Horizon iX hearing aids are manufactured by WS Audiology and sold exclusively through hear.com, the direct marketing platform that WS Audiology also owns.
Horizon devices are essentially rebranded versions of Signia hardware, closely related to models like the Signia Charge and Go IX line.
This arrangement lets hear.com offer what feels like its own proprietary product while relying on the same engineering and manufacturing resources behind Signia and Widex.
This guide explains the real ownership behind Horizon iX, how hear.com fits into the picture, and how these devices compare to buying directly from a clinic.
For related manufacturer research, see our guides to who makes Phonak hearing aids and who makes Jabra hearing aids.
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Who Makes Horizon iX Hearing Aids?
Horizon iX devices are built by WS Audiology, the same global manufacturer behind Signia, Widex, and Rexton.
hear.com markets Horizon as its own flagship product line, but the underlying chips, casings, and sound processing come from WS Audiology engineering.
This is similar to how a car dealership network might sell a vehicle under its own trim name while the manufacturer builds every mechanical component.
What Is hear.com and How Does It Relate to WS Audiology?
hear.com is the United States division of audibene, a hearing care marketing company originally founded in Germany in 2012.
WS Audiology owns hear.com outright, giving the manufacturer a direct to consumer sales channel alongside its traditional clinic distribution.
hear.com connects shoppers with a nationwide network of partner hearing care professionals who handle fitting and followup appointments for Horizon devices.
How Is Horizon iX Different From Signia?
Reviewers note that Horizon iX hearing aids are nearly identical in hardware to certain Signia models, particularly the Charge and Go IX series.
The main differences tend to be in branding, packaging, and how the device is bundled with hear.com service and support rather than in the core technology itself.
Buyers sometimes choose Horizon specifically because of the hear.com sales experience and remote support options rather than any unique hardware advantage.
What Technology Does Horizon iX Include?
Horizon iX offers rechargeable, nearly invisible designs with direct Bluetooth streaming to smartphones for calls, music, and video audio.
The devices include automatic sound environment detection, inherited from WS Audiology sound processing platforms used across Signia products.
Hear.com markets Horizon as an all in one option that pairs the hardware with ongoing remote adjustments through its telehealth style support model.
How Much Do Horizon iX Hearing Aids Cost?
Horizon iX pricing is generally in line with other premium prescription hearing aids, reflecting its shared WS Audiology hardware platform.
hear.com often bundles the device price with fitting, followup adjustments, and a trial period as part of its service package.
Shoppers should compare the total bundled price against getting a similar Signia model directly through a local independent audiologist.
Is Horizon iX Really Good or Really Worth It?
Reviewers generally rate Horizon iX as a solid premium hearing aid, largely because it shares its core technology with the well regarded Signia lineup.
The hear.com buying experience, including its no risk trial and remote support, appeals to buyers who prefer convenience over visiting multiple local clinics to compare brands.
Some independent audiologists note that buyers might find similar or identical hardware for a different price through a direct Signia purchase at a local clinic, so comparing quotes is worthwhile.
Where Can You Buy Horizon iX Hearing Aids?
Horizon iX hearing aids are sold exclusively through hear.com rather than through independent audiology clinics.
The purchase process typically starts online or over the phone, followed by a hearing evaluation and fitting through a hear.com partner provider.
How Does hear.com Support Compare to a Local Clinic?
hear.com emphasizes remote adjustments through phone and video appointments, which can be convenient for buyers who prefer not to visit a clinic in person for every followup.
A traditional independent audiologist may offer more flexibility in comparing multiple manufacturer brands side by side, since most local clinics work with several hearing aid companies rather than one exclusive partner.
Buyers should decide which experience fits their lifestyle better, since both routes ultimately lead to a WS Audiology built device when choosing Horizon or Signia.
Because hear.com operates under WS Audiology ownership, its marketing sometimes highlights Horizon as an exclusive innovation, even though the same underlying engineering also powers other WS Audiology brands sold elsewhere.
This does not make Horizon a lesser product, since WS Audiology is one of the largest and most established hearing aid manufacturers in the world.
It simply means buyers are paying for the hear.com sales experience and support model as much as for a unique piece of hardware.
Asking your provider directly which WS Audiology platform a specific Horizon model is based on can help you make a more informed comparison before signing a purchase agreement.
That extra bit of research often clarifies whether the price difference between Horizon and a comparable Signia model comes down to hardware or simply the bundled service package.
Overall, Horizon iX remains a strong choice for buyers who want a premium WS Audiology device paired with a fully guided, remote friendly purchase experience from hear.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About Horizon iX Hearing Aids
Is Horizon iX the same as Signia?
Horizon iX shares its core hardware with certain Signia models, since both are manufactured by WS Audiology, though they are sold under different brand names.
Who owns hear.com?
hear.com is owned by WS Audiology, the same global manufacturer that builds Signia, Widex, and Rexton hearing aids.
Do I need a prescription for Horizon iX?
Yes, Horizon iX devices are prescription grade hearing aids that require a hearing evaluation and professional fitting through a hear.com partner provider.
Is hear.com a manufacturer or a retailer?
hear.com functions as a retailer and marketing platform, connecting consumers with hearing professionals who fit devices manufactured by its parent company, WS Audiology.
Sources: hear.com Horizon page, HearingTracker, and WS Audiology brands page.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.