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Expert
Choice

Hear.com Horizon Go IX Expert Review

Premium RxReleased 2024
See Price at Hear.com

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How We Test

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 4.16/5, ranking #14 among 35 prescription hearing aids tested.

This device demonstrates notable strength in speech understanding. Speech in quiet scores a strong 4.0/5, measuring 0.57 points above the category average. Speech in noise performance is particularly impressive relative to competitors, scoring 1.17 points above the category average—though at 2.7/5, it remains mixed in absolute terms. This pattern suggests the Horizon Go IX handles challenging listening environments better than many prescription alternatives, even if noisy settings remain difficult overall.

Own-voice comfort is a notable weakness, scoring 1.8/5—a low result that falls 0.93 points below the category average. Users sensitive to how their own voice sounds may find this limiting. Feedback handling scores a strong 4.4/5 in absolute terms, though it measures 0.34 points below the category average. Music streaming lands at 2.7/5, essentially matching the category average.

At this price point, the Horizon Go IX faces stiff competition. Several alternatives in the same price range—including the Oticon Intent (4.70/5) and Phonak Sphere Infinio (4.64/5)—deliver higher overall sound performance. Shoppers prioritizing value may also consider options like the Rexton Reach R-Li T80 at Costco, which scores 4.54/5 at a lower price. The Horizon Go IX is best suited for users who prioritize speech clarity and have access to hear.com's service model, though own-voice comfort limitations should be considered.

Reliable & Repeatable Lab Results

Quality data starts with quality recordings. HearAdvisor worked with GRAS to build a no-compromise front end so every test is repeatable and reliable.

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Steve in HearAdvisor Lab
HearAdvisor Verdict
ATop 46% of Prescription Hearing Aid
Bottom Line

The Hear.com Horizon Go IX delivers strong speech clarity and excels in noisy environments, best for prescription seekers prioritizing conversation over music.

Strengths
  • Strong speech in quiet performance4.0/5
  • Above-average speech in noise+1.17 vs category
  • Reliable feedback handling4.4/5
Drawbacks
  • Below-average own voice quality1.8/5
  • Mixed music streaming performance2.7/5
  • Premium price point at $6,500
Lab Test Summary

In initial fit testing with sleeve closed coupling, the Horizon Go IX achieved a normalized Initial Score of 4.1/5. Speech in quiet scored 3.2/5 while speech in noise measured 2.2/5. Feedback handling was excellent at 5.0/5, and music streaming performed well at 4.1/5. Own-voice comfort was low at 1.8/5, which may affect wearer satisfaction for those sensitive to how their voice sounds through the devices. This initial configuration provides solid overall performance with particular strength in feedback stability and streaming quality.

What is HearAdvisor's Initial Fit?

The Initial Fit approximates the most likely settings and eartips for a typical moderate hearing loss. Results are measured across the same 72 acoustic scenes in our custom-built lab, then scored on a 5-star scale using an auditory model.

Lab Review Scores
A
SoundGrade
Initial Score
4.1
Tuned Score
4.3
Expert
Choice
Speech in quiet
best
3.2
5.0
Own voice
best
1.8
5.0
Speech in noise
best
2.2
5.0
Feedback handling
best
5.0
5.0
Music streaming
best
4.1
5.0

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Lab Recordings
Adjust volume to make "No hearing aids" as loud as it would be in the real world, without hearing aids. Remove hearing aids while auditioning. High-quality headphones will improve results!
Hear.com Horizon Go IX Lab
Lab Notes
Initial Fitting
Tuned Fitting
Ear Coupling
Initial Fitting
Sleeve Closed
Tuned Fitting
Sleeve Closed
Receiver
Initial Fitting
119/16
Tuned Fitting
119/16
Fitting Formula
Initial Fitting
NAL-NL2
Tuned Fitting
NAL-NL2
Listening Program
Initial Fitting
Universal (Automatic)
Tuned Fitting
Universal (Automatic)
Volume Setting
Initial Fitting
Manufacturer defaults
Tuned Fitting
Adjusted to match NAL-NL2 targets at 55, 65, and 75 dB SPL
Software Version
Initial Fitting
Software v9.11.15.112, SiFit v9.11.15.948
Tuned Fitting
Software v9.11.15.112, SiFit v9.11.15.948
Tuning Adjustments
Initial Fitting
Programmed to N3 audiogram, Feedback calibrated, Experience Level set at "Experienced", Acclimatization Level set at 100%, Other settings at manufacturer defaults
Tuned Fitting
Programmed to N3 audiogram, Feedback calibrated, Experience Level set at "Experienced", Acclimatization Level set at 100%, Other settings at manufacturer defaults
Notes
Initial Fitting
n/a
Tuned Fitting
n/a