The Audio Service G5 16 Icon in review
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Audio Service offers the G5 16 Icon, a small mini hearing aid that is worn in the ear. It is a hearing aid from the premium segment and is suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss. The natural, cleverly chosen fit directly in the ear canal ensures that sound reaches the eardrum without loss.
Hearing comfort
The comfort features determine how pleasant listening in everyday life is experienced. In this hearing aid, the manufacturer provides the customer with comprehensive sound management. A classic noise suppression aims to reduce annoying background noises to a bearable level. In the G5 16 Icon, the noise suppression works rather average but is somewhat adjustable. A wind manager is not necessary for this model. It is hidden in the ear canal and naturally protected from the wind by the outer ear.
An impulse sound attenuator for short, explosive noises is reasonably integrated here and is completely sufficient for everyday use. The special design of the G5 16 Icon proves to be advantageous when it comes to spatial hearing. The microphones sit deep in the ear canal, and that is exactly where sound reaches normal hearing individuals. Therefore, spatial hearing does not need to be artificially recreated; it occurs naturally. With 20 channels, the frequency range in the G5 16 Icon is very high. This allows the hearing aid to be perfectly adjusted to each individual's hearing and also offers good long-term tuning options.
An exciting topic in audiology is the use of artificial intelligence, but this audio service model does not yet implement it.
Rating Hearing comfort: 2,3
Audio Service G5 16 Icon: Especially for demanding listening situations, such as concerts, a fine adjustment in the hearing aids is essential. Due to the high number of frequency bands, it is possible to transmit music and its nuances as naturally as possible.
Operation & connectivity
Almost every one of us owns a smartphone, so it's only natural to wonder if it can be connected to the new hearing aid. Let's take a look at the connectivity and usability of the G5 16 Icon. Often, there is a button on the hearing aid, but we didn’t find one on this model. Sometimes, a smaller design opts out of this control element. This isn't too dramatic since most functions in the hearing aid operate automatically anyway. A discreet way to adjust the hearing aid is through the remote control, which fits in any pocket. When the person you’re talking to speaks too quietly, just one or two clicks are enough to adjust the volume. Additional hearing programs for listening to music or driving can also be activated with the remote control.
In our test, we did not find any voice control options. This function isn’t strictly necessary, but we would have appreciated it nonetheless. Another option for controlling the hearing aids is a tapping control. You simply tap your fingers on your ear, which triggers a specific function. However, this option is not available on this Audio Service device.
The almost standard smartphone app is also available for the G5 16 Icon. However, don’t expect too much. There is a volume function and a program option, but that’s unfortunately where it ends. There is no connection option to other audio sources provided here. It’s a pity, because a wireless streaming function would have offered real added value.
Rating Operation & connectivity: 3,3
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Simplicity & security
Another point on our checklist is handling. Is everything easy and reliable? What does the hearing aid offer to ensure safe use in everyday life? In the G5 16 Icon, we experienced an effective automatic situation adjustment that supports our hearing well. This already ensures that we do not constantly have to make adjustments to the hearing aid. Some people have difficulty adapting, but this hearing aid makes it easy for us to cope with the new volume. There is an acclimatization manager that gradually leads us to the desired amplification. The period can last from a few weeks to several months, and this is individually adjustable. The individual steps are so small that you hardly notice when there was an increase in volume.
We regret that the G5 16 Icon does not have a rechargeable battery but operates with hearing aid batteries size 10. This is not particularly problematic, but one should remember to carry spare batteries. On the other hand, this hearing aid does not need to be charged daily; it runs for a longer time on one battery.
With IP 68 certification, the hearing aid can withstand various adverse influences. Dust cannot penetrate, it can withstand prolonged submersion in water, and it is also protected against touches.
Rating Simplicity & security: 2,0
Audio Service G5 16 Icon:
Extras
Before we come to the end, let's take a look at the extras: Audio Service has integrated a noise generator that plays some soothing sounds for those suffering from tinnitus. This can help distract from the tinnitus and provide a bit more relaxation. Unfortunately, there is no option for remote adjustment. So, anyone who needs optimization and wants to change their hearing aid settings must visit a hearing professional. Many hearing aids today still come with a few health functions. However, since the G5 16 Icon does not have any special sensors for this, we cannot present any particular features here. Other hearing aids do have some extended options like a fall alert or reminder functions. We do not find these features here, and that's not too dramatic, as the normal hearing functions are still the most important.
Rating Extras: 3,3
Conclusion: Audio Service G5 16 Icon
In the overall results, this test device ranks in the lower positions and lacks some features. We give it a rating of 4.31. For less demanding listeners, this is acceptable; however, for a very active lifestyle, we recommend a hearing aid with more extensive comfort features.
Top alternatives in the same price range
Which devices in a comparable price range currently show the best technical performance? Here are the current top 3:
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Starkey Edge AI 24 ITC R | Rating: 5 / 5 |
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Starkey Edge AI 24 RIC RT | Rating: 5 / 5 |
Our Audio Service G5 16 Icon review was created on July 30, 2021 and lastly updated on June 25, 2024. The overall rating of 4,31 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 4 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 3 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 4 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 3 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..
FAQ
Is the G5 16 Icon from Audio Service suitable for me?
The fitting range of this hearing aid is "mild to moderate hearing loss." A local hearing acoustics specialist can quickly assess whether your hearing deficit falls within this range.
How much does the G5 16 Icon from Audio Service cost?
The rough price range for the Audio Service G5 16 Icon currently offered in Germany is approximately starting from €3,000. It's also important to look at the overall rating: The overall test score in the HörShop test is 4.3 (sufficient). Details are also important to classify the hearing aid price: The star rating for "noise suppression" in the test shows 3 out of 5 stars.
What size is the Audio Service G5 16 Icon?
This in-ear hearing aid has been classified in the size class XS. This means that it is quite small. You can compare it with other hearing aids in this size class: Hearing aid comparison.
How well does one hear with the Audio Service G5 16 Icon?
The G5 16 Icon from the manufacturer Audio Service is equipped with 20 separately adjustable equalizer bands (for reference: current top devices have 25 bands). The rating for noise suppression for this device reaches 3 out of 5 stars. The 'natural' designation is given for its wind noise suppression because it utilizes the natural shape of the ear, reducing wind noise significantly. Summarizing the entire area of "listening comfort," the overall score in the test is 2.3 (good).
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