We independently review each item we recommend and appreciate your trust and support. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.Learn more.

Fortell AI Hearing Aids vs. hear.com Horizon Go IX

Check out our comparison of the Fortell AI Hearing Aids vs hear.com Horizon Go IX. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.

Score
4.5
Fortell AI Hearing Aids
Add Product
Featured Products
Fortell

AI Hearing Aids

SoundScore 6.0/5
$6,800 per pair
Shop Now ↗
Score
4.3
hear.com Horizon Go IX 7 IX
Add Product
Featured Products
hear.com

Horizon Go IX 7 IX

SoundScore 4.4/5
$4,950 per pair
Shop Now ↗
AI Hearing Aids
$6,800 per pair
Shop Now ↗
Horizon Go IX
$4,950 per pair
Shop Now ↗

Product Overview

AI Hearing Aids
Horizon Go IX
Form Factor
Form FactorThis type of hearing aid sits behind the ear. A wire runs along the top of the ear and down to a speaker sitting inside the ear canal. An custom-fitted mold may be required.
Form FactorThis type of hearing aid sits behind the ear. A wire runs along the top of the ear and down to a speaker sitting inside the ear canal. An custom-fitted mold may be required.
Expert Rating
Score
4.5
Score
4.3
Hearing Loss LevelHearing Loss LevelThis represents HearingTracker's best guess on suitability. Please consult a licensed audiologist to confirm your own candidacy for this device.
MildModerateSevere
MildModerateSevere
Product Features
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhone
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroidIP68

Expert Ratings

Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.

AI Hearing Aids
Horizon Go IX

HearingTracker Score

AI Hearing Aids
4.5EXCELLENT

Fortell delivers the best background-noise performance we've seen, but its aggressive processing, lack of Android connectivity, and limited in-person clinic network are important tradeoffs.

Read full review
Horizon Go IX
4.3ABOVE AVERAGE

Horizon Go IX is a top-tier, Signia-based rechargeable RIC that pairs excellent lab-verified speech performance with standout hands-free Bluetooth and a genuinely useful app suite, though its music streaming is only average for the open-fit form factor and many “unique” perks mirror what you can get from comparable WSA models.

Read full review

HearAdvisor SoundScore

AI Hearing Aids
6.0EXCELLENT

Fortell AI Hearing Aids achieved a SoundScore of 6.0/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 4.19/5.

Horizon Go IX
4.4ABOVE AVERAGE

Hear.com Horizon Go IX achieved a SoundScore of 4.4/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #19 of 39 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 4.19/5.

Build Quality

AI Hearing Aids
4.6EXCELLENT

Fortell AI Hearing Aids feel well built, though their IP54 rating offers less water and debris resistance than many prescription hearing aids, which commonly carry a higher IP68 rating. As with any hearing aid, regular cleaning and proper care will help keep them performing well over time.

Horizon Go IX
4.9EXCELLENT

Horizon Go IX have an impressive build quality, featuring a top-of-the-line IP68 ingress rating. They also come with a robust portable charging case.

Battery

AI Hearing Aids
4.6EXCELLENT

Fortell states that its hearing aids last around 24 hours per charge in the default All-day AI mode, so they should easily last a full day even if you rely heavily on the more processing-intensive “All voices” or “Front voices” programs.

Horizon Go IX
4.4ABOVE AVERAGE

Horizon hearing aids offer an impressive 28 hours of use per charge, which is plenty to get you through the day. Recharging takes around 3 hours, but you can always get an addition 6 hours of use if needed with Horizon’s 30-minute quick charge feature.

Bluetooth

AI Hearing Aids
3.0BELOW AVERAGE

While Fortell AI Hearing Aids support hands-free calling and audio streaming on iOS devices, they currently do not support Android, and the company has not announced a timeline for Android compatibility.

Horizon Go IX
5.0EXCELLENT

Horizon Go IX are Bluetooth compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing for audio streaming and hands-free calling.

App Features

AI Hearing Aids
4.5EXCELLENT

The Fortell app offers useful controls for volume, a 3-band EQ, and several AI listening modes. While I found it easy to use and sufficiently flexible, it is more limited than many competing apps, with no tinnitus features, health tracking, or other extras.

