The Bernafon Alpha 1 IIC in review
Wir haben die Gesamtnote mit einem Abschlag versehen, da mit dem Bernafon Alpha XT bereits eine neuere Technik auf dem Markt ist.
Could this hearing aid from the Bernafon program be the right one for you? In our review of the Alpha 1 IIC, we highlighted the key aspects. We get a miniaturized hearing aid, about 1 cm long, from an affordable price segment, worn in the ear. The perfect, very deep placement in the ear canal lays the foundation for good hearing success, as the sound has only a very short distance to travel to the eardrum. This ensures that all tones reach the place where we want them to be.
The Alpha 1 IIC provides sufficient amplification for mild to profound hearing losses.
Hearing comfort
First, we evaluate the hearing comfort features. What types of sounds does the hearing aid recognize? How does it handle them? Is the hearing aid suitable for a varied daily life? Here, with this test device, a solid comfort programming by the audiologist is possible. As with all hearing aids, we also find the typical noise cancellation here. It aims to reduce monotonous, noisy background sounds so that they no longer stand out. The Alpha 1 IIC has standard noise suppression integrated by the manufacturer. It is active in the background but cannot be further adjusted.
In this model, wind noise management can be omitted. The hearing aid sits deep enough in the ear canal that wind noises do not become a problem. A so-called pop filter would have been nice; it would have made the clattering when unloading the dishwasher a bit more bearable. But we have to do without that in the Alpha 1 IIC. We always take a close look at the number of equalizer bands. They are important for adjusting the sound of a hearing aid as accurately as possible to the hearing curve. Additionally, the speech noise management also takes place within these bands. The Alpha 1 IIC has 12 of them. That's okay. In spatial hearing, the Alpha 1 IIC shows its full strength: Due to its deep position just before the eardrum, sound capture occurs similarly to an ear without a hearing aid. The outer ear naturally directs sound into the ear canal, and the existing head shadow effects are utilized further. Such good 3D hearing could probably not be artificially produced.
By the way, you may perceive the sound from this Bernafon device as clearer and more natural, especially in noisy environments. This is likely due to the implemented artificial intelligence. The hearing aid has been fed with millions of real sounds, leading to significantly improved discrimination between speech and noise.
NFMI stands for "Near Field Magnetic Induction" and ensures that the right and left hearing aids exchange information, providing the best possible performance for the hearing aid user. It also ensures a consistent playback of sounds that can be adjusted against tinnitus. In this small form factor, this wireless module is not built-in. Therefore, some technical functions are not possible. However, in our opinion, this is not crucial, as the devices compensate for this minor deficiency through their deep positioning in the ear canal by utilizing the natural auricle. NFMI can already be optionally integrated in the CIC size.
Rating Hearing comfort: 3,0
Operation & connectivity
“Can I adjust something on my hearing aid myself?” “Is there perhaps an app?” These and similar questions are becoming increasingly important when choosing a hearing aid, which is why we will take a look at the operating and connection options. First, we are interested in whether there is a button on the device. Unfortunately, we are disappointed with the IIC, as there is no immediate adjustment option. We would have liked a remote control, but Bernafon does not offer one for this model. So no points in this regard.
We are always excited when a hearing aid surprises us with a great additional feature. For example, we would have liked to see voice control here. However, this is currently not available in the Alpha 1 IIC. Tap Control would have also been an interesting function. With this, you can change the function by tapping your ear. But this is not available in the Alpha 1 IIC yet.
Quickly adjusting the volume via the app - unfortunately, this is not possible with the Alpha 1 IIC. An app is not available for this purpose. However, this is irrelevant if you are not a smartphone user anyway. The smartphone cannot be connected to the hearing aid, as it unfortunately lacks the necessary equipment with a wireless antenna.
If you wish to connect a smartphone, TV adapter, or similar devices, you should use our Hearing Aids Search, where you can filter exactly your desired model using an intelligent configurator.
