The Bernafon Alpha 1 MNR T R in review
Da dieses Gerät bereits von einer neueren Technik, dem Bernafon Alpha XT überholt wurde, haben wir die Gesamtnote mit einem Abschlag versehen.
Could this hearing aid from Bernafon's program be the right choice for you? In our review of the Alpha 1 MNR T R, we highlighted the most important aspects. Here we have a small hearing aid from a solid mid-range price category, worn behind the ear. The clever placement of the speaker 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. As a result, all the tones reach us exactly where we want them.
The Alpha 1 MNR T R provides sufficient amplification for nearly every hearing need.
Hearing comfort
The hearing comfort determines whether someone enjoys wearing their hearing aids or not. Therefore, we first looked at how the hearing aid handles background noise. In this model presented by Bernafon, we found very few options for comfort adjustment. Of course, there is noise suppression integrated, which is intended to soften strenuous background noises. The Alpha 1 MNR T R does have a very basic noise suppression, but it only provides a very slight reduction. We are happy that the Alpha 1 MNR T R includes wind noise reduction.
A filter for rattling, popping noises is not available here - unfortunately, no points for that. We miss a natural spatial hearing with this device, which does cause some difficulties in everyday life. We can no longer reliably detect directions. Those with limited vision should consider choosing another hearing aid. With 12 frequency bands, one can set a pretty good sound. A passionate musician may not be completely satisfied with this, but this number is more than sufficient for normal hearing and sound needs.
Understanding speech in noisy environments is always a challenge. Bernafon addresses this issue with the use of artificial intelligence. The result is brilliant and clear speech transmission while the ambient noises continue to come through realistically loud.
Rating Hearing comfort: 4,2
Operation & connectivity
“Can I make adjustments to my hearing aid myself?” “Is there perhaps an app?” These and similar questions are becoming increasingly important when choosing a hearing aid, so let’s take a look at the operating and connection options. One very quick way to adjust the volume is the small button on the device. It’s easy to feel, and you can adjust the volume in several steps to make it louder or quieter. Additional programs for special hearing situations can also be activated this way. If someone wants to forgo the button, they can simply have it deactivated. We do like the small remote controls, and we have found one for this model. This allows for discreet small changes in volume or sound.
In our tests, we did not find any option for voice control. This function is not necessarily required, but it would have pleased us nonetheless. Some hearing aids can also be controlled with a quick tap of the finger, without the need to press a button. However, this feature has not yet been implemented here.
It is very convenient to adjust the hearing aids via the app. There is also a free app for the Alpha 1 MNR T R. In our opinion, the range of functions is mediocre but mostly sufficient. It’s best to try it out in demo mode beforehand. For our digital everyday life, a streaming option would not be bad. The device in question meets our wish and comes with a 2.4 GHz radio module. This allows you to send phone calls and sounds directly from the smartphone to the hearing aids.
Rating Operation & connectivity: 2,0
Bernafon Alpha 1 MNR T R:
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Simplicity & security
We are also interested in how quickly one can get used to the Alpha 1 MNR T R and how easy daily use is. We receive relatively little support from the automatic programming in the Alpha 1 MNR T R. Without a few individual hearing programs, it is likely that one would not manage in a lively everyday life. Very important to us in terms of simplicity is the support during the adjustment period. Especially after having heard poorly for years, it can sometimes be difficult to perceive everything at a natural volume. In our test device, there is an acclimatization manager that helps us with very small volume adjustments throughout the adjustment phase. After a few weeks or months, we then reach the calculated amplification level.
A great relief in daily life is the integrated battery. This means my Alpha 1 MNR T R always has enough energy for the whole day, and I no longer have to worry that the batteries will suddenly run out in the middle of an event. Even with limited dexterity, a battery system is very helpful because it eliminates the need to insert small button cells.
The hearing aid has been classified in the IP protection class 68. This guarantees comprehensive protection against the ingress of dust. Water also cannot easily damage the hearing aid. It is therefore well-equipped for outdoor activities where it can get wet and dirty. However, you should still avoid bathing or swimming with the hearing aids. Bath additives or the salt content in seawater can change the composition and can ultimately cause damage.
Rating Simplicity & security: 2,0
Bernafon Alpha 1 MNR T R:
Extras
Before we come to the end, let's take a look at the extras: We were really impressed by the optional tinnitus program. There are relatively many people who are occasionally or frequently plagued by a whistling or buzzing in their ears. The tinnitus program in the Alpha 1 MNR T R is essentially nothing more than a sound generator. It aims to produce wideband noises or sounds that gently and pleasantly stimulate all areas of hearing. The tinnitus gets drowned out and is no longer perceived as bothersome.
A real added value is the remote maintenance service. For a change in hearing aid settings, you no longer have to go to the specialist store; instead, you can directly contact the audiologist via the app. Through a cloud service, you can then load the new data package into the hearing aids. This is exactly what we expect from a modern hearing aid.
Some hearing aids can track certain health data. However, this requires special sensors in the hearing aid, which unfortunately we do not have in the Alpha 1 MNR T R. Then there are a few lifestyle functions that turn your hearing aid into a smart assistant. Connect with voice assistants like Siri, or discover what else is in the app. While this doesn't have much to do with actual hearing, it can be extremely useful.
Rating Extras: 1,8
Conclusion: Bernafon Alpha 1 MNR T R
In the overall rating, this test device ranks in the lower positions and lacks some features. We assign a grade of 3.96. This is acceptable for less demanding listeners, but for a very active lifestyle, we recommend a hearing aid with more extensive comfort features.
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Our Bernafon Alpha 1 MNR T R review was created on January 24, 2023 and lastly updated on June 25, 2024. The overall rating of 3,96 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 2 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 4 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 4 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 4.5 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..
FAQ
How big is the Alpha 1 MNR T R from Bernafon?
Since a size in millimeters does not explain how large a hearing aid appears, we have divided the size perception into classes. Class "XXS" is practically invisible, class "M" has the largest appearance. The Alpha 1 MNR T R from Bernafon is in size class S. So it could be described as medium-sized.
What is the price of the Bernafon Alpha 1 MNR T R?
The Alpha 1 MNR T R from the manufacturer Bernafon is currently offered by hearing acousticians in Germany in a price range of approximately between €1,300.00 and €2,000.00. To assess the value for money, you should also consider the overall test score of 4.0 (sufficient).
How well does one hear with the Bernafon Alpha 1 MNR T R?
We give the Bernafon Alpha 1 MNR T R a comfort rating of 4.2 (sufficient). The Bernafon hearing aid receives the rating 'adequate' (2 out of 5 stars) for its suppression of wind noise. The noise suppression of the device only achieves 1 out of 5 stars. 12 frequency bands can be separately adjusted in this hearing aid for processing sound tones (top values of current high-end models: 24).
For whom is the Bernafon Alpha 1 MNR T R suitable?
If your hearing deficit is mild, moderate, or severe, the Bernafon Alpha 1 MNR T R may be suitable for you. This so-called "fitting range" of the hearing aid is determined by the manufacturer and relates, among other things, to the amplification of the hearing aid. Whether the device is actually suitable for you can only be meaningfully assessed by a hearing acoustician on site after a detailed hearing test has been conducted.
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