Test report: Philips HearLink 5010 BTE PP

The Philips HearLink 5010 BTE PP in review

Diese Geräte sind nicht mehr auf dem neuesten Stand der Technik. Wir haben sie deshalb mit einer Abwertung in der Gesamtnote versehen. Über unseren großen Hörgerätevergleich finden Sie die neueste Techniken.

The HearLink 5010 BTE PP by Philips is a conventional hearing aid that is worn behind the ear. The customer receives a small hearing aid of good, mid-range quality, which can compensate for almost any hearing need.

Hearing comfort

First, we assess the hearing comfort features. What types of noises does the hearing aid recognize? How does it handle them? Is the hearing aid suitable for a varied daily life? Here with this test device, we found very few options for influencing comfort. As with all hearing aids, we also find the typical noise suppression here. It is designed to reduce monotonous, noisy background sounds so that they do not dominate. The HearLink 5010 BTE PP has a rather simple form of noise suppression that should be sufficient for normal environments.

While the HearLink 5010 BTE PP does have wind reduction, it doesn't really provide much benefit outdoors. Our test discovered impulse sound damping. It slightly cushions sharp, sudden noises. We always take a close look at the number of equalizer bands. They are important for adapting the sound of a hearing aid as closely as possible to the hearing curve. Additionally, the speech noise management also takes place within these bands. The HearLink 5010 BTE PP has 12 of them. That's okay. We miss good spatial audio, but the automatic focus can be quite helpful in situations with multiple people.

Philips is not using artificial intelligence in this version yet.

Rating Hearing comfort: 4,2

Philips HearLink 5010 BTE PP:

Operation & connectivity

“Can I adjust something on my hearing aid myself?” “Is there perhaps an app?” These and similar questions are becoming increasingly important when choosing a hearing aid, which is why we are looking at the operation and connectivity options. There is a button directly on the hearing aid. With this, you can change the volume or activate additional hearing programs. It can be programmed entirely according to the customer's wishes. The use is, of course, optional. We like to have small remote controls, and for this model, we found one. This way, you can discreetly make small adjustments to the volume or sound.

The modern form of operation via voice command is not yet found in the HearLink 5010 BTE PP. If there are sensors in the hearing aid, tap control could be possible, which would mean triggering a specific function by tapping the ear with your fingers. However, this option is not available in the HearLink 5010 BTE PP.

As is common today, we also find a smartphone app for the HearLink 5010 BTE PP. This app includes solid basic functions and adds a few goodies on top. One of the best features of the hearing aid is the direct streaming function. This turns the hearing aid into a TrueWireless headset and receives phone calls and other sounds directly in the ear. The prerequisite is a compatible smartphone that includes 2.4 GHz technology. The biggest advantage is that you can hear phone calls in both ears, rather than just one. Additionally, the sound can be tailored to personal needs.

Rating Operation & connectivity: 2,0

Philips HearLink 5010 BTE PP:

Simplicity & security

How does one cope with a hearing aid in everyday life? This is the next aspect we will evaluate. Because only when such a device operates simply and smoothly can one become accustomed to it. The HearLink 5010 BTE PP automatically accesses the most important hearing settings, thereby facilitating daily use. However, those who experience frequently changing acoustic environments should have the manual additional programs configured. We give a big plus point for the automatic acclimatization assistant. It gradually increases the starting volume in very small steps until my hearing goal is reached. This significantly eases the adjustment to the new sound.

The HearLink 5010 BTE PP is not rechargeable. It continues to draw its power from disposable 13-sized batteries, which need to be changed every few days.

The data sheet certifies the Philips device with an IP protection class rating of 68. This makes it one of the most resilient hearing aids on the market. Dust has no chance, and water cannot penetrate the housing as long as it doesn't submerge deeper than 1.5 m. However, please be cautious. Shampoo, for example, alters the surface tension of water. You should also avoid saltwater. In everyday life, though, you can behave completely carefree.

Rating Simplicity & security: 2,3

Extras

Everyone appreciates a few extra features, so let's see if we can find any here: Manufacturers often implement a tinnitus program in their hearing aids to alleviate the annoying ringing. However, Philips has omitted this in this model. That's unfortunate because it would be a real added benefit for many people.

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

This HearLink 5010 variant does not have sensors, so the popular health tracking cannot be offered. For example, daily steps are counted. As mentioned, this hearing aid does not have this feature built-in. You should take a closer look at the app for this Philips device. There are actually a few extras in it that significantly expand the functionality of these hearing aids. We really think these additional features are great!

Rating Extras: 2,5

Conclusion: Philips HearLink 5010 BTE PP

This test device ranks in the lower positions overall and lacks some features. We give it a rating of 3.58. For less demanding listeners, this is acceptable, but for a very active lifestyle, we recommend a hearing aid with more extensive comfort features.

 

Our Philips HearLink 5010 BTE PP review was created on April 19, 2022 and lastly updated on April 3, 2023. The overall rating of 3,58 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 2 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 4 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 4 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 3.5 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..

 

 

 

FAQ

How noticeable is the Philips HearLink 5010 BTE PP to others?

It is in size class S, which means it appears medium-sized. We primarily considered the perception for outsiders.

What is the price of the Philips HearLink 5010 BTE PP?

The price range in which the Philips HearLink 5010 BTE PP is approximately offered in Germany is between €2,000.00 and €2,500.00. The performance of the device corresponds to the price. In the test, it achieved an overall rating of 3.6 (satisfactory).

Is the Philips HearLink 5010 BTE PP 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 adaptation range with the Philips HearLink 5010 BTE PP: Hearing Aid Comparison.

How good is hearing with the Philips HearLink 5010 BTE PP?

This behind-the-ear device receives a performance rating of 4.2 (satisfactory) in the area of "Hearing Comfort". Important for hearing comfort is, among other things, noise reduction. Here, the Philips HearLink 5010 BTE PP achieves 2 out of 5 stars. For wind noise reduction, it receives our designation 'moderate' (only 1 out of 5 stars). The signal processing in this hearing aid takes place in 12 different adjustable channels (the best hearing aids currently have 24 channels).

 

Compare hearing aids: discover all other current reviews now

Find and sort all currently listed hearing aids now. You have full access to all filters, allowing you to quickly view the top hearing aids at a glance.

Compare Hearing Aids Now