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

What Is the Widex Magnify BTE R D?

The Widex Magnify BTE R D is a behind‑the‑ear (BTE) hearing aid from the Widex Magnify™ family. “BTE” means the main body sits comfortably 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. “R” indicates an integrated lithium‑ion rechargeable battery – no disposable batteries required. “D” stands for direct streaming compatibility with iPhones (MFi) and ASHA‑enabled Android devices. The Magnify series focuses on providing reliable audibility, speech clarity in noise, and user comfort at an accessible price point. The BTE R 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.

Why Choose a BTE Design?

BTE hearing aids offer several distinct advantages. The larger housing accommodates a bigger rechargeable battery, providing longer daily runtime – typically 20‑30 hours on a full charge. The physical buttons and controls are larger and easier to locate, making them ideal for users with dexterity challenges or vision impairments. BTE devices are also more durable and less susceptible to damage from moisture or earwax because the sensitive electronics sit behind the ear rather than inside the ear canal. Additionally, BTE models can deliver more amplification power, making them suitable for more significant hearing losses. The Magnify BTE R D is an excellent choice for users who prioritise reliability, ease of handling, and all‑day power.

Rechargeable Battery and Daily Use

The integrated lithium‑ion battery provides a full day of use on a single charge – typically 20‑30 hours depending on streaming and environmental demands. Unlike disposable batteries, there is no need to keep spares on hand or worry about running out of power at an inconvenient time. Simply place the hearing aids in their charger overnight, and they are ready each morning. Compatible chargers for the Magnify BTE R D include the Standard Charger WPT202 and the Charge N Clean WPC201 (as shown on PDF page 9). The Charge N Clean option uses UV light to clean the hearing aids while they charge, reducing bacteria and earwax buildup. An LED indicator on each hearing aid shows power status, battery level, and Bluetooth connection status at a glance. Audible low‑battery warnings provide advance notice before the battery needs charging.

Technology Levels: 100 and 50

The Widex Magnify BTE R 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 R D 100 (MBR3D 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 R D 50 (MBR3D 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 R 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.

• LED Indicator: Shows power, battery, and Bluetooth connection status.

• 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 R D does not have the advanced features found in higher‑end Widex families like Allure or Moment. There is no HD Locator (the Locator here is standard channel‑specific directionality, not the more advanced HD version), 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.

Physical Design and Customization

The Magnify BTE R 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.

What You Should Know Before Buying

The Widex Magnify BTE R D requires professional fitting by an audiologist. In India, hearing aids are exempt from GST; however, accessories (chargers, TV streamers, remote controls) do attract GST. Warranty varies by technology level – please confirm with your provider. For kit versions, the charger is included; for non‑kit versions, it must be purchased 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, rechargeable BTE with direct streaming and essential features without flagship complexity. 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.