The Bernafon Alpha 9 IIC in review
Diese Technik ist nicht mehr ganz aktuell. Mit dem Bernafon Alpha XT ist bereits eine neuere Variante auf dem Markt und wir haben die Gesamtnote etwas reduziert.
Bernafon offers the Alpha 9 IIC, a truly compact hearing aid that is worn in the ear. It is a hearing aid from the premium category and is suitable for moderate, severe, and fluctuating hearing losses. The hidden wearing position in the rear section of the ear canal ensures that sound reaches the eardrum without loss.
Hearing comfort
We all agree that speech understanding is the most important task of hearing aids. However, from our experience in the hearing acoustics shop, we also know that hearing comfort is at least equally important. It’s about processing background noise in such a way that it doesn’t hinder speech understanding while still creating a natural sound experience. During the test of the Alpha 9 IIC, we were impressed by the excellent sound management. Let’s take a look at the individual features:
Of course, this Bernafon device has noise suppression, as it is now standard. Noise suppression means that uniform and rather monotonous noises (e.g., air conditioning, vacuum cleaner ...) are dampened. A highly effective noise suppression is implemented here. It can be adjusted by the acoustician to match individual sensitivities and provides exactly the level of attenuation that the customer desires. This makes you well-equipped for demanding listening environments.
Additionally, there is a really strong impulse filter that reduces all short, sharp impulses as much as the customer wishes. This model can do without wind noise management. The hearing aid sits so far in the ear canal that wind noise doesn’t become a problem at all. A very important factor for good speech-noise distinction is the number of frequency bands. With 24, this hearing aid is among the best and offers excellent adjustment options. The unique design of the Alpha 9 IIC proves to be an advantage when it comes to spatial hearing. The microphones are positioned deep in the ear canal, and that’s exactly where sound reaches even normal hearing individuals. Spatial hearing does not need to be artificially recreated but develops naturally.
Artificial intelligence is also used in the signal processing of the Alpha 9 IIC. This allows for a much more realistic analysis of the listening environment, and especially the clarity in noisy surroundings is significantly improved.
Rating Hearing comfort: 0,8
Bernafon Alpha 9 IIC:
Operation & connectivity
Every person has their own unique hearing needs. It is advantageous to be able to customize hearing aids beyond the automatic functions. In our test, we discovered the following access options: We couldn't find a button, which is unfortunate. Let's keep looking. There is no remote control for this model, which we find very unfortunate.
We have not yet found the modern form of operation via voice command in the Alpha 9 IIC. Besides buttons or remote controls, some hearing aids also have a tap control. This means you can simply tap your ear briefly, and the device will switch. However, we don't have that here at Bernafon; it would have required specific sensors.
We searched in the app store for an app for further adjustments in vain; we wished for something different. The smartphone cannot connect to the hearing aid, as it unfortunately lacks the necessary equipment with a wireless antenna.
Rating Operation & connectivity: 3,8
The best alternatives to the Alpha 9 IIC
Our database contains 45 reviews of hearing aids with similar technical features to this one (i.e., In the ear (ITE) in völlig unsichtbarer Ausführung in Size "", not rechargable, geeignet für Hörverlust-Grad leicht, mittel & stark). Here are the top 3 (Redaktionsstand 02.10.2025):
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Starkey Genesis AI 24 IIC NW | Rating: 4 / 5 |
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Starkey Signature Series 24 IIC NW | Rating: 4 / 5 |
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Oticon Own 1 IIC | Rating: 4 / 5 |
Simplicity & security
Continuing with the test: How is the usability? Is it easy or complicated to handle the hearing aid? The situational automation of the Alpha 9 IIC includes almost everything one can experience in everyday life. It provides me with the perfect setting at all times without me having to do anything actively. Especially in varied situations, this is extremely convenient and allows me to almost forget the hearing aid in my ear. The integrated acclimatization manager can be of great help to you when entering the world of hearing aids. Its task is to gradually increase the volume of the hearing aid in tiny steps until the target volume is reached. This way, you can relax and gradually adapt to the new auditory impressions. More information on acclimatization and other hearing aids with this feature can be found here: Acclimatization to Hearing Aids.
