The Bernafon Alpha 9 ITC in review
Mit dem Bernafon Alpha XT ist bereits eine neuere Technik auf dem Markt. Dieses Gerät haben wir daher mit einer Abwertung in der Gesamtnote versehen.
The Alpha 9 ITC from Bernafon is a small hearing aid that is worn in the ear. By utilizing the ear canal as the direct wearing location, very good sound transmission is possible. The Alpha 9 ITC is a hearing aid from the high-end category and is suitable for mild, moderate, and even severe hearing needs.
Hearing comfort
We all agree that speech understanding is the most important task of hearing aids. From our experience in the hearing acoustics specialty store, we also know that hearing comfort is at least equally important. It is about processing background noise in such a way that it does not limit speech understanding, while still creating a natural sound image. When testing the Alpha 9 ITC, the manufacturer provides a comprehensive noise management system for the customer. Let’s take a look at the individual features:
Of course, this Bernafon device has noise suppression, as that has become standard. Noise suppression means that consistent and rather monotonous sounds (e.g., air conditioning, vacuum cleaners…) are dampened. Here, there is one of the most intensive noise suppression technologies on the market. When set to maximum, you have a real advantage over normal hearing individuals.
Furthermore, we are surprised at how well the impulse sound management works here. Nothing crashes, nothing rattles – very good! This device can detect wind and slightly attenuate the noise. A brilliant listening experience is not least based on the number of frequency bands. The more bands there are, and the narrower the individual frequency channels are, the better the hearing aid can be tailored to individual preferences. Here, we have as many as 24 bands. This allows for not only a great sound impression but also very careful processing of speech and background noise suppression. Spatial hearing is reliably supported by multifunction microphones and is definitely practical.
Artificial intelligence has also made its way into hearing aids, such as here in the Alpha 9 ITC. A lot more data is available to identify speech and noise. From our experience, the sound produced by AI-enabled hearing aids is perceived as particularly precise and realistic.
Rating Hearing comfort: 1,7
Bernafon Alpha 9 ITC:
Operation & connectivity
Every person has their own listening needs. It is advantageous to be able to customize hearing aids beyond the automatic functions. In our tests, we discovered the following access options: The simplest control method is always a button directly on the hearing aid. This device has one as well. It can be programmed according to personal preferences. Do you want manual volume control? No problem, the button allows for gradual volume adjustments. Or do you need different special programs for your professional life or hobbies? These can also be activated using the button. Anyone who wishes to keep everything in automatic mode can simply ignore the button or even have it disabled. A discreet way to change the hearing aid is via the remote control. It fits in any pocket. If the person you are speaking to happens to be too quiet again, just one or two clicks are enough to adjust the volume. Additional hearing programs for listening to music or driving can also be activated with the remote control.
We are always pleased when a hearing aid surprises us with a great additional feature. For example, we would have liked to see voice control at this point. However, this is not available in the Alpha 9 ITC at the moment. If there are sensors in the hearing aid, a tap control could be conceivable, where a specific function is triggered by tapping your fingers on your ear. However, this option is not available in the Alpha 9 ITC.
In the App Store, we also find a suitable application from Bernafon. The app for the Alpha 9 ITC is not one of our highlights, but it has everything you need for your hearing systems. Problems with making phone calls on a smartphone are a thing of the past with this device. Calls, music, and other sounds are completely wirelessly transmitted to the hearing aids. Headphones become unnecessary. We tested the wireless transmission during longer phone calls and while listening to music while exercising. Everything worked smoothly and effortlessly. Only a compatible smartphone with 2.4 GHz wireless technology is required.
