Beltone Serene: Audiologist Review of Hearing Aid Features, Performance, and Pricing

Beltone Serene™ is the flagship brand of retail hearing aid giant Beltone. It features advanced wireless connectivity, excellent sound quality, good speech-in-noise capabilities, and a customized fitting from a licensed hearing care professional for around $4,500 to $7,000 per pair, depending on the model, technology level, and location. Serene was launched in October 2023 and then later expanded in February 2024 to offer a complete choice of hearing aid styles to match a wide range of style preferences, hearing losses, and lifestyles, succeeding Beltone's previous flagship Achieve™ hearing aid platform.

Beltone is the second-largest hearing aid network in the United States, with only slightly fewer retail offices than Amplifon (MIracle-Ear). Chances are you have a Beltone store near you, with 1500+ locations around the country offering in-person care. With its origins and headquarters in Chicago, Beltone is owned by Denmark's GN Group, which also manufactures ReSound and Jabra hearing aids. In 2023, they were chosen by Newsweek as the nation’s 3rd best hearing care retailer, behind only HearUSA and Amplifon.

Key features

Beltone Serene's technology is based upon the ReSound Nexia hearing aid, which is the flagship hearing aid of ReSound and represents the most advanced hearing technology from parent company GN. Primary improvements in Serene over the previous generation of Beltone Achieve hearing aids include:

• More advanced wireless technology including new Bluetooth^® Low Energy and Auracast™
• A tap control feature in the microRIE (Receiver-In-Ear)
• A redesigned microRIE making it 25% smaller than their standard RIE
• A new TV-Streamer+ which can act as an Auracast transmitter
• Audio streaming compatibility for Microsoft Windows 11 PC and devices
• CROS compatibility for those with Single-Sided-Deafness (SSD)

Beltone Serene styles, tech levels, and models

Beltone Serene hearing aids will fit hearing losses from mild to profound hearing loss, and all except the smallest custom product incorporate the latest wireless Bluetooth technology. The hearing aids come in the most popular hearing aid styles, including, from smallest to largest, Completely-in-Canal (CIC), In-the-Ear (ITE), Receiver-in-Ear (RIE), and Behind-the-Ear (BTE). Note that some manufacturers refer to the RIE style as “Receiver-in-Canal (RIC),” but the terms mean the same thing.

All Serene hearing aids, including the custom in-ear hearing aids, have an Ingress Protection (IP) rating of IP68—the maximum dust and moisture resistance possible for hearing aids. This gives you confidence that the hearing aids will be reliable, reducing the need for repair and may potentially extend the life of the hearing aid. However, if they do need repair, they are covered by a 1-year repair warranty.

Serene hearing aids are also available in a wide range of colors to match both skin and hair tones. Based on your budget and listening needs, you have a choice of three technology levels: 17 (premier product), 9 (middle range), and 6 (essential).

Models

microRIE 62 – Rechargeable RIE, push button control, tap control, fits full range of hearing losses, CROS compatibility for those with SSD

RIE 63 – Standard hearing aid battery size 312, push button control, fits full range of hearing losses, CROS compatibility for SSD

RIE 64 – Standard hearing aid battery size 13, multi-function toggle button, t-coil, CROS compatibility for SSD, fits full range of hearing losses

BTE 76 – Rechargeable traditional BTE (Behind-the-Ear), push button, telecoil, fits full range of hearing losses

Power BTE 86 – Rechargeable power BTE, multi-function button, telecoil, fits wide range of hearing loss but most appropriate for more severe hearing losses

ITE/ITC – Rechargeable custom In-the-Ear (ITE) or In-the-Canal (ITC), push button, fits a wide range of hearing losses

CIC – Custom Completely-in-Canal (CIC), standard hearing aid battery size 10A, optional push button (space permitting), no wireless functionality, fits a wide range of hearing losses but most appropriate for mild to moderate hearing losses

Comparison check-list of features

The chart below gives you a quick comparison of the features in each model.

Beltone Serene Technology Highlights

Here's a deeper dive into the technologies employed in Beltone Serene and how you might benefit from them.

