Test report: Phonak Terra+ BTE

The Phonak Terra+ BTE in review

To create a hearing aid test report, we take a close look at the hearing aids and, if possible, wear them ourselves for a while. This time it was the Terra+ BTE from Phonak, a device from the more affordable category, which can compensate for mild, moderate, and severe hearing loss. The Terra+ BTE is a discreet hearing aid that sits behind the ear. With traditional hearing aids, it has already met the basic requirements for reasonable sound.

Hearing comfort

In our test, we usually start with the analysis of comfort features. A comfortable sound is characterized by a mix of speech and background noises that is realistic and as pleasant as possible. Various electronic tools take care of all the sounds. With the Terra+ BTE, we found very few options for influencing comfort. One of the noise tools is noise suppression, which is supposed to reduce sounds like traffic noise, refrigerator humming, or PC ventilation. Here, the noise suppression works quite well. While there are other models that significantly reduce background noises, this one should suffice for everyday hearing.

 

A so-called bump filter would have been nice; it would have made the clattering while emptying the dishwasher a bit more bearable. But we have to do without that on the Terra+ BTE. Unfortunately, this hearing aid does not yet have wind noise suppression. That's a pity. We cannot create a proper 3D sound experience with the current test device. Especially outdoors, you should often look around to identify individual sound sources. However, focusing on a particular speaker works quite well with the integrated directional microphones. An important point in our tests is the number of frequency bands. This plays a role when it comes to the precise programming of hearing aids. The number is also important when distinguishing between speech and noises. Here we have 10 bands. There could have been a few more, as we unfortunately cannot make finer adjustments. However, for those who do not place such a high value on a brilliant sound experience, the Terra+ BTE could be quite sufficient.

 

Artificial intelligence is also used in the signal processing of the Terra+ BTE. This allows for a far more realistic analysis of the hearing environment, and especially the clarity in noisy surroundings is significantly better.

 

 

Rating Hearing comfort: 4,0

Operation & connectivity

Sometimes it's not so bad to be able to adjust the volume of the hearing aid a little, for example, when the neighbor is loudly mowing the lawn or when someone is speaking very quietly to you. Many models, therefore, have special operating functions. You can use them, but you don’t have to. We looked at this with the Terra+ BTE: The simplest way to operate it is always a button directly on the hearing aid. This one also has it. It can be programmed according to your wishes. Do you want a manual volume control? No problem, the button allows for step-by-step volume adjustment. Or do you need different special programs for your professional life or hobbies? These can also be activated via the button. Anyone who wants to keep everything in automatic mode can simply ignore the button or even have it deactivated. Those who don't like to touch their ear to adjust the volume will be pleased with the optional remote control. This way, you can comfortably and inconspicuously make changes to the hearing aid.

In our test, we found no option for voice control. This function is not necessarily needed, but we would have appreciated it nonetheless. Tap Control would have also been an interesting function. With this, you can change the function with a quick tap on the ear. But this feature is not yet available on the Terra+ BTE.

Smartphone apps are now often offered to improve the usability of hearing aids. The app from Phonak, in our opinion, is one of the better ones because it offers a good set of adjustment options. Problems with phone calls on smartphones are a thing of the past with this device. 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 simply and smoothly. Only a compatible smartphone with 2.4 GHz wireless technology is needed.

Rating Operation & connectivity: 1,8

Phonak Terra+ BTE:

Simplicity & security

No matter how great the hearing aid sounds: nothing is more unpleasant than a product that constantly presents us with hurdles in our daily lives. That's why simplicity and safety are very important topics in our hearing aid tests: Simplicity in a hearing aid means to us primarily that it flexibly adapts to changing hearing scenarios. The Terra+ BTE didn't quite convince us in this regard. Although there is a situation recognition feature that differentiates between quieter and louder environments, it works. However, those who are actively engaged in life might occasionally encounter limitations with it. But that's not too bad, as one can revert to manual adjustment options. A big plus point goes to the automatic acclimatization assistant. It gradually increases the starting volume in very small steps until my hearing goal is reached. This significantly eases the adjustment to the new sound.

Many hearing aids today have a rechargeable battery, but the Terra+ BTE still operates with disposable batteries. This is somewhat cumbersome to handle and also puts a strain on the environment.

The hearing aid has been classified under protection class IP 68. This guarantees comprehensive protection against dust ingress. Water cannot easily harm the hearing aid either. This makes it well-prepared for outdoor activities where it can get wet and dirty. However, do not go swimming or bathing with the hearing aids. Bath additives or the salt content in seawater can change the composition and ultimately cause damage.

Rating Simplicity & security: 2,5

Extras

Everyone appreciates a few extra features, so let's see if we can find anything here: Manufacturers often implement a tinnitus program in their hearing aids to slightly alleviate that annoying ringing. However, Phonak has decided to forgo this in this model. This is unfortunate, as it would provide real added value for many people.

A very good additional benefit is offered through the remote maintenance feature. Through the app, you can get in touch with your hearing care professional and describe your hearing issue. 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.

Do you sometimes use your smartphone to track your daily steps? It's now not only easier but also more accurate. The Terra+ BTE from Phonak has integrated sensors that make tracking very precise. Other health data can also be recorded through this - in our eyes, that’s a real added value. Get even more out of the Terra+ BTE by utilizing the smart lifestyle features. They expand the operational range of the hearing aids with various assistance programs and significantly enhance the functionality.

Rating Extras: 1,8

Conclusion: Phonak Terra+ BTE

Mit der Endnote 2,8 behauptet sich dieses Modell im mittleren Bereich. Es hat eine ganz passable Komfortausstattung mit an Bord, die für die typischen Alltagsmomente reicht und ein zufriedenstellendes Hörerlebnis schafft.

 

Our Phonak Terra+ BTE review was created on April 10, 2024 and lastly updated on January 2, 2025. The overall rating of 2,80 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 2 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 4.5 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 3.5 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 4.5 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..

 

 

 

FAQ

Ist das Terra+ BTE von Phonak für mich geeignet?

Der Anpassbereich dieses Hörgerätes ist "". Ob Ihr Hördefizit in diesem Bereich liegt, kann ein Hörakustik-Fachbetrieb vor Ort schnell beurteilen.

Was kostet das Terra+ BTE von Phonak?

Der grobe Rahmen, in dem das Phonak Terra+ BTE derzeit in Deutschland angeboten wird, ist ungefähr zwischen 700,00 € und 1.300,00 €. Zum Preis sollte man sich auch die Gesamtbewertung anschauen: Die Gesamt-Testnote im HörShop-Test ist 2.8 (***). Auch Details sind wichtig, um den Hörgerätepreis einordnen zu können: Die Sternebewertung der "Lärmunterdrückung" im Test zeigt .

Welche Größe hat das Phonak Terra+ BTE?

Dieses haben wir in die Größenklasse S eingeordnet. Das bedeutet, dass es ist. Sie können es mit anderen Hörgeräten dieser Größenklasse vergleichen: Hörgeräte-Vergleich.

Wie gut hört man mit dem Phonak Terra+ BTE?

Das Terra+ BTE vom Hersteller Phonak ist mit 10 separat einstellbaren Equalizer-Bändern ausgestattet (zur Einordnung: Die aktuellen Spitzengeräte besitzen 25 Bänder). Die Bewertung der Unterdrückung von Lärm für dieses Gerät erreicht . Prädikat gibt es für die Windgeräuschunterdrückung des Terra+ BTE. Fasst man den gesamten Bereich "Hörkomfort" zusammen, ergibt sich eine Gesamtnote im Test von 4,0 (**).

 

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