definitely be 5 stars for both! - 

Frank Pole, Aberdeenshire