Advanced Connectivity

Bluetooth LE and Auracast are now incorporated into Beltone Serene hearing aids. While wireless connectivity has been available in hearing aids for a while, the latest Bluetooth technology has numerous advantages compared to previous generations. These advancements include compatibility with Auracast, higher sound quality for streamed audio, reduced battery drain, the ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously, as well as 2-way communication for Android devices.

If you’ve never heard of Auracast, think of it as a new assistive listening and audio-sharing technology. That is, Auracast allows you to connect to audio in different environments, like listening to public announcement (PA) systems at an airport or hearing a presenter at a conference. Similar to how you now can connect to wi-fi, you'll see an available list of Auracast broadcasts, and after choosing one, the sound is sent directly to your hearing aids. The bottom line is you'll hear a cleaner signal while competing noise is minimized. Auracast can also be used to share your audio with others (e.g., TV audio or music). While this Bluetooth technology is still in its infancy and hard to find at the moment, the capabilities are exciting. If you would like to learn more about Auracast, be sure to visit the Bluetooth Auracast website or read the HearingTracker article on Auracast.

Connectivity in the Serene hearing aids also allows for hands-free calling with both Apple^® and Android™-compatible phones. That is, the phone call is streamed directly to your hearing aids and the hearing aid microphones will pick up your voice, allowing for a hands-free conversation.

Not all phones and devices will connect, so be sure to check Beltone’s compatibility website to see which products allow connectivity and/or hands-free operation. Finally, audio streaming with Microsoft Windows 11 PCs and devices is also supported.

Beamforming Directionality

Beltone uses a binaural (ear-to-ear) connection to create a stronger, more focused microphone beam for sounds in front of the listener. That is, in a binaural (2 ears & 2 hearing aids) fitting, 4 microphones are used to measure and adjust the sound so that noise in the environment is minimized and speech (usually in front of the listener) is prioritized. Compared to traditional directionality, which may utilize only 2 microphones, it provides a significant improvement for listening in noisy places like restaurants, bars, or family gatherings. Beltone's Serene and Achieve lines also utilize a steering system that can narrow the directional response while utilizing faster processing.

According to testing conducted at ReSound, the directional benefit of the Nexia hearing aid, on which the Beltone Serene is based, was significantly greater than the directional benefit provided by 4 of the 5 other brands tested in the study. While the study was conducted in an experimental setting and not in real-life settings, the results still tell us that Resound engineers have done a great job creating a hearing aid that can function well in noise.

However, keep in mind that the most effective directional system is prioritized only for the highest-level technology. For Beltone, this means that you’ll get the most effective directional microphone system in the Level 17 technology. There’s still directional benefit and beamforming in Level 9, but it won’t be as precise. The lowest level, Tech Level 6, doesn’t provide any beamforming but does provide adaptive directionality, a more basic system.

M&RIE

A unique feature found in some ReSound and Beltone products is the Microphone & Receiver-in-Ear (M&RIE) receiver option which combines the two traditional hearing aid microphones with an extra third microphone that sits in the ear to collect sounds much like the natural ear. Beltone says this technology improves sound localization, wind noise reduction, and sound quality ratings.

However, keep in mind that adding a microphone to the receiver will make it bigger and may not fit every ear. They are also generally not recommended for more severe hearing losses that don't involve closed-dome fittings, as feedback can become a problem with higher levels of amplification. While we love the M&RIE concept, HearingTracker has heard mixed reviews on it from dispensing professionals; however, there are numerous positive comments by consumers in our Hearing Aid Forum. If you're interested in this option, discuss it with your hearing care provider to see if it’s right for you.

Tap Control

For ease of use when accepting phone calls with the Beltone Serene microRIE 62, you can simply double-tap the device or your ear to accept a call from a compatible phone. Tap Control is made possible by a built-in accelerometer in the hearing aid which detects the motion. However, this feature is only available in the micro RIE and only allows for the acceptance of calls. To end/reject a call you can either use your phone or the push button on the hearing aid. Unfortunately, the tap feature also can’t be used to start/stop audio streaming.

