Widex Evoke RIC 312 Direct (MFi): A Complete Product Description

Overview

The Widex Evoke RIC 312 Direct is a groundbreaking receiver‑in‑canal hearing aid from the Widex Evoke™ family, widely recognised as the world’s first hearing aid to integrate live machine learning technology. It marked the beginning of the “smart hearing aid” era, where the device not only amplifies sound but actively learns from the wearer’s preferences to deliver a continuously improving listening experience. The “RIC” form factor places the main body discreetly behind the ear, connected by an ultra‑thin wire to a receiver that sits directly in the ear canal – an open‑fit design that minimises the “plugged‑up” sensation while allowing natural low‑frequency sounds to pass through.

The “312 Direct” designation indicates two essential features: the hearing aid is powered by a disposable size 312 zinc‑air battery, offering extended runtime without daily charging, and it features direct audio streaming from iOS devices via its built‑in 2.4 GHz Bluetooth technology. Importantly, the Evoke RIC 312 Direct is designed for individuals with mild to moderately severe hearing loss, offering a fitting range of 0‑115 dB HL across all four technology levels. The device is available in four performance tiers – 440, 330, 220 and 110 – allowing users to select the level of sophistication that best matches their lifestyle and listening demands.

Core Smart Technology: Machine Learning That Evolves With You

What truly sets the Evoke apart is its SoundSense Technology, a machine‑learning platform that lives inside both the hearing aid and the companion smartphone app. Every time you use Evoke, it evolves – because it learns from the adjustments you make in different sound environments and applies that knowledge to similar situations in the future. This is achieved through two complementary features:

• SoundSense Learn – When you encounter a challenging listening situation, the Evoke app presents you with two alternative sound profiles (A vs B). Simply listen and select your preferred option. Repeat this process as many times as you wish, and the hearing aid gradually builds a personalised sound model tailored to your unique hearing preferences.

• SoundSense Adapt – The hearing aid remembers every adjustment you have ever made and intelligently applies those preferences to new environments – even if you have never visited that particular location before.

Underpinning these features is the powerful Fluid Sound Controller, a dual‑core processing system that continuously analyses incoming sound and automatically adjusts multiple parameters – including variable‑speed compression – to preserve natural sound quality while reacting quickly to dynamic acoustic environments.

Technology Levels: 440, 330, 220 and 110

The Evoke RIC 312 Direct is offered in four distinct performance levels. The number indicates the sophistication of the feature set, with 440 being the most advanced and 110 the essential entry level.

Widex Evoke 440 – Flagship Performance

The 440 level is the most technologically advanced option in the Evoke family. It features 15 processing channels for exceptionally precise sound shaping, and 11 distinct sound classes that automatically identify whether you are in quiet, speech in noise, party, traffic, city or music environments – then apply the optimal settings for each. The 440 includes HD Locator for channel‑specific directionality, dramatically improving speech intelligibility in challenging noise, Advanced TruSound Softener to soften sudden impact sounds, Digital Pinna to help you locate and focus on voices naturally, and Speech Enhancer Pro for real‑time noise reduction. It also offers up to five listening programs and the most advanced version of SoundSense Learn.

Widex Evoke 330 – Advanced Everyday Intelligence

The 330 level offers 12 processing channels and 8‑11 sound classes, providing excellent adaptability for most daily situations – from family gatherings to outdoor conversations. It retains HD Locator, Advanced TruSound Softener and Digital Pinna, but with slightly fewer fine‑tuning options than the 440. Users benefit from up to four listening programs and a highly effective version of SoundSense Learn.

Widex Evoke 220 – Solid Mid‑Range Choice

The 220 level is a reliable option for users with quieter lifestyles or those who want core Evoke intelligence at a more accessible price point. It offers 10 processing channels, up to three listening programs, standard Speech Enhancer, and basic versions of wind and impact noise management. It does not include HD Locator or Digital Pinna, but still features SoundSense Learn and the full power of the Fluid Sound Controller.

Widex Evoke 110 – Essential Smart Hearing

The 110 level provides core Evoke sound quality with streamlined features – ideal for first‑time users or those who primarily need amplification in quiet to moderately quiet environments. It typically offers 6 processing channels and a simplified sound classifier (4–6 categories). While it lacks the advanced directionality and noise management of higher levels, it still includes SoundSense Learn, TrueInput technology (113 dB SPL input range), dynamic feedback cancellation, and variable‑speed compression. Users can still stream directly from iOS devices and control the hearing aid via the Evoke app.

Features Common to All Four Levels

Across all technology levels, the Widex Evoke RIC 312 Direct shares a robust core of essential technologies:

• Direct audio streaming from iOS devices – Stream phone calls, music, podcasts and videos directly from iPhones to your hearing aids without an intermediary device.

• TrueInput Technology – An expanded input range of 113 dB SPL, handling very loud sounds without distortion while preserving soft sounds.

• Dynamic Feedback Controller – Fast, artefact‑free cancellation of whistling feedback.

• Variable‑speed compression – Automatically adjusts from fast to slow for consistent speech understanding and listening comfort at all input levels.

• SoundSense Learn & Adapt – Machine learning personalisation is available on all four levels, making even the 110 level a “smart” hearing aid.

• ZEN Tinnitus Management – A built‑in tinnitus relief tool using soothing fractal tones (available on all levels).

• Telecoil – Connect easily to induction loop systems in theatres, places of worship and public venues.

• Programmable push button – Customisable for short or long presses to change programs, adjust volume or answer calls.

• IP68 dust/water protection – The device is resistant to dust and can withstand immersion in water (applicable to non‑rechargeable battery versions).

• Widex Evoke App – Full control over volume, programs and personalisation, plus access to SoundSense Learn.

• TONELINK App compatibility – For users who prefer a simpler remote control experience.

• DEX accessory compatibility – Works with TV Play 2, RC‑DEX and COM‑DEX for enhanced connectivity.

What Is Not Included (Honest Disclosure)

The Widex Evoke RIC 312 Direct is a disposable‑battery device (size 312) – there is no rechargeable option on this specific model. It also does not support direct audio streaming from Android devices; Android users will need a separate COM‑DEX accessory for streaming. The device does not offer hands‑free calling (the hearing aid microphones are not used for phone calls – you must speak into your phone). It also lacks the ultra‑fast PureSound™ processing (<0.5 ms) found in newer Widex Moment models, as well as the AI Sound Assistant and Digital Pinna features available in higher‑end families.

Summary

The Widex Evoke RIC 312 Direct represents a genuine milestone in hearing aid technology – the first device to bring live machine learning directly to the wearer. Across its four technology levels (440, 330, 220, 110), users can choose the degree of intelligent automation that suits their lifestyle, from the flagship 440 with 15 channels and 11 sound classes to the essential 110 that still offers the core benefits of SoundSense Learn. With direct iOS streaming, a size 312 battery offering up to 165 hours of use, IP68 protection and a discreet RIC form factor, the Evoke RIC 312 Direct remains a compelling choice for iPhone users seeking natural sound quality that learns and adapts over time.