hear.com Horizon Go IX vs. Sony CRE-C20

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.

The Sony CRE-C20 is a discreet, over-the-counter hearing aid designed for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, featuring a compact size and rechargeable battery for up to 28 hours of use. While it offers a user-friendly setup and an Auto Sound Analyzer for enhanced speech clarity, it lacks Bluetooth streaming capabilities, which may be a consideration for users seeking more advanced connectivity options.

Hear.com Horizon Go IX achieved a SoundScore of 4.16/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #14 of 35 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.91/5.

The Sony CRE-C20 achieved a SoundGrade of B and ranked #21 out of 56 devices in the OTC Hearing Aid category, placing it in the top 36% of OTC devices tested by HearAdvisor. This positions it as an above-average performer within a competitive category.

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.

Sony CRE-C20 has an excellent IP rating of 68, which aligns with our hands-on experience as we observed an improved build quality compared to CRE-C10.

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.

CRE-C20 offer an impressive battery life of up to 28 hours. I also liked the portable charging case which offers you Qi wireless charging.

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

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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.

Sony's Hearing Control app includes good features and allows your to further personalize CRE-C20 with their on-ear hearing assessment. One downside though is that the hearing aids and app communicate with sound cues from your phone. I find this method of wireless communication less reliable that Bluetooth, and it overall makes the pairing process more complicated.

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.

CRE-C20 are good comfortable once you find the best tip for your ears. They are not overly plugging though it can take some time to get used to having a hearing aid so deep in your ear canal.

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

CRE-C20 are surprisingly small and sit mostly invisible in your ears. The style works well and was originally designed as an "instant-fit" prescription hearing aid from Signia.

Hear.com Horizon Go IX has a value score of 3.0/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

The Sony CRE-C20 offers moderate value relative to its $999 price point, with several higher-scoring alternatives available at similar or lower prices.

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.

CRE-C20's smaller size and method of wireless communication make it more difficult to manage than many other hearing aids. However, Sony has improved upon the design as CRE-C20 now uses internal rechargeable batteries, as opposed to disposable ones. It is a unique offering with many pros but be sure to consider this against your needs and abilities.

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.

Sony does not offer great support with their hearing aids. You are limited to phone and email based technical assistance which is a downside to many OTC products.