The Phonak Bolero Marvel 30 PR in review
Hier haben wir es mit einem Auslaufmodell zu tun, deshalb wurde die Gesamtnote mit einer Abwertung versehen.
We are taking another look at a conventional hearing aid for mild to moderate hearing loss: This model is called Bolero Marvel 30 PR and comes from the company Phonak. It is worn behind the ear, and it is a discreet hearing aid. The Bolero Marvel 30 PR is a model in a price range slightly above the average. Let's see if the pricing classification is justified.
Hearing comfort
The comfort features determine how pleasant listening is experienced in everyday life. In this hearing aid, we find only the absolutely necessary concerning hearing comfort. A classic noise suppression aims to reduce annoying background noises to a tolerable level. With the Bolero Marvel 30 PR, we are not exactly spoiled, but we can live well with simple noise suppression. However, users of the Bolero Marvel 30 PR must deal with the wind sweeping over the microphones. There is no wind noise reduction here.
Unfortunately, we did not find a blast filter that reacts to short, loud noises. We miss good spatial sound, but the automatic focus can be quite helpful in situations with multiple people. With 8 frequency bands, we are not entirely satisfied with the PR, but for uncomplicated hearing curves, this should be sufficient. The sound probably won’t be completely natural with this setup.
Strategies based on artificial intelligence are not yet implemented in this hearing aid from Phonak.
Rating Hearing comfort: 5,3
Operation & connectivity
The operation options for hearing aids today are as simple or as complex as one would like. The basic functions operate fully automatically, of course. We wanted to know how users can further access the Bolero Marvel 30 PR. There is a button directly on the hearing aid. This allows users to adjust the volume or activate additional hearing programs. It can be programmed entirely according to the customer's wishes. Using it is, of course, optional. Those who prefer not to touch their ear to raise the volume will appreciate the optional remote control. This allows for comfortable and discreet changes to the hearing aid.
Some hearing aids can already be controlled by voice, but unfortunately, this one from Phonak cannot yet. This would be practical when fingers are not so agile or if one simply likes smart gadgets. Another option for controlling the hearing aids is a tap control. This involves simply tapping the ear with fingers, which triggers a specific function. However, this option is not available in this Phonak device.
For better usability, the manufacturer also provides an app for smartphones. The Phonak app for Bolero Marvel 30 PR is impressive: not only can users change the volume, but they can also truly influence the sound and various noise parameters. Headphones are no longer needed here, as it has a wireless option and can transmit sounds from the smartphone directly into the ears—if the smartphone is equipped with 2.4 GHz LE technology.
Rating Operation & connectivity: 1,8
Phonak Bolero Marvel 30 PR:
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Simplicity & security
Another point on our checklist is handling. Does everything work simply and reliably? What does the hearing aid offer to ensure safe use in everyday life? Typical hearing situations that everyone encounters in their environment are reliably recognized and adjusted through automatic settings. However, for more specific, recurring needs, one cannot do without using the manual hearing programs. We give a big plus point for the automatic acclimatization assistant. It gradually raises the starting volume in very small steps until my hearing goal is reached. This greatly facilitates the adjustment to the new sound.
The Bolero Marvel 30 PR is rechargeable and no longer requires batteries. This is not only environmentally friendly but also very convenient to handle and frees me from the burden of constantly thinking about battery supplies.
This model seems to be a very robust hearing aid, as it has an IP 67 rating. This guarantees us protection against harmful dust and protection against contact and short-term immersion.
Rating Simplicity & security: 1,8
Phonak Bolero Marvel 30 PR:
Extras
Before we come to the end, let's take a look at the extras: Phonak has integrated a noise generator that plays some soothing sounds for those suffering from tinnitus. This can distract from the tinnitus and provide a bit more relaxation.
A very good added benefit comes from the remote maintenance service. Through the app, you can contact your audiologist and describe your hearing problem. They can then adjust the settings accordingly and upload them to the hearing aids via the app. For people with little time or a long commute, this is a great service.
Many hearing aids today still come with a few health functions. However, since the Bolero Marvel 30 PR does not have any special sensors for this, we cannot present any specific features here. It would have been nice to have a few lifestyle functions, but those are not available in the Bolero Marvel 30 PR. Other hearing aids can impress with language translation or fall alerts, but here we stick to the usual range of functions.
Rating Extras: 2,5
Conclusion: Phonak Bolero Marvel 30 PR
In the overall view, this device ranks in the lower positions and delivers us hardly more than a solid basic equipment. Of course, one can understand speech with the device, just as with all hearing aids, but not much is done to alleviate hearing strain. Our overall rating: 4.63. Please always relate this rating to the price range of this hearing aid.
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Philips HearLink 3050 MNR T R | Rating: 4.5 / 5 |
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Our Phonak Bolero Marvel 30 PR review was created on March 4, 2021 and lastly updated on June 20, 2024. The overall rating of 4,63 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 1 | »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 size is the Phonak Bolero Marvel 30 PR?
Large or small has to do with the outward effect. Therefore, we assess how large hearing aids appear to outsiders. The Phonak Bolero Marvel 30 PR is classified in size category S. This means it appears medium-sized.
How well do I hear with the Phonak Bolero Marvel 30 PR?
This hearing aid scores a total rating of 5.3 (poor) in the category of "hearing comfort." The score is made up of various components. Important criteria: The noise suppression achieves 2 out of 5 stars. The number of adjustable frequency bands in the Phonak Bolero Marvel 30 PR is 8 (the best in class currently have 24 bands). For wind noise suppression, this device receives the rating 'complete failure' from us, as it does not have this feature.
Is the Phonak Bolero Marvel 30 PR suitable for me?
The suitability range of hearing aids is referred to by audiologists as "fitting range." Phonak has defined the fitting range for the Bolero Marvel 30 PR as: slight to moderate hearing loss. Have a professional hearing test conducted at an audiology clinic near you, and then you will know if this hearing aid is suitable for you.
How much does the Phonak Bolero Marvel 30 PR cost?
Is the Phonak Bolero Marvel 30 PR expensive or cheap? It is currently traded in Germany in a price range of approximately €2,000.00 to €2,500.00. If a health insurance company contributes, the amount is significantly lower. Important: You should assess the price in relation to the overall rating in the test report (4.6 (poor)) and especially with the assessment in the noise suppression category (2 out of 5 stars).
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