Rating Operation & connectivity: 2,0
Bernafon Alpha 9 ITC:
The best alternatives to the Alpha 9 ITC
Our database contains 70 reviews of hearing aids with similar technical features to this one (i.e., In the ear (ITE) in mittelgroßer 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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Oticon Own 1 ITE HS | Rating: 4.5 / 5 |
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Oticon Own 1 ITC | Rating: 4.5 / 5 |
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Philips HearLink 9030 ITC | Rating: 4.5 / 5 |
Simplicity & security
How does one cope with a hearing aid in daily life? This is the next aspect we will assess. Because only when such a device works simply and hassle-free can one also become accustomed to it. With its top-class situation recognition, the Alpha 9 ITC completely convinced us. The hearing aid seamlessly adapts to the acoustic environment and rarely requires our intervention. Hearing feels completely normal. The integrated acclimatization manager can be of great help when entering the world of hearing aids. Its task is to gradually raise the volume of the hearing aid in tiny steps until the target volume is reached. This way, you can relax and gradually get used to the new sound experiences. We have summarized more information on acclimatization and other hearing aids with this feature here: Getting used to hearing aids.
Alpha 9 ITC relies on battery power instead of rechargeable batteries. Advantage: Very long runtime with one battery. Unlike battery solutions, you have to deal with the power supply only very rarely. Disadvantage: Waste is generated in the form of used batteries. This hearing aid uses a hearing aid battery size 312.
We had a carefree everyday life during our test thanks to the IP-68 certification. This indicates that the hearing aid is particularly well protected against dust and water. We marched through the rain and then took the hearing aids out with wet hands - all without any problems. However, the water resistance refers only to fresh, natural water and not to foamy bathwater or seawater.
Rating Simplicity & security: 1,8
Extras
Lastly, we are interested in whether there are any additional goodies: Bernafon has integrated a noise generator that plays soothing sounds for those suffering from tinnitus. This can distract from the tinnitus and provide some relaxation.
A very good added benefit comes from the remote maintenance offering. Through the app, one can contact their hearing care professional and describe their hearing problem. The professional can then adjust the settings accordingly and upload them to the hearing aids via the app. For people with little time or a long journey, this is a great service.
Some hearing aids can track certain health data. However, this requires special sensors in the hearing aid, which we unfortunately do not have in the Alpha 9 ITC. You should take a closer look at the app for this Bernafon device. It contains some extras that significantly expand the functionality of these hearing aids. We think these additional functions are really great!
Rating Extras: 1,8
Conclusion: Bernafon Alpha 9 ITC
Mit der Endnote 2,5 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 types of hearing aids? Are there mini hearing aids available with a rechargeable battery? Or with Bluetooth? Read our comprehensive In-Ear Hearing Aids Comparison, which offers this and many other interesting information for you.
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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Starkey Edge AI 24 mRIC R | Rating: 5 / 5 |
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Starkey Edge AI 24 RIC RT | Rating: 5 / 5 |
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ReSound Vivia 9 60S-DRWC | Rating: 5 / 5 |
Our Bernafon Alpha 9 ITC review was created on February 22, 2023 and lastly updated on June 25, 2024. The overall rating of 2,50 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 4.5 | »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
Wie auffällig ist das Bernafon Alpha 9 ITC für andere?
Es befindet sich in der Größenklasse S, wirkt also . Wir haben dabei in erster Linie die Anmutung für Außenstehende im Auge gehabt.
Was kostet das Bernafon Alpha 9 ITC?
Der Preisrahmen, in dem das Bernafon Alpha 9 ITC ungefähr in Deutschland angeboten wird, ist ab 3.000,00 € . Dem Preis gegenüber steht die Leistung des Gerätes. Im Test erreichte es eine Gesamtnote von 2.5 (***).
Ist das Bernafon Alpha 9 ITC für meinen Hörverlust geeignet?
Geeignet ist dieses In the ear (ITE) für einen . Sie können andere Hörgeräte aus diesem Anpassbereich mit dem Alpha 9 ITC von Bernafon vergleichen: Hörgeräte-Vergleich.
Wie gut ist das Hören mit dem Alpha 9 ITC von Bernafon?
Dieses im Ohr bekommt im Testbericht die Leistungsnote 1,7 (****) für den Bereich "Hörkomfort". Wichtig für den Hörkomfort ist unter anderem die Lärmunterdrückung. Hier erreicht das Alpha 9 ITC von Bernafon . Für die Reduzierung von Windgeräusche bekommt es von uns das Prädikat . Die Signalverarbeitung findet in diesem Hörgerät in 24 unterschiedlichen einstellbaren Kanälen statt (die besten Hörgeräte besitzen derzeit 24 Kanäle).
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