Telehealth Fitting Options

Horizon Hearing Aids From Hear.com Review

Name: Horizon Hearing Aids From Hear.com
Brand: Signia

Prices, Sound Recordings, Models

Review updated May 28, 2024

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Behind the Ear

Bluetooth

Rechargeable

PROFESSIONAL FITTING

$ 5,500.00 / pair

4.3

1 Reviews

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Horizon from Hear.com comes with one of our favorite telehealth experiences. The hearing aids can be fitted by a local office or online through their "clinic in a box."

Keep scrolling for the full rundown on Hear.com's process and the latest Horizon hearing aids.

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Background

To fully understand Hear.com and the Horizon family of hearing aids, it's helpful to take a step back. Horizon is hear.com's "house brand" of devices, but the underlying technology is virtually identical to the latest products from Signia. That connection means the underlying technology behind Hear.com's products is among the best in the world. Horizon/Signia has some of the top processing capabilities, Bluetooth connection, and battery life on the market. Signia is among the top six hearing aid brands globally.

Hear.com's version of Signia technology looks and works the same but has a slightly different app with some extra speech-focusing functionality.

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What Makes Horizon Special

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Underlying Technology

Horizon hearing aids are full-featured devices with excellent underlying technology. Some highlights include:

35+ hour battery life on a single charge
One of the smallest receiver-in-canal form factors on the market
A ready-to-wear in-the-ear hearing aid with excellent sound quality
Dual processing that separates speech in noise
Comfortable and secure earmolds that fit a large variety of ears

You can think of Horizon hearing aids as competitive with the best hearing aids available. We compare these devices to Phonak, ReSound, and Oticon.

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Flexible Care Options

What we like most about Horizon hearing aids is the flexible range of care available through the company. Hear.com offers local clinic care through a network of partner clinics where you will meet with a professional face-to-face. We particularly love Hear.com's clinic in a box, which ships a virtual clinic to your door and gives you the complete fitting experience without the need to leave your home.

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Our Take

Horizon and Signia are virtually the same product with state-of-the-art technology. What makes Hear.com stand out is its convenient virtual care options. If you live in a remote area or are too busy to take trips to a local office, Hear.com's process is among the best in the business.

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Soundly Scorecard

Hearing Loss Level 🔊

Mild - Severe

The Horizon line of hearing aids are fully customizable, prescription devices appropriate for mild-severe hearing loss
If you have severe hearing loss, you may want to go to a local clinic (Vs. telehealth) where you can get a custom earmold
If you have profound hearing loss, you may be a better fit for a high-powered BTE style hearing aid

Care Type 🏥

Prescription

Horizon is a prescription device, fit and programmed by a professional
You can choose a fully remote Telehealth service or service through one of Hear.com's partner clinics
After an initial fitting, you can connect with your care provider remotely through the Hear.com app

Sound Quality 🔊

Strong in Background Noise

Horizon uses a unique Split Processing technique helps isolate background noise and boost speech clarity
Horizon's Own Voice Processing (OVP) helps take the edge off of that uncomfortable sound quality of the user's own voice that many patients experience when adjusting to hearing aids
Horizon hearing aids are manufactured by the same company as Signia, the product's hardware is identical, but the apps are slightly different

Comfort 🦻

Very Comfortable For All-Day Wear

Horizon comes a variety of sizes and shapes that are very comfortable to wear
The most popular Horizon hearing aid is a small and comfortable receiver-in-canal style that is easy to wear all day

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Style 💫

Behind The Ear, In The Ear - Non Molded

Horizon offers a range of hearing aid styles including their most popular model that sits behind the ear and an innovative ready-to-wear hearing aid that sits inside the ear. Around 80% of customers choose the behind-the-ear option due to advanced processing and streaming capabilities.

Battery 🔋

Rechargeable Or Disposable

Choose between disposable and rechargeable batteries
36+ hours on a full charge for the behind-the-ear model
Popular charger options: Portable charger with induction charging, or plugin Dry & Clean charger

Connection 📡

Bluetooth Available

Horizon allows Bluetooth streaming, music listening, and phone calls. iPhone users can take calls hands-free, while Android users must keep their phones close to pick up outbound audio
Horizon hearing aids use Apple's MFI connection and Android's ASHA connection to stream content through Bluetooth
Horizon hearing aids can connect to multiple devices (ie. TV and phone) simultaneously

Dexterity Level 🤏

Average

Horizon's popular behind-the-ear model is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)

Horizon uses a port-based charger that is easy to handle

Waterproof Level 💦

IP68

Horizon is water resistant with an IP rating of 68
This hearing aid can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes

App features 📱

Has An App, Telehealth Capable, Find My Hearing Aids

Customization: Treble/bass, volume, microphone directionality
Includes a setting for speech focus
Find my hearing aid: Not available
Fitness tracking: Not available

Pricing and Process

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Pricing

Hear.com does not publish prices but they do publicly share that they have options starting at as low as $499 for a pair. Hear.com states that most patients spend around $5,000-$7,000 on a pair of premium hearing aids. The national average for a pair of hearing aids is around $5,500. Hear.com does offer monthly payment options starting at 139 per month.

