Test report: Beltone Serene 6 CIC

The Beltone Serene 6 CIC in review

To create a hearing aid test report, we take a close look at the hearing aids and, if possible, wear them ourselves for a while. This time it was the Serene 6 CIC by Beltone, a device from the upper mid-range that can compensate for mild, moderate, and even severe hearing losses. The Serene 6 CIC is a petite, small hearing aid that sits in the ear. With its barely noticeable placement in the ear canal, it has already met the basic requirements for reasonable sound quality.

Hearing comfort

First, we evaluate the hearing comfort features. What types of sounds does the hearing aid recognize? How does it handle them? Is the hearing aid suitable for a varied daily life? Here with this test device, solid comfort programming by the audiologist is possible. As in all hearing aids, we also find the typical background noise suppression here. It is intended to reduce monotonous, noisy ambient sounds to the point where they are no longer in the foreground. With the Serene 6 CIC, the noise suppression works rather average but is somewhat adjustable.

When it comes to wind noise suppression, we have a relatively simple wind-damping system. When clattering, jangling sounds arise, the Beltone device activates its impulse sound suppressor. Nevertheless, these sounds remain quite intense. We always look closely at the number of equalizer bands. They are important for adjusting the sound of a hearing aid as accurately as possible to the hearing curve. Additionally, speech noise management occurs within these bands as well. The Serene 6 CIC has 12 of them. That's okay. The special design of the Serene 6 CIC proves to be a fortunate occurrence when it comes to spatial hearing. The microphones are positioned deep in the ear canal, and that is precisely where the sound reaches normal hearing individuals. Therefore, spatial hearing does not need to be artificially recreated but emerges naturally.

Beltone does not yet work with artificial intelligence in this version.

Rating Hearing comfort: 2,7

Operation & connectivity

Would you like to be able to adjust something on your hearing aids yourself? We believe it can be quite useful to have one or two control options. Let's take a look at how it works with the Serene 6 CIC. There is a button directly on the hearing aid. This can be used to change the volume or activate additional hearing programs. It can be programmed according to customer preference. The use is, of course, optional. We would have liked a remote control, but one is not offered by Beltone for this model. So no point here.

We are always excited when a hearing aid surprises us with a great additional feature. For example, we would have liked to see voice control at this point. However, that is not available in the Serene 6 CIC at the moment. Some hearing aids can also be controlled with a quick tap, without having to press a button. This feature has not been implemented here yet.

We searched in the app store in vain for an app for further adjustments, which we would have preferred differently. Unfortunately, we have to do without a streaming function here and continue to hold the smartphone to our ear as usual.

Rating Operation & connectivity: 2,8

Simplicity & security

Let's continue with the test: How is the user-friendliness? Is it easy or complicated to handle the hearing aid? Hearing is greatly facilitated by a good situational awareness. In the Serene 6 CIC, we found a fairly solid automatic function that manages well in common hearing situations. This could be sufficient if the acoustic conditions are not too challenging. We are very pleased with the integrated acclimatization manager. It gradually increases the volume of the hearing aid in tiny steps until our target amplification is eventually reached. We can relax and gradually get used to the new hearing impressions.

Zinc-air batteries power the Serene 6 CIC. Changing the battery could become quite challenging for people with limited dexterity or vision. If you have concerns about this, you might want to look for a rechargeable model instead.

We had an untroubled everyday experience in our test due to the IP-68 certification. This indicates that the hearing aid is particularly well protected against dust and water. We walked through the rain and then removed the hearing aids with wet hands - it was all no problem. However, the water resistance really only applies to fresh, natural water and not to bubbly bath water or salt water.

Rating Simplicity & security: 2,3

Extras

Now we have looked at the main features of the hearing aid. But before we conclude, we want to know if there are any additional features: A special tinnitus program can be programmed in the Serene 6 CIC upon request. This can generate stimulating, pleasant sounds that distract from the tinnitus when it is particularly strong. We find this very useful and gladly award extra points.

An online contact to the hearing care professional via the app would be very helpful. This is quite common today and provides assistance with minor adjustment issues. Unfortunately, Beltone does not include this and therefore does not earn extra points.

Tracking health data is a real added value in modern hearing aids. However, this Beltone model lacks the necessary sensors for this service. Other hearing aids already offer some advanced options like a fall alarm or reminder functions. We do not find these here, and that's not too dramatic, as the normal hearing functions are still the most important.

Rating Extras: 3,3

Conclusion: Beltone Serene 6 CIC

With a final grade of 2.72, this model holds its own in the mid-range. It has a fairly decent comfort features on board that are sufficient for typical everyday moments and create a satisfying listening experience.

Not your hearing aid? Then use our hearing aid search for a personalized selection.

 

Our Beltone Serene 6 CIC review was created on July 16, 2024 and lastly updated on September 16, 2024. The overall rating of 2,72 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 3.5 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 3.5 | »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

How big is the Beltone Serene 6 CIC?

As a size in millimeters does not explain how large a hearing aid appears, we have divided the size perception into classes. Class "XXS" is practically invisible, while class "M" has the largest appearance. The Beltone Serene 6 CIC is in the size class XS. Therefore, it could be considered quite small.

What is the price of the Beltone Serene 6 CIC?

The Serene 6 CIC from manufacturer Beltone is currently offered by hearing acousticians in Germany in a price range of approximately 2,000.00 € to 2,500.00 €. To assess the value for money, you should consider the overall test rating of 2.7 (satisfactory).

How well can one hear with the Beltone Serene 6 CIC?

The Beltone Serene 6 CIC receives a rating for hearing comfort of 2.7 (satisfactory) from us. The Beltone hearing aid receives the designation 'adequate' for its suppression of wind noise (2 out of 5 stars). The noise suppression of the device achieves 3 out of 5 stars. 12 frequency bands can be separately adjusted in this hearing aid for the processing of pitches (top values of current leading models: 24).

Who is the Beltone Serene 6 CIC suitable for?

If your hearing deficit is mild, moderate, or severe, the Beltone Serene 6 CIC may be suitable for you. This so-called "adaptation range" of the hearing aid is determined by the manufacturer and relates, among other things, to the amplification of the hearing aid. Whether the device is truly suitable for you can only be sensibly assessed by a hearing care professional on-site after a detailed hearing test has been conducted.

 

Compare hearing aids: discover all other current reviews now

Find and sort all currently listed hearing aids now. You have full access to all filters, allowing you to quickly view the top hearing aids at a glance.

Compare Hearing Aids Now