The Alpha 9 IIC is not equipped with a battery, so it is not rechargeable. It is powered by a size 10 hearing aid battery. It needs to be replaced every few days.
The data sheet certifies the Bernafon device with an IP protection class of 68. This makes it one of the most resilient hearing aids on the market. Dust has no chance, and water does not penetrate the housing unless it is submerged more than 1.5 m deep. However, be cautious. Shampoo, for example, alters the surface tension of water. You should also avoid saltwater. In everyday life, however, you can behave completely carefree.
Rating Simplicity & security: 1,8
Extras
Lastly, we are interested in whether there are any additional goodies: First, we look for a special tinnitus program. Tinnitus is a bothersome issue for many people. However, we did not find any option for tinnitus relief in the Alpha 9 IIC.
A nice feature would be a remote support service, allowing you to get help from a hearing professional even when you cannot visit the store. Unfortunately, this is not available here, so there are no extra points for that.
Tracking health data is a real added value in modern hearing aids. However, this Bernafon model lacks the sensors for this service. The functionality of the Alpha 9 IIC is limited to normal hearing, which is perfectly fine. Additional features like fall alerts or Siri integrations provide a decent value, but are not relevant for good hearing balance.
Rating Extras: 4,0
Conclusion: Bernafon Alpha 9 IIC
Mit der Endnote 3,21 behauptet sich dieses Modell im mittleren Bereich. Es hat eine ganz passable Komfortausstattung mit an Bord, die für die typischen Alltagsmomente reicht und ein zufriedenstellendes Hörerlebnis schafft.
What is the difference between the different designs? Are there mini hearing aids available with a battery? Or with Bluetooth? Read our comprehensive in-the-ear hearing aids comparison, which provides you with this and many other interesting information.
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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ReSound Vivia 9 60S-DRWC | Rating: 5 / 5 |
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Phonak Audeo Infinio Sphere 90 R | Rating: 5 / 5 |
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Starkey Edge AI 24 ITC R | Rating: 5 / 5 |
Our Bernafon Alpha 9 IIC review was created on February 21, 2023 and lastly updated on June 25, 2024. The overall rating of 3,21 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 5 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 2.5 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 4.5 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 2 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..
FAQ
Welche Größe hat das Alpha 9 IIC von Bernafon?
Groß oder klein hat mit der Wirkung nach außen zu tun. Wir beurteilen daher, wie groß Hörgeräte auf Außenstehende wirken. Das Bernafon Alpha 9 IIC befindet sich in der Größenklasse XXS. Das bedeutet, es wirkt .
Wie gut höre ich mit dem Alpha 9 IIC von Bernafon?
Dieses Hörgerät schneidet mit einer Gesamtnote von 0,8 (*****) im Bereich "Hörkomfort" ab. Die Note setzt sich aus verschiedenen Komponenten zusammen. Wichtige Kriterien: Die Lärmunterdrückung erreicht . Die Anzahl der einstellbaren Frequenzbänder im Bernafon Alpha 9 IIC ist 24 (die Klassenbesten haben aktuell 24 Bänder). Für die Windgeräuschunterdrückung bekommt das Gerät von uns das Prädikat .
Ist das Bernafon Alpha 9 IIC für mich geeignet?
Den Eignungsbereich von Hörgeräten nennen Hörakustiker "Anpassbereich". Bernafon hat für das Alpha 9 IIC folgenden Anpassbereich festgelegt: . Lassen Sie einen Profi-Hörtest bei einem Hörakustikbetrieb in Ihrer Nähe durchführen, anschließend wissen Sie, ob dieses Hörgerät für Sie geeignet ist.
Was kostet das Bernafon Alpha 9 IIC?
Ist das Alpha 9 IIC von Bernafon teuer oder günstig? Es wird in Deutschland derzeit in einem ungefähren Preisrahmen von ab 3.000,00 € gehandelt. Wenn eine Krankenkasse sich beteiligt, fällt der Betrag deutlich geringer aus. Wichtig: Sie sollten den Preis zum Zusammenhang mit der Gesamtnote im Testbericht (3.2 (***)) und vor allen Dingen mit der Bewertung im Bereich Lärmunterdrückung () beurteilen.
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