Test report: Philips HearLink 9030 ITC

The Philips HearLink 9030 ITC in review

We tested a discreet hearing aid from the premium segment this time. It is the Philips HearLink 9030 ITC. It is worn in the ear and is intended for moderate, stronger, and changing hearing losses. The comfortable wearing area at the front of the ear canal entrance is due to the device's design, which is why it also delivers a nice, clear sound.

Hearing comfort

First, we assess the hearing comfort features. What types of sounds does the hearing aid recognize? How does it handle them? Is the hearing aid suitable for a varied daily life? Here, in this test device, the manufacturer provides the customer with comprehensive sound management. As in all hearing aids, we also find typical noise suppression here. It is designed to reduce monotonous, noisy background sounds to the point where they are no longer in the foreground. The HearLink 9030 ITC allows the noise suppression to be adjusted to the customer's preferences.

A fairly solid wind management is available in the HearLink 9030 ITC and should suffice for everyday use. We are pleased to find effective impulse sound damping here. This is definitely useful in daily life, as it noticeably absorbs slamming doors, clanking dishes, or similarly jarring noises. We found a proud 24 equalizer bands in the HearLink 9030 ITC. In each band, the hearing aid activates its sound management, filters out disruptive elements, and retains important speech components. Sound adjustments can be targeted and precise. We are very satisfied with this. Especially with sharp or steeply falling hearing curves, such a hearing aid can be very beneficial. A real highlight of this device is spatial hearing. Recognizing directions, estimating distances – with the HearLink 9030 ITC, all of this is no problem.

Interestingly, artificial intelligence also plays a role in signal processing here. Sound is not only analyzed based on typical frequency patterns. Intense, noisy situations are perceived as more realistic and pleasant.

Rating Hearing comfort: 1,7

Operation & connectivity

The operation options for hearing aids today are as simple or as complex as one would like. The basic functions run fully automatically, of course. We wanted to know how users can additionally access the HearLink 9030 ITC. For those who want to quickly and easily adjust the volume, there is a button on the device. One can also select additional programs for special listening situations through it. A discreet way to change the hearing aid is the remote control. It fits in any pocket. If the person you are talking to speaks too softly again, just one or two clicks are enough to adjust the volume. Additional hearing programs for listening to music or for driving can also be activated with the remote control.

For some time now, there has been a trend to adjust hearing aids louder or quieter via voice commands. The idea is really good, but Philips is not there yet with this device. Don't worry, this feature would be nice, but it's not essential. Tap Control would also have been an interesting function. With that, you could change the function with a quick tap on the ear. However, this is not available in the HearLink 9030 ITC yet.

As expected, we find a suitable application for smartphones. Here we have a powerful app that trusts its user and provides an extensive toolbox. The HearLink 9030 comes with a 2.4 GHz antenna and offers us the pleasure of binaural calling. This even gives us an advantage over normal hearing individuals. We appreciate that and are happy to give points.

Rating Operation & connectivity: 1,8

Philips HearLink 9030 ITC:

Simplicity & security

Another point in our checklist is handling. Does everything work simply and reliably? What does the hearing aid offer to ensure safe use in everyday life? With an exceptionally well-functioning situational automatic, the HearLink 9030 ITC scores points in terms of everyday performance. The finely tuned detection of the acoustic environment allows us to effortlessly navigate through different hearing situations without the need for manual adjustments. This is exactly what we expect from a hearing aid. Some people find it difficult to adjust, but this hearing aid makes it easy for us to cope with the new volume. There is a familiarization manager that gradually leads us to the required target amplification. The time frame can range from a few weeks to several months, and this can be individually adjusted. The increments are so small that one hardly notices that there has been an increase in volume.

The HearLink 9030 ITC is powered by small disposable batteries that need to be changed every few days. While this is not rocket science, it should be considered, especially for those with motor issues. A rechargeable battery would be significantly easier to handle.

The HearLink 9030 is almost dust and water-resistant and, with its IP 68 classification, is certainly well protected against external influences.

Rating Simplicity & security: 1,8

Extras

Everyone appreciates a few extra features, so let's see if we can find some here: A tinnitus program would be an additional perk. Many people suffering from their ear noises could benefit from this. Unfortunately, the HearLink 9030 ITC does not offer a tinnitus option and loses some points in the test.

A true added value is provided by the remote maintenance service. For a change in the hearing aid settings, you no longer have to go to the specialist store, but can directly contact the acoustician via the app. Through a cloud service, you can then load the new data package into the hearing aids. This is exactly what we expect from a modern hearing aid.

A new trend in the hearing aid industry is integrated sensors that can track a few personal health data, for example. However, the HearLink 9030 ITC does not offer this. You should take a closer look at the app of this Philips device. It contains a few extras that significantly expand the functionality of these hearing aids. We really like these additional features!

Rating Extras: 2,5

Conclusion: Philips HearLink 9030 ITC

In conclusion, it can be said that this device is a true all-rounder that impresses us with its comfort features and achieves a good overall rating of 1.85. Those who wish to forego top technology but still desire a comfortable hearing experience are in the right place here.

 

Our Philips HearLink 9030 ITC review was created on June 23, 2023 . The overall rating of 1,85 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 4.5 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 4.5 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 4.5 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 3.5 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..

 

 

 

FAQ

What does the Philips HearLink 9030 ITC cost?

The HearLink 9030 ITC from Philips is currently offered by providers at a rough price range starting from approximately €3,000. You should see this price in relation to the test score of 1.9 (good). And, for example, also in relation to the star rating in the area of noise suppression in our tests (good 4 out of 5 stars). You can find all comparison values in the hearing aid comparison.

How well does one hear with the Philips HearLink 9030 ITC?

The HearLink 9030 ITC from Philips achieves a score of 1.7 (good) in the hearing comfort test area. In the area of noise suppression, the hearing aid achieves a good 4 out of 5 stars. For wind noise suppression, it receives the rating 'good' (3 out of 5 stars). The hearing aid demonstrates 24 different equalizer bands in the test, which can be adjusted by the audiologist to the individual's hearing ability (current top models reach 24).

Who is the HearLink 9030 ITC from Philips suitable for?

This hearing aid is aimed at individuals with mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss. This so-called "fitting range" is provided as a rough guideline by Philips. 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 large is the Philips HearLink 9030 ITC?

We have classified all hearing aids on the market into four size categories, from XXS (virtually invisible) to M (rather large). The Philips HearLink 9030 ITC is classified as size S, so it is medium-sized compared to other hearing aids.

 

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