Hear.com Horizon Go IX vs HearingAssist Micro

The Hear.com Horizon Go IX is a premium prescription behind-the-ear hearing aid released in 2024, priced at $6,500. In HearAdvisor's lab testing, it earned an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.4/5, ranking #19 among 39 prescription hearing aids tested. Speech performance is a clear strength for the Horizon Go IX. It scores 4.0/5 in speech-in-quiet conditions—0.64 points above the category average—delivering strong audibility in conversational settings. Speech-in-noise performance also exceeds the category average by 0.46 points, though at 2.6/5 the absolute score remains mixed, meaning challenging listening environments may still pose difficulties. Own-voice comfort is the device's most notable weakness, scoring just 1.8/5—a low result that falls 0.90 points below the category average. Users sensitive to how their own voice sounds may find this limiting. Feedback handling scores 4.4/5, which is strong in absolute terms, though slightly below the category average of 4.72/5. Music streaming performance is essentially average at 2.7/5. At this price point, shoppers face stiff competition. Several alternatives in the same premium tier—including the Phonak Sphere Infinio, Oticon Intent, and Widex Allure RIC 440—deliver higher overall scores. Devices like the Rexton Reach R-Li T80 at Costco offer comparable or better sound performance at lower prices. The Horizon Go IX is best suited for users who prioritize speech clarity and have access to this product through hear.com's network, but those flexible on brand should compare alternatives before committing.

The HearingAssist Micro is a premium amplifier in the invisible-in-ear style, priced at $698. In HearAdvisor's lab testing, it earned a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.5/5, ranking #3 among 8 tested amplification products and placing in the top 25% of its category. This device demonstrates a clear strength in speech clarity for quiet environments, scoring 3.5/5—a solid result that sits 1.35 points above the category average of 2.11/5. Feedback handling is also strong at 4.0/5, providing stable performance during typical use. Own-voice comfort lands at 2.8/5, which is above the category average by 0.16 points, though still mixed in absolute terms. However, the Micro shows notable limitations in more challenging listening situations. Speech in noise scored just 1.1/5, falling 0.31 points below the category average—a meaningful weakness for users who frequently encounter background noise. Music streaming is where this device struggles most significantly, scoring 0.0/5, which is 1.16 points below the already-low category average. The HearingAssist Micro is best suited for listeners who primarily need amplification for face-to-face conversations in quiet settings and prioritize a discreet, nearly invisible form factor. Those who rely on phone streaming for music or podcasts, or who need robust performance in noisy environments, should consider alternatives. Within its price range, the Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus offers notably higher overall performance at a similar investment.