Test report: Phonak Terra BTE-SP

The Phonak Terra BTE-SP in review

This test report is about the Terra BTE-SP. It was developed by Phonak and covers light, medium, and severe hearing needs. This variant is worn behind the ear. Terra BTE-SP is a traditionally sized hearing aid for a tight budget. We achieve clear sound transmission through a hearing aid in the classical sense.

Phonak offers an alternative in the low-budget sector with its Terra family devices.

Hearing comfort

Right from the start, we focus on the topic of hearing comfort. By this, we mean all the features that ensure a thoroughly pleasant, rich, and disturbance-free sound. In the Terra BTE-SP, we found few options for influencing comfort.

Classic noise suppression is, of course, present here as well. Its task is to recognize simple sounds from the surroundings and slightly mitigate them. In this Phonak model, we are not necessarily dealing with a high-performance variant, but in most hearing situations, the noise suppression should suffice. Unfortunately, an impulse sound dampener is not included in the Terra BTE-SP.

Wind noise is another issue. Many enjoy being outdoors and are then somewhat disturbed by the wind. Unfortunately, there is no wind management here, so one simply has to endure the sounds of the air movements. We cannot create a true 3D spatial sound with the current test device. Especially outdoors, one should often look around to see where individual sound sources are located. However, focusing on a specific speaker works quite well with the integrated directional microphones. Let's briefly look at the equalizer: with 8 bands, it is not particularly flexible. With a few more channels, we would certainly have achieved a nicer, more natural sound experience. But at least, we can reasonably adjust the sound to our hearing perception. Speech in noisy environments is always a challenge. Phonak addresses this issue with the use of artificial intelligence. The result is a brilliant and clear speech transmission, while the ambient noises still come through realistically loud to the ear.

Rating Hearing comfort: 4,2

Operation & connectivity

Although hearing aids are now very intelligent, they still cannot read the thoughts of the hearing aid wearer. Thus, the automation sometimes reaches its limits. Individual adjustment options can be really useful, so let's briefly look at the options available on the Terra BTE-SP: There is a button directly on the hearing aid. This can be used to adjust the volume or activate additional hearing programs. It can be programmed according to the customer's wishes. Of course, the use is optional. The small remote control, which is available as an option, is very practical. For us, it is one of the most convenient ways to make the hearing aid louder or quieter or to switch to another hearing program. No one notices it; there is no need to touch the ear.

In the test, we did not find any voice control options. This feature is not necessarily required, but it would have pleased us nonetheless. If there are sensors in the hearing aid, tap control could be conceivable, which would trigger a specific function by tapping the ear with your fingers. However, this option is not available on the Terra BTE-SP.

We missed an app for the Terra BTE-SP during the test. If operation via smartphone is important to you, you should consider looking for another model. Problems when making phone calls with a smartphone are a thing of the past with this device. Phone calls, music, and other sounds are transmitted completely wirelessly to the hearing aids. Headphones become unnecessary. We tested the wireless transmission during longer phone calls as well as for listening to music while exercising. Everything worked smoothly and effortlessly. Only a suitable smartphone with 2.4 GHz wireless technology is necessary.

Streaming refers to these hearing aids only in relation to phone calls. An audio transmission, as is actually already normal today, is missing here. You also cannot use an app or additional accessories.

Rating Operation & connectivity: 2,5

Simplicity & security

An important factor for the acceptance of a hearing aid is its practicality in everyday life. This includes, for example, automated functions, as well as robustness and user-friendliness. Simplicity in a hearing aid primarily means that it adapts flexibly to changing listening scenarios. The Terra BTE-SP did not quite convince us in this regard. While there is a situation recognition feature that distinguishes between quieter and louder environments, it does work. However, those who are active in their lives may occasionally encounter limitations. This is not too bad, as manual adjustment options are available. A crucial aspect of simplicity for us is support during the adjustment period. Especially after having heard poorly for years, it can sometimes be difficult to perceive everything at a natural volume. In our test device, there is an acclimatization manager that helps us through the adjustment phase with very small volume adjustments. After a few weeks or months, we have then reached the calculated amplification level.

The Terra BTE-SP is not rechargeable. It continues to get its energy from disposable size 13 batteries, which need to be replaced every few days.

We also take a look at the robustness of the casing and discover in the data sheet that it has an IP 68 protection class. This means that dust cannot penetrate at all, and water only becomes hazardous after prolonged immersion. Protection against contact is also included.

Rating Simplicity & security: 2,5

Extras

Sometimes hearing aids come with additional features that can be quite useful. Let's see how it is with this Phonak device: First, we look for a special tinnitus program. Ear noises are a troublesome topic for many people. However, we found no option for tinnitus relief in the Terra BTE-SP.

In mobile times like these, a remote service via an app would be very helpful. This way, one could conveniently have a new hearing aid programming created from home. Unfortunately, this service is not available for the Terra BTE-SP. Therefore, for any desired changes, one still has to visit the specialist store.

Tracking health data is a real added value in modern hearing aids. However, this Phonak model lacks the sensors for this service. It would have also been nice to have some lifestyle functions, but they are not available in the Terra BTE-SP. Other hearing aids may feature a language translator or fall alert, but here it remains within the usual functionality.

Rating Extras: 4,0

Conclusion: Phonak Terra BTE-SP

With an overall grade of 3.39, this model holds its own in the mid-range. It has quite a decent level of comfort features on board, sufficient for typical everyday moments and provides a satisfactory listening experience.

 

Our Phonak Terra BTE-SP review was created on March 11, 2024 and lastly updated on January 2, 2025. The overall rating of 3,39 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 2 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 3.5 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 3.5 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 2 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..

 

 

 

FAQ

What does the Phonak Terra BTE-SP cost?

The Terra BTE-SP from Phonak is currently offered by providers at a rough price range of approximately between €700.00 and €1,300.00. You should consider this price in relation to the test score of 3.4 (satisfactory). And, for example, also depending on the star rating in the area of noise suppression in our tests (3 out of 5 stars). You can find all comparison values in the hearing aid comparison.

How well can you hear with the Phonak Terra BTE-SP?

The Terra BTE-SP from Phonak achieves a score of 4.2 (sufficient) in the test area of hearing comfort. In the area of noise suppression, the hearing aid achieves 3 out of 5 stars. For wind noise suppression, it receives the designation 'total failure', as it does not have this feature. The hearing aid displays 8 different equalizer bands in the test, which can be adjusted by the hearing care professional to the individual's hearing ability (current top models reach 24).

Who is the Phonak Terra BTE-SP suitable for?

This hearing aid is aimed at people with mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss. This so-called "fitting range" is provided by Phonak as a rough framework. A good local hearing care company can immediately tell you after a professional hearing test whether this behind-the-ear hearing aid is suitable for you.

How big is the Phonak Terra BTE-SP?

We have grouped all hearing aids on the market into four size categories, from XXS (almost invisible) to M (rather large). The Phonak Terra BTE-SP has the size classification M, making it relatively large compared to other hearing aids.

 

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