The Bernafon Leox SP 3 HDO 13 in review
Hier haben wir es mit einem nicht mehr ganz aktuellen Modell zu tun. Die Gesamtnote wurde daher mit einem Abschlag versehen. Die neueste Technik aus dem Hause Bernafon finden Sie hier: Bernafon Encanta
We are once again looking at a traditional hearing aid for mild, moderate, and severe hearing needs: This model is called Leox SP 3 HDO 13 and comes from the company Bernafon. It is worn behind the ear, and it is a discreet hearing aid. The Leox SP 3 HDO 13 is a model from the lower mid-range. Let's see if the pricing classification is justified.
Hearing comfort
Hearing comfort determines whether someone enjoys wearing their hearing aids or not. That's why we first looked at how the hearing aid handles background noise. For this model that Bernafon presents, we find only the absolute essentials regarding hearing comfort. Naturally, there is noise suppression integrated to mitigate tiring background sounds. The Leox SP 3 HDO 13 has only minimal basic attenuation. Listening device users should already have a certain tolerance for noise here. We found a basic wind detection, but unfortunately, nothing is adjustable.
A pulse sound filter is also supposed to be implemented. However, it only dampens the brief, clattering noises very slightly, which is not really helpful. We have to do without spatial hearing in the Leox SP 3 HDO 13, but at least the microphones can be switched to a focus mode. The 10 frequency channels are okay. However, it might be the case that the programming to individual hearing needs is not quite as precise, and one may have to make some compromises in sound quality.
In this version, Bernafon does not yet work with artificial intelligence.
Rating Hearing comfort: 4,7
Bernafon Leox SP 3 HDO 13: The hearing aids offer a wide range of predefined hearing programs for amplification in different environments. With programs like "LiveMusic" and "Entertainment in Noise," they provide the hearing aid user with an enhanced listening experience depending on the situation.
Operation & connectivity
This Bernafon model activates most functions automatically. However, it can be very useful to be able to extend the functionality a bit. In our test, we found out which options we have here. First, we discovered a button directly on the hearing aid. This is very sensible, as it is the easiest and quickest way to make changes. The volume can be adjusted through it, and different hearing programs can also be activated. If you prefer not to adjust anything directly at the ear, you can of course deactivate the button. The small remote control, which is available as an option, is very practical. For us, it is one of the most convenient ways to increase or decrease the volume or switch to another hearing program. No one notices it; reaching for the ear is not necessary.
In our test, we found no option for voice control. This function is not necessarily required, but we would have appreciated it nonetheless. Some hearing aids can also be operated with a quick tap of the finger without having to press a button. However, this feature is not yet implemented here.
The manual operation includes an app. This allows for discreet access to the hearing aid. In addition to volume control, you can also adjust hearing programs and a few other functions. You no longer need headphones, as it has a wireless option and can transmit sounds directly from the smartphone to the ears – if the smartphone is equipped with 2.4 GHz LE technology.
Rating Operation & connectivity: 2,0
Bernafon Leox SP 3 HDO 13: With this adapter, the hearing aid user streams their favorite shows directly to the hearing aids and enjoys sound in Dolby Digital® stereo quality. The TV adapter is easy to set up and can be paired with the hearing aids.
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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? We would have liked to see an automatic program feature in the Leox SP 3 HDO 13 that adjusts itself to the environment. However, this is not available, so unfortunately, points are deducted at this point. A great bonus in this hearing aid is the automatic acclimatization. Especially when someone has been hearing poorly for a long time and then wears a hearing aid for the first time, this is a tremendous relief. The volume does not have to be immediately set to maximum. You can start at a lower level, and gradually and almost imperceptibly, the amplification approaches the target.
The Leox SP 3 HDO 13 relies on battery power instead of rechargeable batteries. Advantage: Very long runtime with one battery. Unlike rechargeable solutions, you only need to worry about the power supply very rarely. Disadvantage: Waste is generated in the form of used batteries. This hearing aid uses a hearing aid battery size 13.
We also take a look at the robustness of the casing and find the protection class IP 68 in the data sheet. This means dust cannot penetrate at all, and water only becomes dangerous after prolonged submersion. Protection against contact is also included.
Rating Simplicity & security: 3,0
Extras
Everyone appreciates a few extra features, so let's see if we can find some here: Are you among those plagued by tinnitus? Then you might want to use the optional tinnitus program in the Leox SP 3 HDO 13. Soft, gentle sounds are tailored to your hearing and engage all areas of the inner ear. It's nothing but a distraction tactic, and it works surprisingly well. The tinnitus fades into the general noise and no longer bothers you. It's a simple but effective tool and earns extra points from us.
We find the remote servicing feature exciting, which can be utilized. If one doesn’t have the opportunity to visit the audiologist, one can instead contact them via the app, briefly describe their hearing problem, and subsequently receive a data package with a new hearing aid configuration. If it sounds good, they can upload it to their hearing aids.
If Bernafon had integrated motion sensors into this hearing aid, individual health tracking could even be possible. However, that is not the case here. These points are lost for the Leox SP 3 HDO 13 in the overall rating. Digital algorithms and suitable apps are increasingly allowing the integration of lifestyle features that support your everyday life. We are impressed by what hearing aids like this one from Bernafon can do today. Be sure to try it out!
Rating Extras: 1,8
Conclusion: Bernafon Leox SP 3 HDO 13
In summary, this device ranks low and offers us little more than a solid basic setup. Of course, you can understand speech with the device, just like with all hearing aids, but it doesn't do much to alleviate listening effort. Our overall rating: 5.12. Please always consider this rating in relation to the price category of this hearing aid.
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Hansaton Beat FS 3 R T 675 | Rating: 4 / 5 |
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Hansaton Beat FS 3 R T 13 | Rating: 4 / 5 |
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Hansaton Beat FS 3 R T 312 | Rating: 4 / 5 |
Our Bernafon Leox SP 3 HDO 13 review was created on May 10, 2021 and lastly updated on June 25, 2024. The overall rating of 5,12 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 1.5 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 4 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 3 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 4.5 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..
FAQ
How noticeable is the Bernafon Leox SP 3 HDO 13 to others?
It is in the size class S, which makes it appear medium-sized. We primarily had the perception for outsiders in mind.
What is the cost of the Bernafon Leox SP 3 HDO 13?
The price range in which the Bernafon Leox SP 3 HDO 13 is approximately offered in Germany is between €1,300.00 and €2,000.00. The performance of the device corresponds to the price. In the test, it received an overall score of 5.1 (poor).
Is the Bernafon Leox SP 3 HDO 13 suitable for my hearing loss?
This behind-the-ear hearing aid is suitable for a mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss. You can compare other hearing aids from this fitting range with the Leox SP 3 HDO 13 from Bernafon: Hearing Aid Comparison.
How good is hearing with the Leox SP 3 HDO 13 from Bernafon?
This behind-the-ear device receives a performance rating of 4.7 (poor) in the "Hearing Comfort" area in the test report. Important for hearing comfort is, among other things, noise suppression. Here, the Leox SP 3 HDO 13 from Bernafon only achieves 1 out of 5 stars. For the reduction of wind noise, it receives the rating 'moderate' from us (only 1 out of 5 stars). The signal processing in this hearing aid takes place in 10 different adjustable channels (the best hearing aids currently have 24 channels).
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