Test report: Audio Service G5 8 Icon

The Audio Service G5 8 Icon in review

Hier haben wir es mit einem Auslaufmodell zu tun. Es gibt bereits neuere Varianten dieses Herstellers und natürlich auch von anderen Herstellern. Die Gesamtnote wurde mit einem Abschlag versehen.

This time we tested a small mini hearing aid from an affordable price range. It is the Audio Service G5 8 Icon. It is worn in the ear and is designed for mild to moderate hearing loss. The device owes its natural, cleverly chosen fit directly in the ear canal to its design, which is why it also delivers a nice, clear sound.

Hearing comfort

In the section on hearing comfort, we look at how a hearing aid manages all the background noise. Comfortable noise management greatly contributes to the user's enjoyment and regular use of their hearing aids. This Audio Service device allows for solid comfort programming by the hearing care professional. The regular noise suppression aims to mitigate uniform, ambient background noises. In the G5 8 Icon, we don't exactly deal with the most powerful variant, but for everyday use, the noise suppression should suffice.

This device also detects and tolerably reduces impulsive sounds. In this model, there is no need for wind noise management. The hearing aid fits so far in the ear canal that wind noise doesn't become a problem at all. Hearing aids like the G5 8 Icon maintain the natural sense of space that we have experienced since childhood. The function of the auricle, head size, head shadow effects—all these parameters create a genuine, original 3D hearing experience. A few more frequency channels would be desirable, but the existing 12 channels already work quite well.

Audio Service is not yet utilizing artificial intelligence in this version.

Rating Hearing comfort: 2,7

Audio Service G5 8 Icon:

Operation & connectivity

The majority of hearing aids automatically adapt to their environment. However, it is sometimes very practical to be able to make adjustments yourself. After all, the hearing aid does not know how you are feeling at the moment. We looked at the control options offered by the G5 8 Icon: Unfortunately, this hearing aid lacks a direct control option. This is likely due to its small form factor. However, this does not have to be a disadvantage, as often the automatic functions are sufficient. If desired, a remote control is available for the hearing aid. This allows for effortless volume adjustment. The operation is not only child’s play, but no one will notice that you are adjusting your hearing aids.

We are always delighted when a hearing aid surprises us with a great additional function. For example, we would have liked to see voice control at this point. However, this is currently not available in the G5 8 Icon. There is no touch control for the hearing aids in this Audio Service model, as it would have required specific sensors in the housing.

For those who wish, a free smartphone app can be used. This app likely only covers the essentials. Loud, quiet, and programs – that’s all there is. Unfortunately, the smartphone cannot be connected to the hearing aid as the necessary equipment with a wireless antenna is missing.

Rating Operation & connectivity: 3,3

Audio Service G5 8 Icon:

Simplicity & security

How do you manage with the hearing aid in everyday life? This is the next aspect we need to assess. Because only when such a device works simply and straightforwardly can one become accustomed to it. The situation recognition integrated in the G5 8 Icon is classified as more middle-tier. The most important loud and quiet situations are recognized and adapted. However, this is not entirely sufficient for more acoustically complex moments, as one cannot avoid further manual adjustment options. A great feature of this hearing aid is the automatic acclimatization. Especially if one has been hearing poorly for a long time and then wears a hearing aid for the first time, this is a tremendous relief. The volume does not have to be turned up to maximum immediately. One can start at a lower level, and gradually and almost unnoticed, the amplification approaches the target.

We regret that the G5 8 Icon does not have a rechargeable battery, but runs on 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 can operate for a longer time on one battery.

The hearing aid has been rated to IP67 protection class. This guarantees comprehensive protection against dust ingress. Water also cannot easily damage the hearing aid. Thus, it is well equipped for outdoor activities where it can get wet and dirty. However, you should still not go swimming or bathing with the hearing aids. Bath additives or the salt content in seawater can alter the composition and potentially cause damage.

Rating Simplicity & security: 2,3

Extras

Sometimes hearing aids have additional features that can be quite useful. Let's see how it is with this Audio Service device: Audio Service has integrated a noise generator that plays some soothing sounds for those suffering from tinnitus. This can distract from the tinnitus and provide a bit more relaxation.

In mobile times like these, a remote maintenance service via an app would be very helpful. This would allow one to conveniently create a new hearing aid programming from home. Unfortunately, this service is not available for the G5 8 Icon. Therefore, for any changes, one still has to visit the specialized store.

If Audio Service had integrated motion sensors into this hearing aid, it could even allow for individual health tracking. However, this is not the case here. These points result in a loss of value for the G5 8 Icon. This Audio Service hearing aid has no additional lifestyle options included. Elsewhere, there are voice assistants or reminder functions, but you don't need those for good hearing. It would have just made the product a bit cooler.

Rating Extras: 3,3

Conclusion: Audio Service G5 8 Icon

In the overall view, this device ranks in the lower positions and provides us with little more than a solid basic equipment. Of course, one can understand speech with the device, just like with all hearing aids, but not much is done to alleviate listening effort. Our overall rating: 4.59. Please always consider this rating in relation to the price range of this hearing aid.

 

Our Audio Service G5 8 Icon review was created on June 1, 2021 and lastly updated on June 25, 2024. The overall rating of 4,59 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 3.5 | »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

### What is the price of the Audio Service G5 8 Icon? The G5 8 Icon from Audio Service is currently offered by providers in a rough price range of approximately between €1,300.00 and €2,000.00. You should view this price in relation to the test score of 4.6 (poor). And for example, also in relation to the star rating in the area of noise suppression in our tests (3 out of 5 stars). You can find all comparison values in the [hearing aid comparison](../suche). ### How good is the hearing experience with the Audio Service G5 8 Icon? The G5 8 Icon from Audio Service achieves a score of 2.7 (satisfactory) in the hearing comfort test area. In the area of noise suppression, the hearing aid achieves 3 out of 5 stars. In terms of wind noise suppression, it receives the designation 'natural', as it utilizes the natural shape of the ear, meaning wind noise can hardly occur. The hearing aid features 12 different equalizer bands in the test, which can be adjusted by the audiologist to the individual's hearing ability (current top models reach 24). ### Who is the G5 8 Icon from Audio Service suitable for? This hearing aid is aimed at people whose hearing loss is mild to moderate. This so-called "fitting range" is provided by Audio Service as a rough guideline. A good local audiology company can immediately tell you after a professional hearing test whether this in-ear hearing aid is suitable for you. ### How big is the Audio Service G5 8 Icon? We have classified all hearing aids on the market into four size categories, from XXS (almost invisible) to M (rather large). The Audio Service G5 8 Icon is classified as size XS, making it relatively small compared to other hearing aids.

 

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