Horizon Go IX
5.0EXCELLENT

The Horizon app has a user-friendly interface and modern, appealing design. It includes practical features like the ability to control the focus of your hearing aids and a tonal balance slider. Additionally, you will find preset modes which can help improve your listening experience depending on the environment you are in.

Comfort

AI Hearing Aids
5.0EXCELLENT

I found Fortell AI Hearing Aids comfortable and similar in fit to other prescription receiver-in-canal hearing aids. Although the body is slightly larger than many competing devices, it should fit comfortably behind most ears without interfering with glasses or causing retention issues. Your provider can help you fine-tune your fit in office.

Horizon Go IX
5.0EXCELLENT

I found Horizon IX to be very comfortable thanks to their ergonomic shape and earwire design. Your hearing care provider should ensure they are fitted for optimal comfort and hearing benefit.

Design

AI Hearing Aids
4.5EXCELLENT

Fortell AI Hearing Aids use a familiar receiver-in-canal design with a slightly larger body than many other "micro" prescription devices. However, they remain fairly discreet behind the ear. Several colors are currently available with more to come later in 2026.

Horizon Go IX
4.2AVERAGE

Horizon IX features a modern, sleek design and is available in a variety of colors.

Value

AI Hearing Aids
3.2BELOW AVERAGE

Fortell AI Hearing Aids has a value score of 3.2/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Horizon Go IX
3.1BELOW AVERAGE

Hear.com Horizon Go IX has a value score of 3.1/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Handling

AI Hearing Aids
4.8EXCELLENT

I found Fortell AI Hearing Aids easy to use and comparable to other receiver-in-canal devices. The app, charging case, and physical buttons all worked well, making day-to-day handling straightforward and giving me easy access to the controls I needed.

Horizon Go IX
4.8EXCELLENT

I did not run into any issues while using Horizon Go IX hearing aids. They are very easy to use once setup by your hearing care provider. First-time users may need some practice to get accustomed to inserting the receiver-in-ear style properly.

Pro Support

AI Hearing Aids
4.0ABOVE AVERAGE

Fortell AI Hearing Aids are professionally fit and supported, but access is currently more limited than with major prescription hearing aid brands. In-person care is available in only a handful of major metropolitan areas, though additional clinics are planned. Fortell also offers fully remote care across 30 states, which expands access considerably for those comfortable with telehealth.

Horizon Go IX
5.0EXCELLENT

You should receive quality hearing care and support from your Hear.com provider. The Horizon app should further enhance your experience with easier access to useful setting adjustments.

Lab Recordings

Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.

AI Hearing Aids
Horizon Go IX
Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
AI Hearing Aids
Horizon Go IX
Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
AI Hearing Aids
Horizon Go IX
Streaming MusicStreaming MusicStreaming music provides a full range of bass and treble
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
AI Hearing Aids
Horizon Go IX

HearingTracker partners with HearAdvisor to provide recordings and performance data from an acoustic laboratory that follows standard scientific procedures. All hearing aids are fitted and performance-tested for mild sloping to moderate hearing loss. All audio samples cutoff above 10kHz.

Accessories

Compatible accessories for each hearing aid

AI Hearing Aids
Horizon Go IX
Battery Charger

Fortell Charging Case+1

Portable charging case with an integrated lithium-ion power bank, rated IP54 and charged over USB-C. Holds 72+ hours of additional listening, roughly three full recharges of a pair, and reaches full charge in 8 hours. Three separate 3-LED arrays report the left aid, the right aid and the case itself; the case button also drives pairing and reset.

Pure Charger

This small desktop charger addresses basic needs when it comes to providing power to the hearing aids. 2 LEDs indicate the charging status (one per hearing aid). The Pure Charger can be plugged into the mains via USB to a power adapter.

Pure Portable Charger+1

This charger offers comfort and charging on the go. Its power bank allows for 3 full charges of a pair of hearing aids. A lid protects the hearing aids and prevents dust accumulating in the charger. 2 LEDs indicate the charging status (one per hearing aid) and one for the integrated power bank. All of the chargers are available with the power plug.

