The Bernafon Alpha 7 ITE HS in review
Die Technik dieses Gerätes wurde vom Bernafon Alpha XT abgelöst und ist daher nicht mehr ganz aktuell. Wir haben deshalb eine Abwertung in der Gesamtnote vorgenommen.
This test report is about the Alpha 7 ITE HS. It was developed by Bernafon and covers mild, moderate, and more severe hearing needs. This variant is worn in the ear. The Alpha 7 ITE HS is a discreet hearing aid from the Advanced Class. We achieve clean sound transmission through the sound outlet located close to the eardrum.
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 the noise management: In this model, which Bernafon offers here, the manufacturer provides the customer with comprehensive noise management. Of course, noise suppression is integrated, designed to soften irritating background sounds. In the Alpha 7 ITE HS, the noise suppression can be adjusted to the customer's preferences. We are pleased that the Alpha 7 ITE HS includes wind reduction.
Impulse sounds occur very frequently in daily life. There’s the dishwasher that needs to be unloaded, or the keys being placed on the table. The Alpha 7 ITE HS features strong impulse sound management that makes these sounds bearable. Spatial hearing is reliably supported by multifunction microphones and is definitely practical. A brilliant listening experience is also based on the number of frequency bands. The more bands there are and the narrower the individual frequency channels, the better the hearing aid can be tailored to individual preferences. Here we have a total of 20 bands. This allows for not only creating a great sound impression but also very careful speech and noise suppression.
By the way, you might find that you perceive the sound of this Bernafon device as clearer and more natural, especially in noisy environments. This is likely due to the implemented artificial intelligence. The hearing aid has already been fed millions of real sounds, leading to a significantly improved distinction between speech and noise.
Rating Hearing comfort: 2,2
Operation & connectivity
Almost everyone of us owns a smartphone, which raises the question of whether it can be connected to the new hearing aid as well. Let's take a look at the connectivity and usability of the Alpha 7 ITE HS. 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 this. Upon request, there is a remote control for the hearing aid. This makes it easy to adjust the volume. The handling is not only child’s play, but no one will notice that you are currently adjusting your hearing aids.
The modern method of controlling via voice command is not yet found in the Alpha 7 ITE HS. Tap Control would have been an interesting feature. With that, you can change the function with a simple tap on the ear. But this is not available in the Alpha 7 ITE HS yet.
The app is definitely very useful. Anyone with a smartphone should download it. Even if the app doesn't belong to our favorites, it is a helpful addition to the Alpha 7 ITE HS. The Alpha 7 comes with a 2.4 GHz antenna and allows us to enjoy binaural phone calls. This even gives us an advantage over those with normal hearing. We find this great and are happy to give points.
Rating Operation & connectivity: 2,0
Bernafon Alpha 7 ITE HS:
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Simplicity & security
Let's continue with the test: How is the user-friendliness? Is it easy or complicated to handle the hearing aid? The automatic situation detection is of great importance in our test. The better it works, the easier our hearing can navigate through the day. The Alpha 7 ITE HS operates confidently here and adapts to many situations. Very important for 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. Our test device includes 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 7 ITE HS is not equipped with a rechargeable battery, so it is not rechargeable. It is powered by a hearing aid battery of size 312. It needs to be replaced every few days.
The Alpha 7 is nearly dust and waterproof and, with its IP 68 classification, is certainly well protected against external influences.
Rating Simplicity & security: 2,0
Extras
Before we reach the end, let's take a look at the extras: We particularly liked the optional tinnitus program. There are indeed quite a few people who are occasionally or frequently troubled by a ringing or buzzing in their ears. The tinnitus program in the Alpha 7 ITE HS is basically just a sound generator. It aims to create broadband noises or sounds that gently and pleasantly stimulate all hearing areas. The tinnitus fades into the background and is no longer perceived as disturbing.
A real added value is provided by the remote maintenance service. For a change in hearing aid settings, you no longer have to go to the specialist store, but can directly contact the audiologist through the app. Then, via a cloud service, you can load the new data package into the hearing aids. This is exactly what we expect from a modern hearing aid.
Many hearing aids still have a few health functions today. However, since the Alpha 7 ITE HS does not have any specific sensors for this, we cannot present any special features here. We were particularly impressed with the additional functions that are included in the Alpha 7 ITE HS. Various assistants support your daily life beyond hearing and can be configured in the app. You don't want to part with such hearing aids. By the way: These lifestyle functions are often still being developed, so they may change depending on updates.
Rating Extras: 1,8
Conclusion: Bernafon Alpha 7 ITE HS
With a final grade of 2.84, this model holds its position in the mid-range. It has quite a reasonable comfort features on board, sufficient for typical everyday moments and creates a satisfactory listening experience.
What is the difference between the different types of designs? Are there mini hearing aids available with a rechargeable battery? Or with Bluetooth? Read our extensive in-ear hearing aids comparison, which contains this and many more interesting information for you.
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Our Bernafon Alpha 7 ITE HS review was created on March 8, 2023 and lastly updated on June 25, 2024. The overall rating of 2,84 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 4 | »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 7 ITE HS cost?
The Alpha 7 ITE HS from Bernafon is currently offered by providers at a rough price range of approximately between €2,500.00 and €3,000.00. You should consider this price in relation to the test score of 2.8 (satisfactory) and also, for example, in relation to the star rating in the noise cancellation area in our tests (good 4 out of 5 stars). You can find all comparison values in the hearing aid comparison.
How well does the Bernafon Alpha 7 ITE HS perform?
The Alpha 7 ITE HS from Bernafon achieves a score of 2.2 (good) in the hearing comfort test category. In the noise cancellation area, the hearing aid achieves a good 4 out of 5 stars. For wind noise cancellation, it receives the rating 'satisfactory' (2 out of 5 stars). The hearing aid features 20 different equalizer bands in the test, which can be adjusted by the hearing aid professional to the individual's hearing ability (current top models reach 24).
Who is the Alpha 7 ITE HS 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 roughly defined by Bernafon. A good local audiology company can immediately determine after a professional hearing test whether this in-the-ear hearing aid is suitable for you.
How big is the Bernafon Alpha 7 ITE HS?
We have categorized all hearing aids on the market into four size classes, from XXS (almost invisible) to M (rather large). The Bernafon Alpha 7 ITE HS is classified as size S, which means it is medium-sized compared to other hearing aids.
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