Test report: Phonak Naida Marvel 50 SP

The Phonak Naida Marvel 50 SP in review

Dieses Hörgerät ist schon ein wenig älter und entspricht nicht mehr der neuesten Technik. Deshalb hat die Gesamtnote eine Abwertung bekommen.

Phonak is launching its Naida Marvel 50 SP, a traditional hearing aid priced slightly above the average. It is a somewhat discreet hearing aid for moderate to severe hearing loss and is worn behind the ear.

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, with this test device, we find only the absolute essentials regarding hearing comfort. As with all hearing aids, we also find the typical noise reduction. It is intended to reduce monotonous, noisy background sounds to the point where they are no longer so prominent. The Naida Marvel 50 SP has a fairly well-functioning noise reduction feature.

Unfortunately, this hearing aid currently does not have wind noise reduction. That's a shame. Unfortunately, we did not find a noise filter that responds to short, loud sounds. A few more frequency channels would be desirable, but with the existing 12 channels, it's already quite manageable. The adjustable microphones help to identify specific directions and can also assist in noise cancellation, but the ambient sound was not very natural.

Other hearing aids already use artificial intelligence in their signal processing, but this strategy is not yet implemented in the Naida Marvel 50 SP.

This hearing aid from Phonak operates with the AudioSense 3.0 operating system. A newer, more powerful version 4.0 of this software is already on the market and is used in Phonak Paradise hearing aids.

Rating Hearing comfort: 4,8

Operation & connectivity

Most functions of this Phonak model are activated automatically. However, it is sometimes very useful to have the option to expand the range of features a little. In our tests, we discovered what options we have here. For those who want to adjust the volume quickly and easily, there is a button on the device. You can also select additional programs for special listening situations through this. Those who are not keen on touching their ear to adjust the volume will be pleased about the optional remote control. This allows you to make changes to the hearing aid comfortably and discreetly.

For some time now, there has been a trend to adjust hearing aids louder or quieter using voice commands. The idea is really good, but Phonak has not yet implemented this feature in this device. Don't worry, this feature would be nice, but it is not essential. Some hearing aids can also be controlled with a quick tap of a finger without having to press a button. However, this feature is not yet implemented here.

As expected, we find a suitable application for the smartphone. Here we have a powerful app that trusts its user and provides an extensive toolbox. You no longer need headphones, as it has a wireless option and can transmit sounds directly from the smartphone to the ears – provided the smartphone is equipped with 2.4 GHz LE technology.

Rating Operation & connectivity: 1,8

Phonak Naida Marvel 50 SP:

Simplicity & security

Another point in our checklist is handling. Is everything easy and reliable? What does the hearing aid offer to ensure safe usage in everyday life? The Naida Marvel 50 SP automatically adjusts to the most important hearing settings, making daily use easier. However, those who frequently experience changing acoustic environments should have the manual additional programs configured. We are very pleased with the integrated acclimatization manager. It gradually increases the volume of the hearing aid in tiny steps until our target amplification is eventually reached. This allows us to relax and gradually get used to the new hearing impressions.

The Naida Marvel 50 SP is not rechargeable. It continues to get its power from size 13 disposable batteries, which need to be replaced every few days.

We also take a look at the robustness of the housing and find the protection class IP 68 in the datasheet. This means dust cannot penetrate at all, and water only becomes a danger after prolonged immersion. Protection against contact is also included.

Rating Simplicity & security: 2,3

Phonak Naida Marvel 50 SP:

Extras

Everyone appreciates a few extra features, so let's see if we can find something here: We noticed the tinnitus option. Anyone who wants can have a special tinnitus program set up, which can provide a gentle noise to mask the annoying tinnitus when needed. The sounds can be customized according to personal hearing preferences.

The ability for remote adjustment is really great. It is especially helpful when someone wants to make a small change to the hearing aid settings but doesn't want to travel to the audiologist. Instead, contact is made through the app, and the hearing professional sends a tailored data package back via the same means.

There are no sensors in this Naida Marvel 50 variant, so the popular health tracking cannot be offered. For example, steps are counted throughout the day. As mentioned - this hearing aid does not have this function. Other hearing aids already have a few advanced options like a fall alarm or reminder functions. We don’t find that here, but that’s not so dramatic, as the normal hearing functions are still the most important.

Rating Extras: 2,5

Conclusion: Phonak Naida Marvel 50 SP

In the overall result, this test device ranks in the lower positions and lacks some features. We award a rating of 4.44. For less demanding listeners, this is acceptable; however, for a very active lifestyle, we recommend a hearing aid with more extensive comfort features.

 

Our Phonak Naida Marvel 50 SP review was created on April 1, 2021 and lastly updated on January 3, 2024. The overall rating of 4,44 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 1.5 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 4.5 | »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

What does the Phonak Naida Marvel 50 SP cost?

The Naida Marvel 50 SP from Phonak is currently offered by providers in a rough price range of approximately between €2,000.00 and €2,500.00. You should view this price in relation to the test score of 4.4 (sufficient). And for example, also in relation to the star rating in the area of noise suppression in our tests (3 out of 5 stars). You can find all comparative values in the hearing aid comparison.

How well does the Phonak Naida Marvel 50 SP perform?

The Naida Marvel 50 SP from Phonak achieves a score of 4.8 (poor) in the hearing comfort test category. In the area of noise suppression, the hearing aid receives 3 out of 5 stars. In wind noise suppression, it receives the designation 'complete failure' as it does not have this feature. The hearing aid shows 12 different equalizer bands in the test that can be adjusted by the audiologist to the individual's hearing ability (current top models achieve 24).

Who is the Phonak Naida Marvel 50 SP suitable for?

This hearing aid is aimed at individuals with moderate to severe hearing loss. This so-called "fitting range" is generally defined by Phonak. A good local audiology company can immediately determine whether this behind-the-ear hearing aid is suitable for you after a professional hearing test.

How large is the Phonak Naida Marvel 50 SP?

We have categorized all hearing aids on the market into four size classes, from XXS (almost invisible) to M (rather large). The Phonak Naida Marvel 50 SP has a size classification of S, making it medium-sized compared to other hearing aids.

 

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