Ultimately, Hear.com’s average prices are in line with (or a bit higher) than the average private clinic. ZipHearing offers an alternative option with slightly lower prices.

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Process

Hear.com offers a local clinic matching service or a telehealth service. Here's how both processes work:

‍Local clinic: If you want to see a professional in person, the Hear.com team will pair you with a local clinic from their 2,000 locations around the country. You will purchase your hearing aid over the phone and get it fit and programmed in the office. Future adjustments will typically take place in that same office. ‍
Telehealth: If you prefer telehealth care, the Hear.com team will send you a "clinic in a box" with an otoscope, headphones and tablet. A professional will walk you through the full process of programming and adjustment from home. You will use your clinic in a box for future adjustments as needed.

How to Choose a Horizon Product

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Select a Style

Horizon hearing aids come in two main styles: in the ear and behind the ear. The vast majority of customers opt for behind the ear hearing aids due to their processing power and all-day comfort. Horizon's behind the ear hearing aids are among the smallest in the market.

Alternatively, customers can choose an in-the-ear device (similar to Signia Silk). These hearing aids sit deep inside the ear canal and are invisible in many ears. The in-the-ear styles are note Bluetooth enabled and have slightly less sophisticated sound processing.

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Select a Technology Level

Hear.com offers multiple technology levels for either form factor. Technology levels are similar to Signia's 3AX, 5AX and 7AX. Read more about Signia's tech here.

"Had a fantastic experience with hear.com! Everything done from the comfort of my home and I'm hearing better than ever. They stay in contact until you are totally comfortable with your new hearing aids and are always available for any questions or problems before, during, and after - hear.com is great!"

— Betty Ackerman

"Very well trained staff who explain all the who, what, why, where and how in language that is easily understood. Great follow-up as you acclimate to the hearing aids."

— Alice G.

"Every part of the initial appointments were done from the comfort of my home. Representatives were patient as I worked with the electronic setup. I love that I can call them anytime I have a problem or question, and receive that same patient, caring and quality service. My hearing aids are so wonderful! I hardly know they are there, and I receive clear and natural sound that has made an incredible difference in my relationships with others—especially family members. They are thrilled with the results of my new hearing aids. Thank you to all who helped me along the way!"

— Sharon Love

"I have to take them off because screams or motorcycle engines and hot rod cars dazes/stuns me. The volume sometimes doesn't work to tune it down."

— George Pimentel

"The great customer service i experienced with hear.com inspired me to be a repeat buyer when I needed new hearing aids this year. I did my research and I am so happy to have new technology, financing, great audiology support and a real personal touch to the whole process. Thank you hear.com. I have been recommending you to others- hope they listen!"

— Suzanne Buckley

"The set-up kit was easily installed, the tech was there at the appointed time and the initial interview and testing was quickly completed. Two more communication periods during the trial period had the ears dialed in and I am pleased with the results. The tech was pleasant and patient with this old man !"

— Jack Hibner

"Thorough, competent, courteous staff that seemed genuinely interested in providing me with hearing improvement. To this date the hearing aids provide excellent improvement. A big plus for me was the time they spent training me in caring for the devices. Overall a big 10 and thank you."

— Stanley

"I knew I needed hearing aids, and this was my first experience using them. I was able to have them programmed remotely using the special tablet included in the equipment kit. I have easily adapted to using the hearing aids, and the improvement in my ability to hear even foreign accents is very impressive. I also appreciate the ability to finance the purchase!"

— Emily Biegel

"I had to go back several times to the agent whom I ordered the hearing aid from on Hear.com. I did not get the correct pricing after several repeated attempts. I finally called his manager, and hopefully, I will get it corrected now. In addition, when my hearing aid was shipped to Audiologist, it was sent to the wrong address, and they had to send another unit. And finally, whe I did get my unit, it did not come with any NoWax inserts. The Audiologist said I needed to come back to get them....25 miles away, as he would not send them to me. In the end, I am happy with the hearing aid, but the process was not the best."

— Gary B

"I was contacted after inquiring on FB. After prequalified I was given an appointment for a hearing test, at a nearby location. I was shown several different kinds of hearing aides. I was particularly interested because financing was available. However, even after being able to finance a hearing aide purchase, I believe the cost is comparatively too expensive."