Pure Dry&Clean Charger+1

The Pure Dry&Clean Charger not only charges the hearing aids but also offers UVC cleaning and drying technology to keep the hearing aids in peak condition. The UVC cleaning starts automatically when the hearing aids are placed inside and is completed in just 15 minutes. 3 LEDs per hearing aid indicate their charging status and an additional LED indicates the cleaning status. The Pure Dry&Clean Charger also has a lid to ensure optimal cleaning and storage of the hearing aids.

Multi-Charger

Stationary Signia charger compatible with multiple hearing aids.

Bluetooth Streamer
None

StreamLine Mic+2

A wireless clip-on mic that streams audio to hearing aids from any Bluetooth device.

CROS System
None

CROS Pure Charge&Go T AX

Remote Control
None

miniPocket

Enables push-button remote control of hearing aid functions.

Signia App+2

The Signia App provides a remote control, directional hearing control, telecare access, and access to connectivity and streaming settings.

Smartphone App

Fortell App+1

iPhone companion app for Fortell wearers. Shows connection status and per-device battery, controls volume for both aids together or independently with per-device mute, switches listening modes, enables sleep mode, and provides a three-band equaliser plus a separate one for streamed audio. It is also the channel for messaging the wearer's Fortell audiology team and for remote fitting, both realtime and asynchronous.

None
TV Streamer
None

StreamLine TV

Streams television sound to hearing aids over a distance of up to 30 feet (10 meters).

Hardware

AI Hearing Aids
Horizon Go IX
Bluetooth® AudioBluetooth® AudioThis hearing aid is capable of streaming Bluetooth® audio certain phones and/or devices.
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Android (ASHA)
Hands-Free CallingHands-Free CallingIt is possible to have a hands-free phone call with this hearing aid. You are not required to hold the phone up to your mouth.
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Android (ASHA)
IP RatingIP RatingIP Ratings rate sealing effectiveness of hearing aids against intrusion from foreign solid matter (dirt, dust) and moisture.
No
IP68
Push ButtonPush ButtonThe hearing aid features a push button which allows toggling across different sound processing programs
  • Volume Control
  • Program control
  • Call accept/reject
No
Rechargeable BatteriesRechargeable BatteriesCharge your batteries overnight in a docking station and get a full day's use (in most cases) of battery life the following day.
Lithium-ion
Lithium-ion
Volume RockerVolume RockerA volume rocker or wheel to allows the adjustment of volume with a finger.
No
Yes

