The Bernafon Alpha 5 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.
We are once again looking at a conventional hearing aid for mild, moderate, and even severe hearing loss: This model is called Alpha 5 MNB T and comes from the company Bernafon. It is worn behind the ear, and it is a small hearing aid. The Alpha 5 MNB T is a model from a good, mid-range quality level. Let's see if the price classification is justified.
Hearing comfort
In the Hearing Comfort section, we look at how a hearing aid handles all the background noise. Comfortable noise management significantly contributes to a user liking and regularly wearing their hearing aids. In this Bernafon device, solid comfort programming is possible by the audiologist. The regular noise suppression aims to reduce uniform, noise-like background sounds. The Alpha 5 MNB T features a fairly effective noise reduction.
In our test, we also discovered impulse sound control. Short, popping noises are dampened by this. It works relatively well here, but we are not in the premium class. This device can detect wind and slightly attenuate the noise. Spatial hearing is a bit challenging at first, but once you understand how the microphones behave in certain situations, you can reliably estimate directions and distances. A high number of frequency bands aids in separating speech from noise. The Alpha 5 MNB T certainly ranks at the top with its 18 bands.
Artificial intelligence has also made its way into hearing aids, such as here in the Alpha 5 MNB T. This provides a lot more data to identify speech and noise. In our experience, the sound of hearing aids with AI is perceived as particularly precise and realistic.
Rating Hearing comfort: 2,7
Bernafon Alpha 5 MNB T:
Operation & connectivity
The control options for hearing aids today are as simple or as complex as anyone would like. The basic functions operate fully automatically, of course. We wanted to know how users can access the Alpha 5 MNB T furthermore. 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 listening situations can also be selected through it. The small remote control, which is optionally available, is very practical. For us, it is one of the most convenient ways to adjust the hearing aid's volume or switch to another hearing program. No one notices it, there's no need to touch the ear.
Some hearing aids can already be controlled by voice, but this one from Bernafon unfortunately cannot yet. It would be practical if fingers are no longer as nimble or if someone simply likes smart gadgets. In addition to buttons or remote controls, some hearing aids also have tap controls. This means you can simply tap your ear briefly, and then the device switches. However, we don't have that here at Bernafon; it would have required specific sensors.
It is very comfortable to adjust the hearing aids via the app. There is also a free app for the Alpha 5 MNB T. In our opinion, the range of functions is mediocre, but usually sufficient. It's best to try it out in demo mode beforehand. For our digital everyday life, a streaming option would be nice. The present device fulfills our wish and includes a 2.4 GHz wireless 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 5 MNB T:
The best alternatives to the Alpha 5 MNB T
Our database contains 84 reviews of hearing aids with similar technical features to this one (i.e., in klassischer Bauform in Size "", not rechargable, geeignet für Hörverlust-Grad leicht, mittel & stark). Here are the top 3 (Redaktionsstand 02.10.2025):
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Hansaton Beat FS 9 R T 13 | Rating: 5 / 5 |
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Hansaton Beat FS 9 R T 312 | Rating: 5 / 5 |
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Philips HearLink 9040 MNB T | Rating: 4.5 / 5 |
Simplicity & security
Another point on our checklist is handling. Is everything easy and reliable? What does the hearing aid offer to ensure safe use in everyday life? The Alpha 5 MNB T features a solid everyday automatic that is likely sufficient for a calmer life. However, we recommend the additional manual programs for more complex hearing environments. We award a big plus point for the automatic acclimatization assistant. It gradually increases the starting volume in very small steps until my hearing goal is reached. This greatly facilitates the adjustment to the new sound.
Many hearing aids today have a rechargeable battery, but the Alpha 5 MNB T still operates with disposable batteries. This is somewhat cumbersome to handle and also puts additional strain on the environment.
With an IP 68 certification, the hearing aid can withstand various adverse influences. Dust cannot penetrate, it can withstand longer immersion in water, and it is also protected against contact.
Rating Simplicity & security: 2,3
Extras
Finally, we want to know if the hearing aid might offer any specials: Bernafon has integrated a sound generator that plays some soothing sounds for those suffering from tinnitus. This can help distract from the tinnitus and provide a bit more relaxation.
A clever tool is the integrated remote maintenance service. Almost everyone has a smartphone, and time is a precious commodity. That's why such a remote maintenance service is absolutely appropriate. Those who need a new programming of their hearing aids can easily contact the audiologist through the app and describe their hearing preferences. Through a cloud service, the professional can then send a customized setting as a data package to the app. From there, it will be loaded onto the hearing aid and can be tried out immediately. That definitely deserves extra points in our test.
A new trend in the hearing aid industry is integrated sensors that can track a few personal health data, for example. However, the Alpha 5 MNB T does not offer this. Get even more out of the Alpha 5 MNB T by using the smart lifestyle features. They expand the range of the hearing aids with various assistance programs and significantly enhance the functionality.
Rating Extras: 1,8
Conclusion: Bernafon Alpha 5 MNB T
With a final grade of 3.18, this model holds its ground in the mid-range. It has a fairly decent comfort features on board, which are sufficient for typical everyday moments and create a satisfactory listening experience.
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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Philips HearLink 3050 MNR T R | Rating: 4.5 / 5 |
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Audio Service G8 8 Mood R LI T 8 | Rating: 4.5 / 5 |
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Audio Service G8 8 Mood R LI 8 | Rating: 4.5 / 5 |
Our Bernafon Alpha 5 MNB T review was created on January 7, 2023 and lastly updated on June 25, 2024. The overall rating of 3,18 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 3.5 | »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 does the Bernafon Alpha 5 MNB T cost?
The Alpha 5 MNB T by Bernafon is currently offered by providers in a rough price range of approximately between €2,000.00 and €2,500.00. You should consider this price in relation to the test score of 3.2 (satisfactory). And, for example, also in relation to the star rating in the area of noise suppression in our tests (3 out of 5 stars). You can find all comparison values in the hearing aid comparison.
How well does one hear with the Bernafon Alpha 5 MNB T?
The Alpha 5 MNB T by Bernafon achieves a score of 2.7 (satisfactory) in the testing area of hearing comfort. In the area of noise suppression, the hearing aid receives 3 out of 5 stars. For wind noise suppression, it gets the designation 'usable' (2 out of 5 stars). The hearing aid features 18 different equalizer bands in the test, which can be adjusted by the audiologist to cater to the individual's hearing ability (current top models reach 24).
Who is the Bernafon Alpha 5 MNB T 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 local audiology company can immediately determine after a professional hearing test whether this behind-the-ear hearing aid is suitable for you.
What is the size of the Bernafon Alpha 5 MNB T?
We have classified all hearing aids on the market into four size categories, from XXS (virtually invisible) to M (rather large). The Bernafon Alpha 5 MNB T has the size classification S, making it medium-sized compared to other hearing aids.
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