— DLMather

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Overview
Hear.com Background
Hear.com Process
Horizon Vs. Signia
Horizon Prices
Final Thoughts

HNew to the world of hearing aids? Or considering a product switch? There’s a lot to consider.

As an audiologist, I’ve seen the positive impact hearing aids have on people. So, I enjoy staying up to date on the latest hearing tech—because investing in the right device can make a world of difference.

But with so many choices, it can seem overwhelming. You don’t have to feel that way, because I research the best hearing aids for my patients. I’ll arm you with the best insights and the latest intel in order to choose the right treatment for your needs.

Keep reading and in the review below, I’ll go in depth on Hear.com and Horizon hearing aids, key features and benefits, and how these hearing aids compare to Signia.

Prefer to watch?

Check out our full unboxing and review of Hear.com's telehealth service here. 👇

Background on Hear.com and Horizon

With beginnings as Audibene in Germany, the hear.com brand has grown considerably since 2012. WS Audiology (one of the 5 largest manufacturers in the industry) owns Hear.com, Audibene and three other major brands: Widex, Signia, and Rexton.

Hear.com serves 11 different countries with a goal of providing the best hearing option based on lifestyle, budget, and location. The flagship product—known as Horizon—is very similar to Signia Charge & Go AX.

Scroll on to check out the similarities and differences between Signia versus Horizon hearing aids.

How The Hear.com Process Works

Let’s get into what you can expect from the process with this model of hearing care.

First, Hear.com uses a questionnaire to assess your communication needs, desired features, and other questions to determine a profile from which they can make recommendations.

But, there are other factors that Hear.com considers for your unique situation:

Insurance coverage
Employment status
Health benefits
Credit score

Next, you can speak with a consultant to continue the evaluation or to schedule an appointment after taking the questionnaire.

FYI: For those who are new to hearing aids, speaking with a consultant can be very useful in sorting out the best path forward. They can also share more information about insurance, payment, and financing options.

Customers are given two care options:

Get paired with a local clinic for in-person care

For in person care, you’ll be scheduled with a local provider to fit with the hearing devices you’ve selected. Conveniently, Hear.com partners with over 2,000 licensed hearing care professionals and can recommend a local professional in your area. When you go in for your visit, your audiologist will do a hearing test to fit and program your devices appropriately.

Complete the entire process through Telehealth

Hear.com's telehealth process starts with a "clinic in a box" that is shipped to your door. Before your appointment, you’ll receive:

A tablet
A video otoscope
Hearing aids

Additionally, before the appointment a customer support professional will explain the process and answer any questions. Then, you’ll set up your appointment for your remote hearing aid fitting.

While there are pros and cons to both approaches, Hear.com's reviews show that customer experiences are more consistently positive with Telehealth care.

How Horizon Compares to Signia

First, let’s focus on what is similar to the current Signia products.

Visually, these hearing aids look identical to Signia counterparts. Signia’s Charge&Go hearing aid is one of the smallest designs on the market. And, the devices come in three levels of technology, 3, 5, and 7.

Like Signia products, Horizon devices share great rechargeability, smartphone streaming, and strong background noise capability.

So, what, if anything, is different about these devices? The difference is on the inside.

Horizon hearing aids have three unique features:

Speech Focus

Speech Focus is meant for those situations when you need additional speech clarity in the presence of background noise. You’ll hear more high-frequencies to emphasize speech while reducing background noise.

Relax Mode

Are you feeling overwhelmed and need a break? Relax Mode will play relaxing nature sounds like ocean noise to help you relax.

Panorama Effect

The Panorama Effect is just what it sounds like. If you take a panorama photo, you’ll capture your full surroundings. Similarly, this feature is for those who want to hear 360 degrees around them.

Horizon Prices

Horizon hearing aids in their portable recharge case.

Ultimately, Hear.com’s average prices are in line with (or a bit higher) than the average private clinic. ZipHearing offers an alternative option with slightly lower prices.

Conclusion

The options at Hear.com have a convenient, flexible offering regarding hearing aid selection and care model. We especially love the option to get a "clinic in a box".

Compared with Signia devices, users can almost expect similar performance from both the Horizon and Signia brands—but potentially get more bang for their buck if they choose Horizon.

If you’re interested in learning more or want to see what Signia offers, check out the Live Listen to sample audio files of different devices to test them out. With plenty of information here and elsewhere online, we hope you now feel equipped with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision when selecting a hearing aid brand and care model.

Written by

Amy Sarow, AuD, CCC-A

Reviewed by

Soundly Staff

Soundly conducts in-depth research to guide prospective hearing aid wearers. Our work is funded through reader support. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

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