The Philips HearLink 9040 MNB T R in review
Philips is launching its HearLink 9040 MNB T R, a traditional hearing aid from the premium class. It is a discreet hearing aid for mild, moderate, and severe hearing loss and is worn behind the ear.
Hearing comfort
In the section on hearing comfort, we look at how a hearing aid deals with all the background noise. Comfortable noise management significantly contributes to a user liking and regularly wearing their hearing aids. With this Philips device, we were impressed by the excellent noise management. The regular noise suppression has the task of reducing uniform, hissing background noises. In the HearLink 9040 MNB T R, it does this really well, significantly more so than in most other hearing aids.
Extremely useful is the impulse sound suppression. It captures all clattering, popping, and crackling noises and reliably reduces them. The hearing comfort package also includes wind noise suppression. It works very reliably, and we wouldn’t want to do without it anymore. A real highlight of this device is spatial hearing. Recognizing directions, estimating distances – with the HearLink 9040 MNB T R, all of this is no problem. Very important for good speech-noise distinction is the number of frequency channels. With 24, this hearing aid is among the best and offers excellent adjustment options.
Artificial intelligence has also been integrated into hearing aids, such as here in the HearLink 9040 MNB T R. This provides access to much more data to identify speech and noise. In our experience, the sound from hearing aids with AI is perceived as particularly precise and realistic.
Rating Hearing comfort: 1,2
Operation & connectivity
How can one fully utilize the potential of hearing aids in everyday life? We have found out about the access options available with the HearLink 9040 MNB T R. A very quick way to adjust the volume is the small button on the device. It is easy to feel, and you can increase or decrease the volume in several steps. You can also activate additional programs for special listening situations with it. If you want to do without the button, you can simply have it deactivated. A remote control is available for the HearLink 9040 MNB T R. It is quite handy, fits in your pocket, and offers a mute-unmute option as well as various hearing programs.
For some time now, there has been a trend to adjust hearing aids’ volume using 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 is not essential. There is no control of the hearing aids with a simple touch in this Philips model, as it would have required certain sensors in the casing.
Our favorite tool for hearing aids is the app, and we really like this one. In addition to the obligatory volume controls, there are also options for sound adjustment. This greatly expands the potential of the HearLink 9040 MNB T R and provides relief when hearing becomes strenuous again. For our digital everyday life, a streaming option wouldn't be bad. The present device fulfills our wish and comes with a 2.4 GHz wireless module. This allows you to send calls and sounds directly from your smartphone to the hearing aids.
Rating Operation & connectivity: 1,8
Philips HearLink 9040 MNB T R:
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Simplicity & security
How does one manage with the hearing aid in everyday life? This is the next aspect we will evaluate. Because only if such a device works simply and effortlessly can one become accustomed to it. Ideally, the hearing aid would operate largely independently. The performance of the HearLink 9040 MNB T R is exceptionally good in this regard. It has a large number of typical hearing situations stored, which the device recognizes independently and always generates the appropriate settings. The adaptation to the new hearing experience is supported by this device with a fully automatic acclimatization manager. It adjusts the amplification in barely noticeable increments until my hearing loss is completely compensated. I only have to wear my hearing aids regularly.
The HearLink 9040 MNB T R comes with a charging station, as it has built-in batteries. This is modern, user-friendly, and it is what we also expect from a contemporary hearing aid.
The HearLink 9040 is virtually dust and waterproof and, with its IP 68 rating, is certainly well protected against external influences.
Rating Simplicity & security: 1,0
Philips HearLink 9040 MNB T R:
Extras
In conclusion, we want to know if the hearing aid offers any specials: Philips has integrated a sound generator that plays soothing sounds for those suffering from tinnitus. This can help distract from the tinnitus and provide a bit more relaxation.
The remote adjustment feature is something we really appreciate. It is very helpful whenever you want to make a small change to the hearing aid settings but don’t want to drive to the audiologist. Instead, you contact them through the app, and the hearing professional sends back a tailored data package in the same way.
If Philips had integrated motion sensors into this hearing aid, individual health tracking could even be possible. However, this is not the case here. These points are lost for the HearLink 9040 MNB T R in the evaluation. There are still a few small highlights in this Philips device. Depending on what your smartphone supports, you can set reminders for appointments, access Siri, or use other assistance systems. This definitely earns an extra point.
Rating Extras: 1,8
Conclusion: Philips HearLink 9040 MNB T R
Our conclusion for this hearing aid is very positive: Here we have a little technical marvel that has impressed us in every way. Both the listening comfort and the features for daily use leave nothing to be desired. We are happy to award an overall grade of 1.41 and are confident that this device provides a great listening experience.
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Starkey Edge AI 24 ITC R | Rating: 5 / 5 |
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Starkey Edge AI 24 RIC RT | Rating: 5 / 5 |
Our Philips HearLink 9040 MNB T R review was created on May 15, 2023 . The overall rating of 1,41 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 5 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 4.5 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 5 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 4.5 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..
FAQ
What does the Philips HearLink 9040 MNB T R cost?
The HearLink 9040 MNB T R from Philips is currently offered by providers in a rough price range starting at approximately €3,000. You should see this price in relation to the test score of 1.4 (very good). And for example, also in relation to the star rating in the area of noise suppression in our tests (very good 5 stars (the best possible rating)). You can find all comparison values in the hearing aid comparison.
How well can you hear with the Philips HearLink 9040 MNB T R?
The HearLink 9040 MNB T R from Philips achieves a score of 1.2 (very good) in the area of hearing comfort. In the area of noise suppression, the hearing aid achieves very good 5 stars (the best possible rating). For wind noise suppression, it receives the rating of 'very good' (4 out of 5 stars). The hearing aid shows 24 different equalizer bands in the test, which can be adjusted by the audiologist to the individual's hearing ability (the current top models reach 24).
Who is the HearLink 9040 MNB T R from Philips suitable for?
This hearing aid is aimed at people with mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss. This so-called "fitting range" is provided by Philips as a rough guideline. A good local audiology company can immediately determine after a professional hearing test whether this behind-the-ear hearing aid is suitable for you.
How big is the Philips HearLink 9040 MNB T R?
We have categorized all hearing aids on the market into four size classes, from XXS (virtually invisible) to M (rather large). The Philips HearLink 9040 MNB T R has the size classification S, making it medium-sized compared to other hearing aids.
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