Software Features

AI Hearing Aids
Horizon Go IX
Adjustment BandsAdjustment BandsThese are frequency-divided sections that can be adjusted in a hearing aid in order to amplify sounds. Although there are rarely more than 10 frequencies measured in a hearing assessment, having more bands that can be adjusted may allow for improved speech understanding and user comfort.
No
20
Adjustment SynchronizationAdjustment SynchronizationThis feature allows for a more pleasant listening experience by ensuring that both hearing aids process sound the same way. If one hearing aid changes its processing in response to noise or speech, it will send a wireless signal to the other hearing aid so both process sound in the same way.
No
e2e wireless 4.0e2e wireless 4.0Control coupling, synchronization, binaural directionality, Spatial Speech Focus, CROS/ BiCROS.
AI Noise RemovalAI Noise RemovalArtificial Intelligence is utilized to remove or modify background noise from the sound signal to help isolate speech for better speech understanding.
Spatial AISpatial AIThe separation network attenuates competing speech as well as non-speech noise -- the case conventional digital noise reduction cannot address, because competing speech occupies the same frequency bands as the target talker and shifts constantly.Also covers Machine Learning, Unique Amplification Strategy
No
Audio Stream MixerAudio Stream MixerAllows the user to adjust the volume of the audio stream relative to the microphone input using the push button or volume control on the hearing aid unit.
Yes
No
Direction SelectionDirection SelectionAllows the user to select one or more directions to focus their hearing aids on. For example, some hearing aids allow the listener to focus on sounds coming from in front or back, or from the right or left.
Front VoicesFront VoicesThe wearer selects front-only focus by hand, from the companion app or by holding the mode button on the right hearing aid. Fortell does not switch modes automatically: the difference between its modes is large enough that being in the wrong one costs more than automatic switching saves.FrontAlso covers Spatial Noise Cancellation
Speech FocusSpeech FocusIn the Universal Program, SpeechFocus steers the directional beam either to surround mode for side speech or to the rear. In manual programs, microphone beam to the right/left/rear directions.5/5Also covers Directionality
DirectionalityDirectionalityDepending on the types and number of microphones a hearing aid has, the hearing aid may be able to boost sounds from specific directions (by reducing sounds from other directions). This can be helpful to focus on a speaker directly in front of the hearing aid user, as well as to give the user information about where different sounds are coming from.
Adaptive
Binaural DirectionalityBinaural DirectionalityDirectionality provides scientifically proven enhanced speech understanding in noise. Available for bilateral fittings with directional microphones and e2e wireless link.Panorama EffectPanorama EffectWearers can effortlessly switch their hearing aid settings from focused speech comprehension to a 360° auditory experience, capturing the full soundscape of their surroundings.Spatial SpeechFocusSpatial SpeechFocusAvailable for bilateral fittings with Ultra HD e2e.Speech FocusSpeech FocusWith the Speech Focus feature on the Horizon app, users can enjoy an enhanced level of speech clarity. At the touch of a button, all speech frequencies are accentuated while background noise is filtered out, making it easy to hear the person speaking, regardless of the environment.Also covers Direction Selection
Ear SimulationEar SimulationThe outer ear, or pinna, can have a significant effect on the frequency shape of sound arriving at your inner ear. Some hearing aids mimic the "pinna effect" when producing sound, to deliver more natural sound to the listener.
No
TruEar 360TruEar 360Reproduces benefits of the natural pinna effect by highlighting the difference between front and back sources of sound.
Echo ReductionEcho ReductionThis feature improves speech audibility by reducing the “blurring” of speech sounds that can occur in the presence of echoes.
No
Auto EchoShieldAuto EchoShieldAutomatically creates a more comfortable hearing experience in high-reverb environments leading to increased speech clarity and natural room perceptions.
Environmental AdaptationEnvironmental AdaptationThe hearing aid can detect different acoustical environments, like speech in noise, and adjust the sound of the hearing aid accordingly to drive comfort or speech understanding, etc.
No
Conversation Dynamics AnalyzerConversation Dynamics AnalyzerPrecisely analyzing conversation dynamics 1,000 times per second including turntaking and timing, locations of pure noise without speech, and levels of background noise.Conversation Source AnalyzerConversation Source AnalyzerConstantly scouts the acoustic environment to identify number of talkers and their location, precisely analyzing 1,000 times per second.5/5RealTime Conversation EnhancementRealTime Conversation EnhancementProvides uninterrupted engagement in noisy group conversations by seamlessly tracking the locations of all conversation partners and enhancing their speech.5/5
Extended bandwidthExtended bandwidthHearing aid provides amplification at frequencies (pitches) higher than the typical hearing aid.
No
12kHz
Extended Dynamic RangeExtended Dynamic RangeExtended dynamic range typically makes louder sound clearer. This may help with the reproduction of loud music or loud speech in a very noisy environment.
