The Bernafon Alpha 5 MNB T R in review
Wir haben die Gesamtnote mit einem Abschlag versehen, da mit dem Bernafon Alpha XT bereits eine neuere Technik auf dem Markt ist.
Once again, we are looking at a conventional hearing aid for mild, moderate, and also severe hearing losses: This model is called Alpha 5 MNB T R and comes from the company Bernafon. It is worn behind the ear, and it is a slightly visible hearing aid. The Alpha 5 MNB T R is a model from the higher price range. Let’s see if the pricing is justified.
Hearing comfort
Good speech understanding is a given in modern hearing aids. Equally important is listening comfort. Only when the ratio of speech transmission to the level of background noise is right will hearing be perceived as pleasant. That’s why we take a look at the comfort features: In the Alpha 5 MNB T R, solid comfort programming by the audiologist is possible. Normal environmental noises like street noise, vacuum cleaner sounds, or fan noise should be dampened by classic noise suppression. In this Bernafon hearing aid, noise suppression works quite well. While there are other models that reduce background noise significantly more, this one should be sufficient for normal hearing everyday life.
The noise filter in this hearing aid is quite solid and suitable for everyday use. Wind noise can sometimes become an issue outdoors. Therefore, a moderate wind noise management system is integrated here. Adaptive microphone systems facilitate spatial hearing. However, one needs to get used to the new sound; especially at the beginning, it can be hard to clearly identify the origin of a sound. A high number of frequency bands supports the separation of speech and noise. The Alpha 5 MNB T R, with its 18 bands, certainly ranks well.
One component in the signal processing of the Alpha 5 MNB T R is artificial intelligence. The impact is positive, as many customers find conversations in noisy situations to be much more relaxed.
Rating Hearing comfort: 2,7
Bernafon Alpha 5 MNB T R:
Operation & connectivity
Digital hearing aids have long evolved beyond the normal amplification function. Apps and other control options significantly expand the range of functions, which is why we also take a look at this important topic with the Alpha 5 MNB T R from Bernafon. There is a button directly on the hearing aid. This allows you to change the volume or activate additional hearing programs. It can be programmed according to customer preferences. Of course, using it is optional. Very practical is the small remote control, which is available as an option. For us, this is one of the most convenient ways to adjust the volume of the hearing aid or switch to another hearing program. No one notices; reaching for the ear is not necessary.
For some time now, there has been a trend to adjust the hearing aids louder or quieter using voice commands. The idea is really good, but Bernafon hasn't reached that point with this device yet. Don't worry, this feature would be nice but is dispensable. Touch control of the hearing aids with a simple tap of the finger is not available in this Bernafon model, as it would have required specific sensors in the housing.
The app is definitely very useful. Anyone with a smartphone should download it. Even if the app is not one of our favorites, it is still a helpful addition to the Alpha 5 MNB T R. A streaming option would not be bad for our digital everyday life. The device at hand meets 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 R:
The best alternatives to the Alpha 5 MNB T R
Our database contains 63 reviews of hearing aids with similar technical features to this one (i.e., in klassischer Bauform in Size "", rechargable, geeignet für Hörverlust-Grad leicht, mittel & stark). Here are the top 3 (Redaktionsstand 02.10.2025):
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Phonak Naida Lumity 90 PR | Rating: 5 / 5 |
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Hansaton AQ Beat FS 9 R | Rating: 5 / 5 |
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Philips HearLink 9040 MNB T R | Rating: 5 / 5 |
Simplicity & security
Of course, we are also interested in how quickly one can get used to the Alpha 5 MNB T R and how easy daily use is. The integrated situational awareness in the Alpha 5 MNB T R is rated as mediocre. The most important loud and quiet situations are recognized and adapted. For more acoustically complex moments, this is not quite sufficient, as additional manual adjustment options are necessary. We give a big plus for the automatic acclimatization assistant. It gradually increases the starting volume until my hearing target is reached. This significantly eases the adjustment to the new sound.
The Alpha 5 MNB T R has a rechargeable battery. We find this very good because rechargeable hearing aids are absolutely up-to-date. You don’t have to have batteries lying around everywhere, and you don’t have to change the battery in the middle of a concert. The hearing aid simply plugs into the charging station overnight and has enough energy for the following day.
With an IP 68 certification, the hearing aid can withstand various adverse influences. Dust cannot penetrate, it can withstand longer submersion in water, and it is also protected against contact.
Rating Simplicity & security: 1,5
Bernafon Alpha 5 MNB T R:
Extras
Lastly, we are interested in whether there are any additional goodies on top: Are you among the tinnitus sufferers? Then you could use the optional tinnitus program in the Alpha 5 MNB T R. Soft, gentle sounds are tailored to your hearing and engage all areas of the inner ear. This is nothing more than a distraction maneuver, and it works remarkably well. The tinnitus disappears into the general noise and does not annoy further. This is a simple yet effective tool and earns extra points from us.
A clever tool is the integrated remote maintenance service. Almost everyone has a smartphone, and time is a scarce resource. Therefore, such a remote maintenance service is absolutely appropriate. If someone needs a new programming for their hearing aids, they can easily contact the audiologist via the app and describe their hearing preferences. Through a cloud service, the professional can then send a custom setting as a data package to the app. From there, it is uploaded to the hearing aid and can be tested immediately. This definitely deserves extra points in our test.
There are no sensors in this Alpha 5 variant, so the popular health tracking cannot be offered. For example, steps are counted throughout the day. As mentioned - this hearing aid does not have this function built in. Then there are a few lifestyle features that turn your hearing aid into a smart assistant. Connect with voice assistants like Siri, or discover what else the app has to offer. Although this has not much to do with actual hearing, it can be extremely helpful.
Rating Extras: 1,8
Conclusion: Bernafon Alpha 5 MNB T R
With an overall grade of 3, this model holds its ground in the mid-range. It has quite a decent comfort equipment on board, sufficient for typical everyday moments and creates 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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Signia Active Pro IX ITC | Rating: 5 / 5 |
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Philips HearLink 5050 MNR T R | Rating: 5 / 5 |
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Audio Service G8 12 Mood R LI T 8 | Rating: 5 / 5 |
Our Bernafon Alpha 5 MNB T R review was created on April 14, 2023 and lastly updated on June 25, 2024. The overall rating of 3,00 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 3.5 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 4 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 4.5 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 4.5 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..
FAQ
How much does the Bernafon Alpha 5 MNB T R cost?
The Alpha 5 MNB T R from Bernafon is currently offered by providers in a rough price range of approximately between €2,500.00 and €3,000.00. You should view this price in relation to the test score of 3.0 (satisfactory). And, for example, also depending on 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 can you hear with the Bernafon Alpha 5 MNB T R?
The Alpha 5 MNB T R from Bernafon achieves a score of 2.7 (satisfactory) in the test area of hearing comfort. In the area of noise suppression, the hearing aid scores 3 out of 5 stars. For wind noise suppression, it receives the designation 'acceptable' (2 out of 5 stars). The hearing aid displays 18 different equalizer bands in the test, which can be adjusted by the hearing care professional to the individual's hearing ability (the current top models reach 24).
Who is the Alpha 5 MNB T R from Bernafon suitable for?
This hearing aid is aimed at people whose hearing loss is mild, moderate, or severe. This so-called "fitting range" is provided by Bernafon as a rough framework. A good local hearing care company can immediately tell you, 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 R?
We have classified all hearing aids on the market into four size categories, from XXS (practically invisible) to M (rather large). The Bernafon Alpha 5 MNB T R has a size classification of S, which means it is medium-sized compared to other hearing aids.
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