Hear.com Horizon Go IX vs Starkey Omega AI

The Hear.com Horizon Go IX is a premium behind-the-ear prescription hearing aid released in 2024, priced at $6,500. In HearAdvisor's lab testing, it earns an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.2/5, ranking #14 among 36 prescription hearing aids tested. This device demonstrates strong speech performance in our testing. Speech in quiet scores a strong 4.0/5, sitting 0.57 points above the category average. Speech in noise performance is particularly notable at 0.57 points above average, though the absolute score of 2.7/5 reflects the inherent difficulty of understanding speech in challenging acoustic environments. Feedback handling scores a strong 4.4/5 in absolute terms, though this falls 0.31 points below the category average. Own-voice comfort presents a notable limitation, scoring 1.8/5—a low absolute score that also sits 0.95 points below the category average. Users who are sensitive to how their own voice sounds may want to discuss this with their hearing care provider. Music streaming performance is mixed at 2.7/5, essentially matching the category average. The Horizon Go IX has received HearAdvisor's Expert's Choice Award in both 2023 and 2024. However, shoppers in this premium price tier should note that several competitors offer higher overall scores, including the Oticon Intent (4.75/5) and Phonak Sphere Infinio (4.65/5). Those seeking similar sound quality at a lower price point may want to consider alternatives like the Rexton Reach R-Li T80 at Costco, which scores 4.51/5.

The Starkey Omega AI is a premium behind-the-ear prescription hearing aid released in 2025, currently available at $3,998. In our lab testing, it earned an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.3/5, placing it at #2 among 36 prescription hearing aids tested—in the top 3% of its category. Speech performance is a clear strength. Speech in quiet scores a strong 4.0/5, sitting 0.57 points above the category average. Speech in noise performs 1.35 points above category average, though at 2.9/5 it remains mixed in absolute terms—better than most competitors but still challenging in demanding listening environments. Music streaming earns a solid 3.2/5, outpacing the category average by 0.56 points. Own-voice comfort scores 2.7/5, essentially matching the category average with a negligible 0.05-point difference below. Feedback handling is excellent at 4.6/5 in absolute terms, though this sits 0.11 points below the category average—reflecting how well prescription aids generally manage feedback rather than any significant weakness. The Omega AI competes in a crowded premium tier alongside devices like the Oticon Intent and Phonak Sphere Infinio, which score higher overall. However, Starkey's latest offering delivers strong speech clarity and above-average streaming quality. It's well-suited for users who prioritize speech understanding and want reliable Bluetooth connectivity with both iPhone and Android devices, along with hands-free calling capability.