Test report: Bernafon Alpha 3 MNB T

The Bernafon Alpha 3 MNB T in review

Das Bernafon Alpha XT ist der Nachfolger dieser Technik. Da sie nicht mehr ganz aktuell ist, haben wir eine Abwertung in der Gesamtnote vorgenommen.

Bernafon is launching its Alpha 3 MNB T, a conventional hearing aid from the upper mid-range market. It is a small hearing aid for moderate, more severe, and changing hearing losses and is worn behind the ear.

Hearing comfort

At least as important as speech understanding is listening comfort. After all, our environment should sound as realistic and pleasant as possible. So let's take a look at noise management: In this model, which Bernafon offers here, solid comfort programming by the acoustician is possible. Of course, there is noise suppression integrated, designed to reduce tiring background noises. The Alpha 3 MNB T has a fairly well-functioning noise reduction. When it comes to wind noise suppression, we are dealing with a relatively simple wind dampener.

Our test has discovered impulse sound damping. It slightly attenuates popping, quickly occurring sounds. We miss good spatial sound, but the automatic focus can be quite helpful in situations with multiple people. The Alpha 3 MNB T has 14 adjustable frequency bands, placing it in the mid-range. A good acoustician can certainly extract a reasonable sound from it.

One component in the signal processing of the Alpha 3 MNB T is artificial intelligence. The influence is positive, as many customers find conversations in noisy situations significantly more relaxed.

Rating Hearing comfort: 3,2

Bernafon Alpha 3 MNB T:

Operation & connectivity

The operation options for hearing aids today are as simple or as complex as anyone would like. The basic functions, of course, run fully automatically. We wanted to find out how a user can further access the Alpha 3 MNB T. For those who want to quickly and easily adjust the volume up or down, there is a button on the device. Additional programs for special hearing situations can also be selected through it. A discreet way to change the hearing aid is the remote control. It fits in any pocket. If the person you are talking to is speaking too quietly again, one or two clicks are enough to adjust the volume. Additional hearing programs for listening to music or driving can also be activated with the remote control.

The modern form of operation via voice command is not yet found in the Alpha 3 MNB T. Some hearing aids can also be controlled with a simple tap of the finger, without the need to press a button. However, this feature is not yet implemented here.

The app is definitely very useful. Anyone with a smartphone should download it. Even though the app is not one of our favorites, it is still a useful addition to the Alpha 3 MNB T. The Alpha 3 comes with a 2.4 GHz antenna and allows us to enjoy stereo phone calls. This actually gives us an advantage over those with normal hearing. We think this is good and are happy to give points.

Rating Operation & connectivity: 2,0

Bernafon Alpha 3 MNB T:

Simplicity & security

An important factor for the acceptance of a hearing aid is its practicality for everyday use. This includes, for example, automated functions as well as robustness and user-friendliness. The Alpha 3 MNB T features a solid everyday automatic that is probably sufficient for a quieter life. However, for more complex listening environments, we recommend the additional manual programs. We are very pleased with the integrated acclimatization manager. It gradually increases the volume of the hearing aid in tiny steps in the background until our target amplification is eventually reached. We can relax and gradually get used to the new auditory impressions.

Many hearing aids today have a rechargeable battery, but the Alpha 3 MNB T continues to operate with disposable batteries. This is somewhat cumbersome to handle and also places a burden on the environment.

The Alpha 3 is nearly dust and waterproof and, with its IP 68 rating, is certainly well protected against external influences.

Rating Simplicity & security: 2,3

Extras

Finally, we want to know if the hearing aid offers any specials: Do you suffer from tinnitus? Then you could use the optional tinnitus program in the Alpha 3 MNB T. Soft, gentle sounds are tuned to your hearing and engage all areas of the inner ear. This is nothing more than a distraction technique, and it works surprisingly well. The tinnitus fades into the background noise and is no longer annoying. This is a simple but effective tool, and we give it extra points.

A real added value is the remote maintenance service. You no longer have to go to the specialty store for a change in the hearing aid settings; you can directly contact the audiologist via the app. Through a cloud service, you can then upload the new data package to 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 we unfortunately do not have in the Alpha 3 MNB T. Digital algorithms and suitable apps increasingly allow the integration of lifestyle functions that support your daily life. We are impressed by what hearing aids like this one from Bernafon can do today. Be sure to try it out!

Rating Extras: 1,8

Conclusion: Bernafon Alpha 3 MNB T

With an overall grade of 3.46, this model holds its ground in the mid-range. It offers a reasonably good comfort feature set that is sufficient for typical everyday moments and creates a satisfying listening experience.

 

Our Bernafon Alpha 3 MNB T review was created on January 17, 2023 and lastly updated on June 25, 2024. The overall rating of 3,46 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 3 | »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

What size is the Alpha 3 MNB T from Bernafon?

Big or small is related to the external appearance. Therefore, we assess how large hearing aids appear to outsiders. The Bernafon Alpha 3 MNB T is classified as size S. This means it has a medium size appearance.

How well can I hear with the Alpha 3 MNB T from Bernafon?

This hearing aid scores an overall rating of 3.2 (satisfactory) in the area of "hearing comfort." The rating is composed of various components. Important criteria: Noise reduction achieves 3 out of 5 stars. The number of adjustable frequency bands in the Bernafon Alpha 3 MNB T is 14 (the best in class currently has 24 bands). For wind noise reduction, we rate the device as 'adequate' (2 out of 5 stars).

Is the Bernafon Alpha 3 MNB T suitable for me?

The suitability range of hearing aids is called the "fitting range" by hearing acousticians. Bernafon has established the following fitting range for the Alpha 3 MNB T: hearing loss mild, moderate, or severe. Have a professional hearing test conducted at a hearing acoustics business near you, then you will know if this hearing aid is suitable for you.

How much does the Bernafon Alpha 3 MNB T cost?

Is the Alpha 3 MNB T from Bernafon expensive or affordable? It is currently traded in Germany at an approximate price range of between €2,000.00 and €2,500.00. If a health insurance company contributes, the amount will be significantly lower. Important: You should evaluate the price in relation to the overall rating in the test report (3.5 (satisfactory)) and especially with the assessment in the area of noise reduction (3 out of 5 stars).

 

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