Widex Magnify BTE 13 D (MFi & ASHA): A Complete Product Description

What Is the Widex Magnify BTE 13 D?

The Widex Magnify BTE 13 D is a behind‑the‑ear (BTE) hearing aid from the Widex Magnify™ family. Unlike the rechargeable BTE R D model, this version uses a disposable size 13 zinc‑air battery, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer long battery life and simple battery changes over daily charging. The “D” designation indicates direct streaming compatibility with iPhones (MFi) and ASHA‑enabled Android devices – bringing modern wireless connectivity to a traditional disposable‑battery BTE. The Magnify series focuses on providing reliable audibility, speech clarity in noise, and user comfort at an accessible price point. The BTE 13 D is designed for individuals with mild to moderately severe hearing loss, with a fitting range of 20‑105 dB HL for both the 100 and 50 technology levels.

The BTE design places the main body behind your ear, connected to a thin tube and either a standard dome or a custom earmold. This form factor offers larger, easier‑to‑handle controls, greater durability, and the ability to deliver more amplification power than smaller styles. It is particularly well‑suited for users with dexterity challenges or those who need significant amplification.

Battery Type and Daily Use

The size 13 battery is a common, widely available hearing aid battery that typically provides 7‑14 days of use depending on streaming activity, amplification demands, and daily wearing time. For users who stream audio frequently (music, phone calls, podcasts), battery life will be on the shorter end (around a week). For those who use the hearing aids primarily for amplification in quiet environments, a single battery can last up to two weeks. This makes the BTE 13 D ideal for travellers, campers, or anyone who dislikes the nightly routine of charging. The hearing aid features a battery door that doubles as an on/off switch – open the door to power down the device, close it to turn it on. Audible low‑battery warnings (beeps or voice alerts) let you know when it is time for a replacement. No charging equipment is required.

Technology Levels: 100 and 50

The Widex Magnify BTE 13 D is available in two technology levels: 100 (higher performance) and 50 (standard). Below is a detailed breakdown based on the feature tables on PDF pages 8 and 10.

Widex Magnify BTE 13 D 100 (MBB3D 100)

This is the higher performance level, designed for users who want maximum clarity and comfort across a range of listening situations. Key features include:

• Processing channels: 6 channels for accurate processing and precise sound shaping (as shown on page 8 under “FITTING AND FINE TUNING”).

• Locator (Number of channels): 6 channels for better speech intelligibility in noise with channel‑specific microphone directionality. The PDF page 8 under “LISTENING IN NOISE” shows “Locator” with “6 ch” for the 100 level and “4 ch” for the 50 level.

• Noise Reduction SIS: Provides listening comfort by reducing noise and intensifying speech. Included on both levels.

• Soft Level Noise Reduction: Unwanted background noises are reduced for greater listening comfort. Included.

• Wind noise control: Reduction of wind noise – included on both levels.

• Listening programs: 3 programs (as shown on page 8 under “USER CONTROLS” – “Listening programs” shows “3” for both 100 and 50).

• InterEar volume/program shift: Change the volume/program in both hearing aids simultaneously – included.

• SmartSpeak/SmartTone: Voice or tone alerts for easy hearing aid management – included.

• Personal Zen: Flexible noise style adjustable according to desired frequency – included (Zen is a tinnitus management tool using soothing tones).

• Zen/Zen+: A tinnitus management tool for reducing the effects of tinnitus using soothing tones and/or noise; additional programs with Zen+ – included on both levels.

• Wireless CROS compatible: Wireless device to assist with single‑sided deafness; utilizes WidexLink – included.

• Audibility Extender: High frequency sounds are audible in one listening program, using linear frequency transposition – included on the 100 level only (PDF page 8 under “HEARING HIGH FREQUENCIES” shows a checkmark only under the “100” column).

• Fitting rationale options: WFR (Wide fitting rationale), NAL-NL2, DSL v5.0 – available on both levels.

• TruAcoustics™ with Personal Gain Integrator: A more accurate and improved sound (less over‑compensation / less boominess) for all inputs – included on both levels.

• Enhanced Dynamic Range Compression (EDRC): For audibility of soft sounds, speech understanding and comfort in loud environments – included on both levels.

• True-Input Technology: 113 dB SPL input range – included on both levels.

• Sound Diary/Datalogging: Allows easy monitoring of user data and hearing aid use – included on both levels.

• High-resolution Sensogram: Start the fitting process more accurately using in‑situ thresholds for precision fitting – included on both levels.

