Test report: Bernafon Alpha 5 MNR T R

The Bernafon Alpha 5 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.

Bernafon offers the Alpha 5 MNR T R, a small hearing aid that is worn behind the ear. It is a mid-range hearing aid suitable for moderate, severe, and changing hearing losses. The smart decision to place the speaker directly in the ear canal ensures that sound reaches the eardrum without losses.

Hearing comfort

In the section about hearing comfort, we look at how a hearing aid handles all the background noises. A comfortable noise management significantly contributes to whether a user likes and regularly wears their hearing aids. For this Bernafon device, solid comfort programming by the hearing care professional is possible. The regular noise suppression aims to mitigate uniform, noise-like background sounds. In the Alpha 5 MNR T R, ambient noise is reliably recognized, but only moderately reduced.

There is also a so-called bang filter. It slightly dampens short and loud noises. This is a useful function, but we would have liked a bit more adjustment depth. Those who enjoy spending time outdoors will appreciate the wind noise suppression. While it may not be very strong, it is definitely useful. Spatial hearing needs a bit of training with these hearing aids. Although the movable microphones help, their position at the top of the ear cup does not replicate the spatial sound like that of a normally hearing person. However, after a short adjustment period, spatial hearing works quite well. The more channels the equalizer in the hearing aid has, the more reliably speech and background noises can be separated. The sound can also be shaped better. The Alpha 5 MNR T R has 18 channels, making it one of the more powerful models.

Interestingly, artificial intelligence also plays a role in signal processing here. The sound is analyzed not only based on typical frequency patterns. Especially intense, noisy situations are perceived as more realistic and pleasant.

Bernafon is one of the first manufacturers to implement artificial intelligence in its signal processing. This impacts the precise detection of individual sound sources. Users now find it significantly easier to perceive all ambient sounds while still clearly hearing speech.

Rating Hearing comfort: 2,7

Bernafon Alpha 5 MNR T R:

Operation & connectivity

The majority of hearing aids automatically adapt to their surroundings. Nevertheless, it is sometimes very practical to be able to make adjustments yourself. After all, the hearing aid does not know how you are feeling. We looked into the control options offered by the Alpha 5 MNR T R: A very quick way to adjust the volume is the small button on the device. It is easy to feel, and you can adjust it louder or quieter in several steps. Additional programs for specific listening situations can also be activated this way. If someone prefers not to use the button, they can simply have it deactivated. We do like the small remote controls, and for this model, we found one. This allows for discreet small adjustments to the volume or sound.

In the test, we did not find a voice control option. This function is not necessarily essential, but we would have appreciated it nonetheless. Another option for controlling the hearing aids is a tapping control. You simply tap your fingers on your ear, which then triggers a specific function. However, this option is not available in this Bernafon device.

The app is definitely very useful. Anyone with a smartphone should download it. Although the app is not one of our favorites, it is certainly a useful addition to the Alpha 5 MNR T R. You don't need headphones anymore, as it has a wireless option and can transmit sounds directly from the smartphone to your ears – provided the smartphone is equipped with 2.4 GHz LE technology.

Rating Operation & connectivity: 2,0

Simplicity & security

Let's continue with the test: How does it stand with usability? Is it easy or complicated to handle the hearing aid? Hearing is greatly facilitated by good situational awareness. In the Alpha 5 MNR T R, we found a quite solid automatic system that handles the most common hearing situations well. This might be sufficient if the acoustic conditions are not too challenging. A key aspect of simplicity for us is the support during the acclimatization process. 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 through the adjustment phase with very small volume adjustments. After a few weeks or months, we then reach the calculated amplification level.

The Alpha 5 MNR T R is rechargeable and no longer requires hearing aid batteries. This is environmentally friendly as there are no old batteries to dispose of. At the same time, it is also extremely convenient since no spare batteries need to be carried. The hearing aids simply go into the charging station in the evening and are ready for use the next morning.

We also take a look at the robustness of the housing and find the protection class IP 68 in the data sheet. This means that dust cannot penetrate at all, and water becomes dangerous only after prolonged submersion. Protection against contact is also included.

For the Bernafon Alpha, there are two charging stations to choose from: a desktop charger for home and the ChargerPlus with an integrated power bank.

Rating Simplicity & security: 1,5

Bernafon Alpha 5 MNR T R:

Extras

Finally, let's take a quick look to see if there are any extras available: Are you among those suffering from tinnitus? If so, you could use the optional tinnitus program in the Alpha 5 MNR T R. Soft, gentle sounds are tailored to your hearing and engage all areas of the inner ear. It's nothing more than a distraction tactic, and it works surprisingly well. The tinnitus fades into the general noise and is no longer bothersome. This is a simple but effective tool, and it earns extra points from us.

We find the remote maintenance service exciting, which can be utilized. If you don't have the opportunity to visit the hearing specialist, you can contact them instead via the app, briefly describe your hearing issue, and then receive a data package with a new hearing aid configuration. If it sounds good, you can upload it to your hearing aids.

A new trend in the hearing aid industry is integrated sensors that can track some personal health data, but the Alpha 5 MNR T R does not offer this. With devices like this one from Bernafon, our test reports are getting longer, as there are now also intelligent additional functions. Various assistants make your life easier and are personalized in the app. While not absolutely necessary, it’s a lot of fun. We give it a good rating.

Rating Extras: 1,8

Conclusion: Bernafon Alpha 5 MNR T R

With a final grade of 3, this model holds its own in the mid-range. It comes with a fairly decent comfort configuration that is sufficient for typical daily moments and provides a satisfactory listening experience.

 

Our Bernafon Alpha 5 MNR T R review was created on July 1, 2021 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

What does the Bernafon Alpha 5 MNR T R cost?

The Alpha 5 MNR T R from Bernafon is currently offered by providers in a rough price range of approximately between €2,000.00 and €2,500.00. You should view this price in relation to the test score of 3.0 (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 can you hear with the Bernafon Alpha 5 MNR T R?

The Alpha 5 MNR T R from Bernafon achieves a grade of 2.7 (satisfactory) in the hearing comfort test area. In the area of noise suppression, the hearing aid achieves 3 out of 5 stars. For wind noise suppression, it receives the rating 'adequate' (2 out of 5 stars). The hearing aid shows 18 different equalizer bands in the test, which can be adjusted by the audiologist to the individual hearing ability (current top models reach 24).

Who is the Bernafon Alpha 5 MNR T R suitable for?

This hearing aid is aimed at people with mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss. This so-called "fitting range" is provided by Bernafon as a rough framework. 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 MNR T R?

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 MNR T R has a size classification of S, making it medium-sized compared to other hearing aids.

 

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