The Beltone Serene 17 CIC in review
In this test report, we look at the Serene 17 CIC. It was developed by Beltone and is suitable for mild to severe hearing losses. This variant is worn in the ear. The Serene 17 CIC is a small, barely noticeable hearing aid from the premium class. We achieve clear sound transmission through the wearing position directly in the ear canal.
Hearing comfort
Our first test category is listening comfort. Actually, we could also say sound comfort, because that's what it's mainly about. Does the hearing aid sound very technical or beautifully natural? Are too many background noises amplified, or do they stay well in the background? In this device from Beltone, the manufacturer provides the customer with comprehensive sound management. Noise suppression is a very traditional feature; it filters out all rumbling, uniform sounds from the environment and reduces their loudness. In the Serene 17 CIC, the manufacturer has provided its most powerful algorithm. The noise reduction can be configured in several levels and offers a noticeably perceptible decrease at maximum level.
Wind is also a topic that can limit listening comfort outdoors. But the Serene 17 CIC handles it confidently and activates wind noise suppression in such situations. By the way, this can be adjusted in stages. Impulsive noises occur very often in everyday life. There’s the dishwasher that needs to be emptied or the keyring that is placed on the table. The Serene 17 CIC has strong impulse sound management that makes these sounds bearable. The Serene 17 CIC is one of the good hearing aids, at least in terms of the number of frequency bands. With 17 bands, it is well-equipped for precise adjustment to personal sound preferences. With the Serene 17 CIC, you don't have to reconstruct 3D hearing; it remains completely normal. This is made possible by the deep fit in the ear canal.
An exciting topic in hearing acoustics is the use of artificial intelligence, but this is not yet applied in this Beltone model.
Rating Hearing comfort: 1,6
Operation & connectivity
Digital hearing aids have long evolved beyond the normal amplification function. Apps and other operating options significantly expand their functionality, which is why we also take a look at this important topic with the Serene 17 CIC from Beltone. First, we discovered a button directly on the hearing aid. This is very practical, as it is the simplest and fastest way to make adjustments. The volume can be adjusted using this button, and different hearing programs can also be activated. If one prefers not to make adjustments directly at the ear, the button can of course be deactivated. Unfortunately, this hearing aid cannot be adjusted via a remote control – a few points are lost there.
In our testing, we did not find any option for voice control. This function is not absolutely necessary, but we would have appreciated it nonetheless. Some hearing aids can also be controlled with a quick tap of the finger without the need to press a button. However, this feature has not yet been implemented here.
If you are looking for an app, unfortunately, you will not find one here. The Serene 17 CIC has to do without smart operating functions. The point is lost. There is no option to connect to other audio sources. It’s a shame because a wireless streaming function would have offered real added value.
Rating Operation & connectivity: 2,8
The best alternatives to the Serene 17 CIC
Our database contains 70 reviews of hearing aids with similar technical features to this one (i.e., In the ear (ITE) in sehr kompakter Bauform in Size "", not rechargable, geeignet für Hörverlust-Grad leicht, mittel & stark). Here are the top 3 (Redaktionsstand 02.10.2025):
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Starkey Genesis AI 24 CIC Wireless | Rating: 5 / 5 |
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Starkey Signature Series 24 CIC NW | Rating: 4.5 / 5 |
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Starkey Genesis AI 20 CIC Wireless | Rating: 4.5 / 5 |
Simplicity & security
We continue our test and try out how easy this hearing aid is to handle. After all, it is supposed to simplify the everyday life of hearing aid users, not complicate it further. A balanced automatic situation adjustment is the most important aspect we look at when it comes to simplicity. After all, nobody wants to constantly fiddle with their hearing aid. The Serene 17 CIC has proven in tests that it accompanies us comfortably and reliably through our hearing everyday life. With its excellent full automatic, this device is a real highlight. A great feature of this hearing aid is the automatic acclimatization. Particularly for those who have been hearing poorly for a long time and are wearing a hearing aid for the first time, this is a huge relief. This means that the volume does not have to be immediately set to full. You can start at a lower level, and gradually and almost imperceptibly, the amplification approaches the desired level.
Serene 17 CIC is not equipped with a rechargeable battery, so it cannot be charged. It is powered by a hearing aid battery size 10, which needs to be replaced every few days.
With IP 68 certification, the hearing aid can withstand various adverse influences. Dust cannot enter, it can also withstand prolonged immersion in water, and it is protected against contact as well.
Rating Simplicity & security: 1,8
Extras
We are almost at the end, but perhaps this device still has a few gifts in the form of extra features? Let's take a look: A special tinnitus program can be programmed on request in the Serene 17 CIC. This allows for the generation of stimulating, pleasant sounds that distract from the tinnitus when it is particularly strong. We find this very useful and are happy to award extra points.
A nice feature would be a remote maintenance service, allowing assistance from hearing professionals even when one cannot visit the store. Unfortunately, this is not available here, so there are no extra points.
Some hearing aids can track certain health data. However, this requires special sensors in the hearing aid, which we unfortunately do not have in the Serene 17 CIC. Other hearing aids offer a few enhanced options such as a fall alert or reminder functions. We do not find this here, and that's not so dramatic, as the normal hearing functions are still the most important.
Rating Extras: 3,3
Conclusion: Beltone Serene 17 CIC
In conclusion, it can be said that this device is a real all-rounder that impresses us with its comfort features and achieves a good overall score of 2.21. Those who want to forgo top technology but still wish for a comfortable hearing experience are in the right place here.
Good hearing aids are an investment that pays off. Read in our article what makes the difference: Hearing aid costs
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 mRIC R | Rating: 5 / 5 |
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Starkey Edge AI 24 RIC RT | Rating: 5 / 5 |
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ReSound Vivia 9 60S-DRWC | Rating: 5 / 5 |
Our Beltone Serene 17 CIC review was created on July 16, 2024 and lastly updated on July 31, 2024. The overall rating of 2,21 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 4.5 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 3.5 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 4.5 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 3 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..
FAQ
What size is the Beltone Serene 17 CIC?
Large or small relates to the outward effect. Therefore, we assess how large hearing aids appear to outsiders. The Beltone Serene 17 CIC is in the size class XS. This means it appears quite small.
How well can I hear with the Beltone Serene 17 CIC?
This hearing aid scores a total of 1.6 (good) in the "Hearing Comfort" category. The score is composed of various 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 CIC is 17 (the best in class currently have 24 bands). For wind noise suppression, we give the device the designation 'very good' (4 out of 5 stars).
Is the Beltone Serene 17 CIC suitable for me?
The suitability range for hearing aids is referred to by hearing acousticians as the "fitting range." Beltone has established the following fitting range for the Serene 17 CIC: mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss. Have a professional hearing test conducted at a hearing acoustics business near you, then you'll know if this hearing aid is suitable for you.
What does the Beltone Serene 17 CIC cost?
Is the Beltone Serene 17 CIC expensive or affordable? It is currently traded in Germany in an approximate price range starting from €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 score in the test report (2.2 (good)) and especially in relation to the rating in the area of noise suppression (very good 5 stars (the best possible rating)).
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