The Beltone Serene 9 86 DWC in review
Our testers have examined another hearing aid from the upper segment of the hearing aid prices. We present: The Beltone Serene 9 86 DWC. Here we have a traditional hearing aid that is worn behind the ear. It can be used by anyone wanting to compensate for mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss. The Serene 9 86 DWC is a discreet hearing aid. Is it worth buying this model? We will reveal the details to you.
Hearing comfort
A good speech understanding is standard in modern hearing aids. Equally important is the listening comfort. Only when the ratio of speech transmission to the level of ambient noise is right will listening be perceived as pleasant. That's why we take a look at the comfort features: With the Serene 9 86 DWC, the manufacturer provides the customer with comprehensive noise management. Normal background noises like street noise, vacuum cleaner sounds, or fan noise are to be dampened by classic noise reduction. In this Beltone hearing aid, ambient noise is processed in such a way that relaxed listening is possible.
Quick, clattering noises are noticeably and sufficiently dampened, which we find pleasant. We rate the wind management as mediocre here, but it works. Spatial hearing works very reliably. Directional hearing is supported, and the spatial impression is good. With 14 frequency bands, you can already set a pretty good sound. A passionate musician may not be entirely satisfied with this, but this number is completely sufficient for normal hearing and sound needs.
Strategies based on artificial intelligence are not yet employed in this hearing aid from Beltone.
Rating Hearing comfort: 2,1
Operation & connectivity
Basically, the hearing aids work fully automatically, and that is also the mode that most people prefer. Sometimes, however, it can be quite useful to switch to a different hearing program or simply adjust the volume in a difficult situation. That's why we take a brief look at the operating options of the Serene 9 86 DWC. The simplest operating option is always a button directly on the hearing aid. This one has that as well. It can be programmed according to your wishes. Do you want a manual volume control? No problem, the button allows for a stepwise adjustment of the volume. Or do you need different special programs for your professional daily routine or hobbies? These can also be activated via the button. If you want to leave everything in automatic mode, you can simply ignore the button or even have it deactivated. Those who don't like to touch their ear to adjust the volume will appreciate the optional remote control. This allows you to make changes to the hearing aid comfortably and discreetly.
Some hearing aids can already be controlled by voice, but unfortunately, this one from Beltone cannot yet. That would be practical if the fingers are not as mobile anymore or if you simply like smart gadgets. Another option for controlling the hearing aids is tap control. You simply tap your fingers on your ear, which triggers a specific function. However, this possibility is not available in this Beltone device.
We always have our smartphone with us, and with the Serene 9 86 DWC, it’s worth it, as it can be customized via an app. The app is also a lot of fun and has a range of features that you wouldn't expect in a hearing aid app. If you enjoy playing, this is the right place for you. You don't need headphones anymore, as it has a wireless option and can transfer sounds directly from the smartphone to your ears – if the smartphone is equipped with 2.4 GHz LE technology.
Rating Operation & connectivity: 1,3
Beltone Serene 9 86 DWC:
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Simplicity & security
Let's continue with the test: How is the usability? Is it easy or complicated to handle the hearing aid? The Serene 9 86 DWC features an extensive set of saved hearing situations. When a typical pattern is recognized, the hearing aid automatically activates the appropriate setting. The adaptation to the new hearing experience is supported by a fully automatic acclimatization manager. It adjusts the amplification in barely noticeable steps until my hearing loss is completely compensated. I only need to wear my hearing aids regularly.
In our opinion, a highly useful development in recent years is the integrated battery. We are accustomed to recharging electronic devices in our daily lives. The Serene 9 86 DWC is also rechargeable, allowing us to skip the annoying battery change.
The hearing aid has been classified in IP protection class 68. This guarantees comprehensive protection against dust ingress. Water also cannot easily harm the hearing aid. This makes it well-suited for outdoor activities, where it can sometimes get wet and dirty. However, do not necessarily bathe or swim with the hearing aids. Bath additives or the salt content in seawater can alter the composition and ultimately cause damage.
Rating Simplicity & security: 1,3
Beltone Serene 9 86 DWC:
Extras
Everyone appreciates a few extra features, so let's see if we can find some here: Are you among those plagued by tinnitus? Then you might want to use the optional tinnitus program in the Serene 9 86 DWC. Soft, gentle sounds are tuned to your hearing and engage all areas of the inner ear. It's nothing more than a distraction technique, and it works surprisingly well. The tinnitus fades into the general noise and no longer bothers you. It's a simple yet effective tool and earns extra points from us.
We find the remote maintenance service exciting that can be utilized. If you don't have the opportunity to visit the audiologist, you can contact them via the app, briefly describe your hearing problem, and then receive a data package with a new hearing aid configuration. If it sounds good, you can upload it to your hearing aids.
Some hearing aids can track certain health data. However, this requires specific sensors in the hearing aid, which we unfortunately do not have in the Serene 9 86 DWC. Other hearing aids already offer a few advanced options like a fall alarm or reminder functions. We don't find those here, but that's not too dramatic because the standard hearing functions remain the most important.
Rating Extras: 2,5
Conclusion: Beltone Serene 9 86 DWC
In conclusion, it can be said that this device is a true all-rounder, impressing us with its comfort features and achieving a good overall result of 1.82. Those who want to forgo top-notch technology but still desire a comfortable hearing experience will find what they are looking for here.
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ReSound Vivia 9 60S-DRWC | Rating: 5 / 5 |
Our Beltone Serene 9 86 DWC review was created on July 16, 2024 and lastly updated on August 27, 2024. The overall rating of 1,82 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 4 | »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
Is the Serene 9 86 DWC from Beltone suitable for me?
The fitting range of this hearing aid is "mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss." A local hearing care professional can quickly assess whether your hearing impairment falls within this range.
How much does the Serene 9 86 DWC from Beltone cost?
The rough price range in which the Beltone Serene 9 86 DWC is currently offered in Germany is approximately from €3,000.00. When considering the price, it's also important to look at the overall rating: The overall test score in the HörShop test is 1.8 (good). Details are also important to categorize the hearing aid price: The star rating for "noise suppression" in the test shows a good 4 out of 5 stars.
What size is the Beltone Serene 9 86 DWC?
We have categorized this behind-the-ear hearing aid in size class S. This means it is medium-sized. You can compare it with other hearing aids in this size class: Hearing Aid Comparison.
How well does one hear with the Beltone Serene 9 86 DWC?
The Serene 9 86 DWC from the manufacturer Beltone is equipped with 14 separately adjustable equalizer bands (for context: Current top devices have 25 bands). The evaluation of noise suppression for this device achieves a good 4 out of 5 stars. There is a 'good' rating (3 out of 5 stars) for the wind noise suppression of the Serene 9 86 DWC. Summing up the entire "hearing comfort" area results in an overall score in the test of 2.1 (good).
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