No
Yes
Feedback SuppressionFeedback SuppressionIf any sound amplified by the hearing aid escapes the ear canal, it may reach the hearing aid’s own microphone and cause a harsh whistling noise. Some hearing aids are able to recognize when this feedback occurs and reduce or eliminate it.
Yes
Feedback cancellationFeedback cancellationHigh-speed monitoring and control of feedback risk in individual processing channels.
Listening ProgramsListening ProgramsNumber of manually accessible listening programs (using push button, remote, app, or other switching method)
4
6
Machine LearningMachine LearningThis hearing aid employs machine learning to bring a higher degree of computer-aided intelligence to decision making.
Spatial AISpatial AIThe network runs continuously on a custom machine-learning coprocessor inside each hearing aid -- no external processing unit and no phone-tethered processing -- rather than being triggered by a scene classifier.Also covers AI Noise Removal, Unique Amplification Strategy
No
Noise ReductionNoise ReductionThis feature uses modern hearing aids’ processing power to examine the incoming sound signal, determine if noise is present and reduce the volume of the troublesome sound to increase comfort.
Yes
SoundSmoothing™: 3SoundSmoothing™Reduces the sound of clattering cutlery and rustling newspaper, etc.
Own Voice ComfortOwn Voice ComfortAmplification is applied differently to your own voice versus the other voices around you. This allows adequate amplification of people you want to hear and no over-amplification of your own voice.
No
OVP™ 2.0OVP™ 2.0Processes the wearer's own voice independent from ambient sounds, providing improved speech clarity and a natural perception of their own voice as well as background noise.
Processing ChannelsProcessing ChannelsThese are all the frequency-divided sections the hearing aid is able to examine at a single time. The hearing aid uses this information to determine whether the contents of each section are noise, speech, or something else and amplify the sound in each section accordingly.
8
48
Spatial Noise CancellationSpatial Noise CancellationThis feature recognizes where sounds are coming from and can reduce noise coming from behind or to the side of the listener. This helps the listener focus on the speaker, usually in front of them.
Front VoicesFront VoicesListening mode that amplifies only the conversation in front of the wearer, excluding competing talkers to the rear and sides along with non-speech noise from any direction. This is the processing evaluated in Fortell's published intelligibility and listening-preference trials.Also covers Direction Selection
No
Sudden Loud Noise ReductionSudden Loud Noise ReductionThis feature detects loud sounds and reduces their volume to a comfortable level. Though not a replacement for hearing protection, this technology can greatly improve listener comfort.
Yes
No
Tinnitus ReliefTinnitus ReliefTinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be addressed by hearing aids in several different ways, such as introducing a soft therapeutic signal or targeted notched noise.
No
Yes
Unique Amplification StrategyUnique Amplification StrategyHearing aids all process sounds a little bit differently. Sometimes it varies even within one model.
Spatial AISpatial AISource-separating neural network that models both what a sound is and where it comes from. It reads sub-millisecond differences in timing, spectral content and amplitude across the microphones to split the incoming scene into sound that should be amplified and sound that should not, then amplifies only the former. Unlike a beamformer, which passes whatever falls inside its spatial filter, direction here is one input to a learned separation model that also reasons about whether a sound is a talker the wearer is attending to.Also covers AI Noise Removal, Machine Learning
Advanced Focus StreamsAdvanced Focus StreamsAdds up to 3 additional focus streams providing the correct amount of boost for each conversation partner's speech while allowing the wearer to stay connected to their environment.3Augmented Focus™Augmented Focus™Separates the focus sound (speech) from surroundings, creating a clear contrast between the two, which makes it easier to follow conversations.Conversation BoosterConversation BoosterDetermines the optimal balance of speech enhancement & noise reduction to augment speech while preserving the acoustic environment.5/5Dynamic Soundscape Processing 3.0Dynamic Soundscape Processing 3.0Integrates inputs for precise hearing aid optimzation, including (when available): acoustic sensors, motion sensors, OVP 2.0, noise detection, SNR analysis, and RealTime Conversation Enhancement.5/5Speech & Noise ManagementSpeech & Noise ManagementReduces listening effort using sophisticated sound processing.5/5SpeechStabilizerSpeechStabilizerPreserves the natural envelope of speech in any situation, including very noisy situations, which preserves acoustic cues that are important for speech understanding.
Wind Noise ReductionWind Noise ReductionAs wind blows against the microphones of hearing aids, unpleasant noise may be generated. Some hearing aids have the ability to recognize this wind noise and reduce its level. Such reductions may also affect the audibility of desired sounds, like speech.
Yes
eWindScreen binauraleWindScreen binauralBinaural processing of the audio signal (using Ultra HD e2e) delivers superb performance in asymmetrical wind environments.