Widex Magnify BTE 13 D 50 (MBB3D 50)

The 50 level offers solid, reliable performance for users who want essential Magnify features at a more accessible price point. Key features include:

• Processing channels: 6 channels (same as 100).

• Locator (Number of channels): 4 channels (as shown on page 8, the 50 column under “Locator” has “4 ch” – less granular than the 100’s 6 channels, but still effective for speech in noise).

• Noise Reduction SIS: Included.

• Soft Level Noise Reduction: Included.

• Wind noise control: Included.

• Listening programs: 3 programs (same as 100).

• InterEar volume/program shift: Included.

• SmartSpeak/SmartTone: Included.

• Personal Zen: Included.

• Zen/Zen+: Included.

• Wireless CROS compatible: Included.

• Audibility Extender: Not included (only on 100 level).

• Fitting rationale options: WFR, NAL, DSL – included.

• TruAcoustics™ with Personal Gain Integrator: Included.

• Enhanced Dynamic Range Compression: Included.

• True-Input Technology: Included.

• Sound Diary/Datalogging: Included.

• High-resolution Sensogram: Included.

Features Common to Both Levels

Both the 100 and 50 levels of the Widex Magnify BTE 13 D share the following core technologies:

• Direct Audio Streaming: Direct streaming of audio from iPhones (MFi) and ASHA‑compatible Android devices. Stream phone calls, music, podcasts, and videos directly to your hearing aids.

• Call Control: Answer and end phone calls from a compatible iPhone using the hearing aid push button or a double‑tap to the device or ear. (Note: Hands‑free communication – using the hearing aid microphone for calls – is not specified for Magnify; likely not available. The user must speak into the phone.)

• Widex Magnify App: The dedicated app allows users to adjust various sound settings and listening programs to suit their individual preferences. (PDF page 13 mentions “Widex Magnify™ App” allows full control of hearing aids.)

• TV Play 2 Compatibility: Direct stereo streaming of TV audio to your hearing aids.

• RC-DEX Compatibility: A simple remote control for volume and program adjustment.

• Push Button: Programmable button to control hearing aid functions with a short or long press.

• Telecoil: Connect easily to telecoil‑enabled systems (likely included as standard on Widex devices).

Listening in Noise and User Comfort

The Locator feature (6 channels on 100, 4 channels on 50) is key for noisy environments. It applies channel‑specific directionality, allowing the hearing aid to focus on speech from the front while reducing noise from other directions. The 100 level’s additional channels provide finer control. Soft Level Noise Reduction continuously reduces background hiss and hum, making quiet environments more comfortable. Wind noise control reduces the annoying roar of wind during outdoor activities. Zen/Zen+ provides soothing tones for tinnitus relief – a valuable feature for users who experience ringing in the ears.

What Is Not Included (Honest Disclosure)

The Magnify BTE 13 D does not have the advanced features found in higher‑end Widex families like Allure or Moment. There is no HD Locator, no Speech Enhancer Pro, no AI Sound Assistant, no Digital Pinna, and no hands‑free calling. The processing channels are 6, compared to 15 on premium models. The Magnify series is designed as a capable, reliable mid‑range solution, not a flagship. Also, unlike the BTE R D rechargeable version, this model requires disposable batteries – no charging.

Physical Design and Customization

The Magnify BTE 13 D is supplied in a standard beige colour. Other colour housing options are available with a delivery lead time of three weeks (as per the terms on page 2). The device connects to a thin tube and either a standard dome or a custom earmold. Earmolds can be hard or soft. The push button is large and easy to locate, programmable for short or long presses – for example, short press to change program, long press to adjust volume or answer a call. The size 13 battery compartment is robust and easy to open, even for users with reduced dexterity.

What You Should Know Before Buying

The Widex Magnify BTE 13 D requires professional fitting by an audiologist. In India, hearing aids are exempt from GST; accessories (TV streamers, remote controls) do attract GST. Warranty varies by technology level – please confirm with your provider. You will need to purchase size 13 batteries separately.

This model is best suited for users with mild to moderately severe hearing loss (up to 105 dB HL) who want a durable, easy‑to‑handle BTE with direct streaming and essential features, but who prefer the long battery life and simplicity of disposable batteries over daily charging. The 100 level is recommended for users who need the extra help of frequency transposition (Audibility Extender) for high‑frequency sounds, while the 50 level is a solid choice for those with less demanding listening needs. For users who prefer rechargeable operation, consider the Magnify BTE R D instead.