Rating Operation & connectivity: 3,8
The best alternatives to the Alpha 1 IIC
Our database contains 45 reviews of hearing aids with similar technical features to this one (i.e., In the ear (ITE) in völlig unsichtbarer Ausführung in Size "", not rechargable, geeignet für Hörverlust-Grad leicht, mittel & stark). Here are the top 3 (Redaktionsstand 02.10.2025):
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Starkey Genesis AI 24 IIC NW | Rating: 4 / 5 |
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Starkey Signature Series 24 IIC NW | Rating: 4 / 5 |
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Oticon Own 1 IIC | Rating: 4 / 5 |
Simplicity & security
Usability is the next aspect we want to focus on. This relates to everyday practicality and the question of how easy and safe it is to live with the hearing aid. We do not necessarily experience simple, comfortable hearing with the Alpha 1 IIC. In a quieter everyday environment, one can manage fairly well, but as soon as you have a varied hearing experience, you cannot avoid manual adjustments. We are very pleased with the integrated acclimatization manager. It gradually increases the volume of the hearing aid in tiny steps until our target amplification is eventually reached. We can relax and gradually get used to the new sound experiences.
The Alpha 1 IIC is not rechargeable. It operates with size 10 hearing aid batteries. Disadvantage: The batteries are disposed of after use. Advantage: The daily charging of batteries is eliminated, and the hearing aid runs continuously for several days on a single battery.
The data sheet certifies the Bernafon device with an IP protection class rating of 68. This makes it one of the most robust hearing aids on the market. Dust has no chance, and water also does not penetrate the casing, as long as it does not submerge deeper than 1.5 m. However, be cautious. For example, shampoo alters the surface tension of water. You should also avoid saltwater. In everyday life, however, you can behave quite carefree.
Rating Simplicity & security: 2,8
Extras
Finally, let's briefly check if there are any additional features: Tinnitus is a concern for many people, but unfortunately this hearing aid does not have a specific tinnitus sound program. So we cannot award any extra points here.
An online contact to the audiologist via the app would be very useful. This is quite common today and helps with minor adjustment problems. Unfortunately, Bernafon does not offer this and therefore does not earn any extra points.
Tracking health data is a real added value in modern hearing aids. However, this Bernafon model lacks the sensors for this service. Other hearing aids already offer a few advanced options like a fall alarm or reminder functions. We do not find these here, and that's not so dramatic, as the normal hearing functions are still the most important.
Rating Extras: 4,0
Conclusion: Bernafon Alpha 1 IIC
In summary, this device ranks among the lower positions and provides us with little more than a solid basic equipment. Of course, you can understand speech with the device, just like with all hearing aids, but not much is done to reduce listening effort. Our overall rating: 4.68. Please always put this rating in relation to the price range of this hearing aid.
What is the difference between the various designs? Are there mini hearing aids available with batteries? Or with Bluetooth? Read our extensive in-ear hearing aids comparison, which contains this and many more interesting information for you.
Top alternatives in the same price range
Which devices in a comparable price range currently show the best technical performance? Here are the current top 3:
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Hansaton Beat FS 3 R T 13 | Rating: 4 / 5 |
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Hansaton Beat FS 3 R T 675 | Rating: 4 / 5 |
Our Bernafon Alpha 1 IIC review was created on April 25, 2023 and lastly updated on June 25, 2024. The overall rating of 4,68 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 3 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 2.5 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 3.5 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 2 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..
FAQ
How much does the Bernafon Alpha 1 IIC cost?
The Alpha 1 IIC from Bernafon is currently offered by providers in a rough price range of approximately €1,300.00 to €2,000.00. You should consider this price in relation to the test score of 4.7 (poor). And also, for example, in relation to the star rating in the area of noise suppression in our tests (only 1 out of 5 stars). You can find all comparison values in the hearing aid comparison.
How well can you hear with the Bernafon Alpha 1 IIC?
The Alpha 1 IIC from Bernafon receives a score of 3.0 (satisfactory) in the hearing comfort testing area. In the area of noise suppression, the hearing aid only reaches 1 out of 5 stars. For wind noise suppression, it receives the label 'natural' because it takes advantage of the natural shape of the ear, making it almost impossible for wind noise to occur. The hearing aid shows 12 different equalizer bands in the test, which can be adjusted by the hearing care professional to the individual hearing ability (the current top models achieve 24).
Who is the Bernafon Alpha 1 IIC suitable for?
This hearing aid is aimed at people whose hearing loss is mild, moderate, or severe. This so-called "fitting range" is roughly defined by Bernafon. A good hearing care company nearby can immediately tell after a professional hearing test whether this in-ear hearing aid is suitable for you.
What size is the Bernafon Alpha 1 IIC?
We have classified all hearing aids on the market into four size categories, from XXS (virtually invisible) to M (fairly large). The Bernafon Alpha 1 IIC has the size classification XXS, making it extremely small compared to other hearing aids.
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