HearMax™ App

The free HearMax app can be downloaded to your smartphone and is available for both Apple and Android products. The app can be used as a simple remote to change programs and volume, and it can also be used to control your hearing aids’ directional response with the Speech Focus button, change tones such as bass and treble, monitor battery status, and more.

The app has a "Check My Fit" feature to see if you're wearing your hearing aids correctly. There’s also a handy “Find My Hearing Aid” function which, as the name suggests, can help you find your hearing aids should you lose or misplace them.

The HearMax hearing aid app provides additional functionality to request remote care from your hearing provider. This can be helpful if you live far from your Beltone office or just prefer to have minor adjustments made from the comfort of your home. Most hearing aid manufacturers now have similar remote care capabilities, as it quickly became a necessity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The option remains useful for simple adjustments and even firmware updates to your hearing aids. Ask your local Beltone retailer if they offer this service.

The HearMax app is highly rated in both the Apple App Store and Google Play™ stores, with ratings of 4.7 and 4.5, respectively, on a 5-point scale. This is an excellent rating for a hearing aid app, as many competing apps hover in the 2-3 range. However, unlike some hearing aid manufacturer’s apps (Starkey and Phonak, for example), there are no health and fitness tracking features. Some hearing aid apps can help you track steps taken and even provide heart rate monitoring or track falls.

Tinnitus Sound Generator

For those with tinnitus (ringing in the ears), Serene hearing aids (as well as other Beltone models) have the ability to provide tinnitus management sounds. The tinnitus sound generator is programmed by your hearing care professional, and once turned on, there is also the option to adjust your tinnitus sounds. Called the “Tinnitus Breaker Pro,” this app feature allows you to change the volume level and frequency shaping of the tinnitus signal, as well as choose between white noise variations and a Nature Sound. Several manufacturers only allow for adjustment of overall volume for the tinnitus sounds; however, for people who have tinnitus that varies throughout the day, having the ability to adjust beyond simple volume can be helpful.

Keep in mind that not all Beltone clinicians may feel comfortable treating your tinnitus symptoms, especially if you are experiencing a lot of distress regarding those symptoms. Consults with an audiologist and/or a behavioral therapist, and also consider that a thorough medical evaluation, may also be warranted.

Rechargeability

The Serene family of products offers several styles that are rechargeable. These include the microRIE, the BTE 76, the Power BTE 86, and full-shell and half-shell custom in-ear products, all of which use lithium-ion rechargeable batteries.

There are multiple different chargers available depending on the style of the hearing aid and your preferences. For example, the RIE products have a choice of 3 different chargers, including the “premium” charger, which is portable and also acts as a power bank. That is, you can take the portable charger with you and get up to 3 full charges without worrying about having to plug it into an outlet.

You also have a choice of a standard portable (no internal power bank) charger or a desktop charger. The desktop charger also works with the standard BTE styles. Finally, a specific charger is needed for custom rechargeable products, and while it is also portable, it does not include a built-in power bank.

Regardless of which Serene rechargeable product you are using, you can expect to get up to 30 hours of wear time on a single 3-hour charge; however, a more typical use time is approximately 24 hours. As with any wireless hearing aid, if you spend a lot of time streaming, you can expect this to negatively affect the battery charge. Beltone reports that if you are streaming about 50% of the time, you should still get up to 20 hours of use on a single charge.

A full charging cycle for the premium, standard and desktop charger is 3 hours. However, for custom products, it will take up to 5 hours—although a few hours of charge will likely still give you 8+ hours of use.

Belcare™ Support and Serene Pricing

When you purchase hearing aids from Beltone, they come with a care package called Belcare. This package of support includes a free annual hearing test, remote care (if appropriate and available at the Beltone retail outlet), and a 2-year protection for changes in hearing loss. That is, should your hearing change significantly during the first 2 years after purchasing your hearing aids, Beltone will provide a new set of hearing aids to match your reduced hearing. Beltone will also inspect and clean your hearing aids for the life of the hearing aids. However, you should be aware that Beltone locks their hearing aid software, meaning you are limited to obtaining service only from a Beltone-certified provider.

