Test report: Beltone Serene 17 86 DWC

The Beltone Serene 17 86 DWC in review

What exactly can the Serene 17 86 DWC from the manufacturer Beltone do? First of all, it is a conventional hearing aid that sits behind the ear. It caters to both mild and more severe hearing needs. This model is a discreet, small hearing aid from the high-end category. What does it offer in daily hearing situations? What comfort features does it include? We took a closer look at this.

Hearing comfort

First, we assess the hearing comfort features. What types of noises does the hearing aid recognize? How does it handle them? Is the hearing aid suitable for a varied everyday life? Here with this test device, the manufacturer provides the customer with comprehensive noise management. As in all hearing aids, we also find the typical noise suppression here. It is intended to reduce monotonous, noisy background noise to the point where it no longer stands out as much. The Serene 17 86 DWC does this effectively, and indeed much more strongly than in most other hearing aids.

This device features excellent wind management, making outdoor activities enjoyable. Rapidly occurring, clattering noises are noticeably and sufficiently dampened, which we find pleasant. Those who want a hearing aid with plenty of flexibility will find the Serene 17 86 DWC a great fit. It has 17 frequency bands, providing excellent adjustment options. The sound can be modified according to individual preferences, even after several years. Spatial hearing is essential for orientation in space and for recognizing directions and distances. With this hearing aid from Beltone, one can feel completely secure. It mimics the functionality of natural hearing and makes information accessible from all directions.

Sometimes we come across hearing aids that successfully process data using artificial intelligence, but this device does not feature that yet.

Rating Hearing comfort: 1,6

Operation & connectivity

Every person has their own unique hearing needs. It is advantageous if one can customize their hearing aids beyond the automatic functions. In our test, we discovered the following accessibility options: There is a button directly on the hearing aid. With it, you can change the volume or activate additional hearing programs. It can be programmed entirely according to customer preferences. The use is, of course, optional. A remote control is available for the Serene 17 86 DWC. It is quite practical, fits in your pocket, and offers a volume up-down option as well as various hearing programs.

Some hearing aids can already be controlled by voice, but this one from Beltone unfortunately cannot yet. It would be practical if fingers are not as flexible anymore or if one simply likes smart gadgets. In addition to buttons or remote controls, some hearing aids also have a tap control. This means you can simply tap your ear briefly, and then the device switches. However, we do not have that here at Beltone; it would have required very specific sensors.

Apps for hearing aids are now widespread. This one for the Serene 17 86 DWC has awakened our playful side. It is fun to use this app because it expands the functionality of the hearing aid with some very useful tools. You no longer need headphones here, as it has a wireless option and can transmit sounds directly from the smartphone to the ears – as long as the smartphone is equipped with 2.4 GHz LE technology.

Rating Operation & connectivity: 1,3

Beltone Serene 17 86 DWC:

Simplicity & security

To continue taking the perspective of hearing aid users, we obviously also need a test for everyday suitability. Here's what came out of it: The Serene 17 86 DWC excels in everyday performance with its exceptionally well-functioning situational automatic. The finely tuned detection of the acoustic environment allows us to effortlessly navigate through different hearing situations without needing to manually adjust. This is exactly what we expect from a hearing aid. A key aspect of simplicity for us is the support during the acclimatization process. Especially after years of hearing poorly, it can sometimes be hard to perceive everything at a realistic volume. Our test device features an acclimatization manager that helps us with very small volume adjustments throughout the adaptation phase. After several weeks or months, we then reach the calculated amplification level.

A significant relief in daily life is the integrated battery. This means my Serene 17 86 DWC always has enough power for the entire day, and I no longer have to worry about the batteries suddenly being empty in the middle of an event. An accumulator system is also very helpful for those with limited dexterity, as it eliminates the need to insert small button cells.

We also take a look at the robustness of the casing and find the protection class IP 68 in the data sheet. This prevents dust from entering, and water only becomes dangerous after prolonged submersion. Protection against contact is also included.

Rating Simplicity & security: 1,0

Beltone Serene 17 86 DWC:

Extras

Sometimes it's the little things that make a hearing aid perfect. That's why we quickly check for the extras that might be included: We really liked the optional tinnitus program. There are quite a few people who are occasionally or frequently troubled by a ringing or hissing in their ears. The tinnitus program in the Serene 17 86 DWC is essentially just a sound generator. It's about producing broad-spectrum noises or sounds that gently and pleasantly stimulate all areas of hearing. The tinnitus fades into the background and is no longer perceived as disruptive.

You gain a very good additional benefit from the remote maintenance service. Through the app, you can contact your audiologist and describe your hearing problem. They can adjust the settings accordingly and upload them to the hearing aids via the app. For people with little time or a long travel distance, this is a great service.

A new trend in the hearing aid industry is integrated sensors that can track personal health data, for example. However, the Serene 17 86 DWC does not offer this. The functionality of the Serene 17 86 DWC is limited to normal hearing, which is perfectly fine. Additional features like fall alarms or Siri connections provide some added value, but are not relevant for achieving good hearing balance.

Rating Extras: 2,5

Conclusion: Beltone Serene 17 86 DWC

In conclusion, it can be said that this device is a true all-rounder, convincing us with its comfort features and achieving a good overall score of 1.56. Those who want to forgo cutting-edge technology but still desire a comfortable hearing experience are in the right place here.

 

Our Beltone Serene 17 86 DWC review was created on July 16, 2024 and lastly updated on September 12, 2024. The overall rating of 1,56 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 4.5 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 5 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 5 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 3.5 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..

 

 

 

FAQ

What size is the Serene 17 86 DWC by Beltone?

Large or small is related to how it appears externally. Therefore, we assess how large hearing aids appear to outsiders. The Beltone Serene 17 86 DWC is classified as size S. This means it appears medium-sized.

How well can I hear with the Serene 17 86 DWC by Beltone?

This hearing aid scores an overall rating of 1.6 (good) in the "Hearing Comfort" category. The rating is made up of several components. Important criteria: The noise suppression achieves a very good 5 stars (the best possible rating). The number of adjustable frequency bands in the Beltone Serene 17 86 DWC is 17 (the best in class currently has 24 bands). For wind noise suppression, we give the device a rating of 'very good' (4 out of 5 stars).

Is the Beltone Serene 17 86 DWC suitable for me?

The suitability range of hearing aids is referred to by hearing aid specialists as the "fitting range." Beltone has established the following fitting range for the Serene 17 86 DWC: hearing loss mild, moderate, or severe. Have a professional hearing test conducted at a hearing aid practice near you to find out whether this hearing aid is suitable for you.

How much does the Beltone Serene 17 86 DWC cost?

Is the Serene 17 86 DWC by Beltone expensive or affordable? It is currently being priced in Germany at around €3,000.00. If a health insurance company contributes, the amount is significantly lower. Important: You should assess the price in relation to the overall rating in the test report (1.6 (good)) and particularly in relation to the rating in the noise suppression area (very good 5 stars (the best possible rating)).

 

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