But should you need assistance away from home, Beltone has 1,500 retail outlets in North America that can help you with your hearing aids. This makes Beltone a good choice for people who have a second home or those who frequently travel. Additionally, the company further offers a toll-free Patient Care Phone Line should you have any questions about your hearing aids: 800-BELTONE (800-235-8663). Remote care via the smart phone app is also possible.

However, Beltone’s support comes at a cost. While the company does offer hearing aids at different price points, the majority of Beltone products will come at a cost premium. For example, the Serene products will likely cost you in the range of $4,500-$7,000 a pair. The pricing will vary by your location, the level of technology you choose, the style of hearing aids, and the price set by the Beltone retail office.

For comparison, Costco sells a similar product, the Jabra Enhance™ Pro 20 miniRIE, which is rechargeable and standard with the charging case, for $1,599 a pair. From a hearing aid technology standpoint, these are relatively comparable products manufactured by the same company, GN Hearing. Additionally, they are not locked, so other dispensing professionals with the appropriate fitting software can adjust or reprogram them (though will charge for the service).

Lab testing and hearing aid performance

The HearAdvisor independent hearing aid testing lab has not analyzed Beltone Serene's acoustic performance. Although there may be some differences between Serene and the ReSound Nexia, these two devices have the same chip platform and physical qualities and should, therefore, perform similarly.

When testing the Nexia microRIE in its highest technology tier (level 9, without M&RIE) in five acoustic parameters, HearAdvisor gave Nexia a SoundScore of 3.9 out of 5 in the tuned (audiologist-adjusted) condition, meaning it just missed an A SoundGrade. The lab commented, "In the tuned fit condition, the Resound Nexia performed above average on speech in quiet, below average on speech in noise, above average on feedback handling, well above average on occlusion results, and above average on music streaming quality. The overall fit score in the tuned condition for the Resound Nexia was above average.”

When considering all of Nexia's features and characteristics—including build quality, comfort, battery life, app features, value, etc.— in addition to acoustic performance, HearingTracker gave the Nexia microRIE an overall score of 4.5 out of 5, placing it in the top 20% of all products tested.

Assuming Beltone Serene performs similarly and you are fit by a hearing provider who employs best practices, you can expect very good performance from this hearing aid.

Accessories for Beltone Serene

Beltone Serene hearing aids are available with a wide choice of accessories beyond the smartphone app to make the most of your hearing aid investment. These include TV streamers, remote microphones, and remote controls. Beltone also conveniently packages its accessories, which are a bundle of products based on your listening needs. Accessories can be bought separately or as a bundle, but all will come at an additional cost to your hearing aids.

Here’s a list of the accessories available for the Achieve hearing aids and their approximate retail costs:

Simple remotes for changing program and memory

• Remote Control 2 – includes small display ($300)
• Remote Control – small and simple remote, no display ($300)

Remote microphones for better hearing in noise

• myPAL Micro – simple design ($325)
• myPAL Pro – similar design but also includes table top microphone position for hearing multiple people ($400)

TV Streamers for better hearing when watching television

• New TV-Streamer+ – compatible only with Serene products and is Auracast compatible ($400)
• TV Link 2 – Older streamer which is compatible with all Beltone products ($400)

Hands-free calling with any Bluetooth-enabled phone

• Phone Link 2 – works with Bluetooth phones that won’t otherwise support hands-free audio streaming to your hearing aids. Also acts as a basic remote for volume and program changes ($320)

Final verdict

Beltone Serene is a sophisticated hearing aid that provides some of the best technology in the industry. The hearing aids come in a wide array of colors and styles and offer convenient features such as rechargeability, numerous accessories, and hands-free connectivity to both Android and Apple phones.

In addition, Beltone is a well-established retail chain and offers in-person care at over 1500+ stores nationwide as well as the possibility for remote and phone support. This can be a big advantage if you wish to switch providers, frequently travel, or own a second home. Remember though, that you can only have your hearing aids adjusted at Beltone retail offices as the programming is locked and cannot be serviced by anyone outside of Beltone.

However, that support and technology come at a premium cost. As always, here at HearingTracker we highly recommend you discuss all your options with a hearing professional so you can choose the best technology for your individual needs.