The Phonak Terra+ BTE-SP in review
In this test report, we discuss the Terra+ BTE-SP. It was developed by Phonak and addresses light, moderate, and severe hearing needs. This variant is worn behind the ear. Terra+ BTE-SP is a regular, medium-sized hearing aid from the more affordable category. We achieve clear sound transmission through a previously widely used hearing aid.
Hearing comfort
Right from the start, we are dealing with the topic of listening 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 very few options for influencing comfort.
Classical noise suppression is, of course, present here as well. Its task is to detect and slightly dampen simple sounds from the environment. In this Phonak model, noise suppression works rather average but is somewhat modifiable. Points are deducted for the lack of impulse noise suppression. Normally, this dampens short, rattling noises. However, those who choose this hearing aid should not be bothered by this.
Unfortunately, this hearing aid still does not have wind noise suppression. Too bad. The hearing aid can autonomously align itself with the speaker in front, but we do not receive much more support for spatial hearing from the Terra+ BTE-SP. Let's also look at the number of equalizer bands: the device from Phonak has 10. We are not really happy with that, as the possibilities for sound shaping are quite limited. But for good speech understanding, that's sufficient. One component in the signal processing of the Terra+ BTE-SP is artificial intelligence. The impact is positive, as many customers find conversations in noisy situations to be much more relaxed.
Rating Hearing comfort: 4,0
Operation & connectivity
Buttons, switches ... or would you prefer an app? Control elements can significantly expand the functionality of hearing aids. Is there something like that in the Terra+ BTE-SP? We checked. A very quick way to adjust the volume is the small button on the device. It's easy to feel, and you can increase or decrease the volume in several steps. Additionally, extra programs for specific hearing situations can be activated with it. If you want to do without the button, you can simply have it deactivated. The small remote control, which is optionally available, is very practical. For us, it's one of the most convenient ways to turn the hearing aid up or down or switch to another hearing program. Nobody notices it; reaching for the ear is not necessary.
For some time now, there has been a trend to adjust hearing aids louder or quieter via voice commands. The idea is really good, but Phonak is not there yet with this device. Don’t worry, this feature would be nice, but it's not essential. Some hearing aids can also be controlled with a quick tap of the finger, without having to press an extra button. However, this feature has not yet been implemented here.
To improve usability, the manufacturer also provides an app for smartphones. The Phonak app for Terra+ BTE-SP is impressive: you can not only change the volume but also truly influence the sound and various noise parameters. One of the best features of the hearing aid is the direct streaming function. This turns the hearing aid into a true wireless headphone, receiving phone calls and other sounds directly in the ear. A compatible smartphone that contains 2.4 GHz technology is required. The biggest advantage is that you can hear calls not just in one ear, but in both. Additionally, the sound can be tailored to personal needs.
Rating Operation & connectivity: 1,8
Phonak Terra+ BTE-SP:
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Simplicity & security
In the next step, we want to address the topic of user-friendliness. Is the Terra+ BTE-SP easy to use? Is it weatherproof? Do you have to do a lot to get the hang of it? Here are our answers: When listening, situational awareness makes life easier for us. The situation recognition in the Terra+ BTE-SP is not quite as sophisticated. This means that the hearing aid can differentiate between quieter and louder environments and adjusts accordingly. However, it does not compensate very well during challenging moments, such as when there are loud conversations in a strong background noise. We award a big plus for 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 come with a rechargeable battery, but the Terra+ BTE-SP continues to operate with disposable batteries. This is somewhat cumbersome to handle and also puts a strain on the environment.
The hearing aid has been classified in IP protection class 68. This guarantees comprehensive protection against dust ingress. Water also cannot easily harm the hearing aid. Thus, it is well-equipped for outdoor activities where it can get wet and dirty. However, do not necessarily go bathing or swimming with the hearing aids. Bath additives or the salt content in seawater can change the composition and ultimately cause harm.
Rating Simplicity & security: 2,5
Extras
We complete the test by checking if there are a few extras for you: First, we look for a special tinnitus program. Tinnitus is a bothersome topic for many people. However, in the Terra+ BTE-SP, we did not find an option for tinnitus relief.
We find the remote adjustment feature really great. It is very helpful when you just want to change something small in the hearing aid settings but do not want to drive to the audiologist. Instead, you contact them via the app, and the hearing professional sends back an adjusted data package through the same channel.
For health-conscious individuals, there is a small feature in the Terra+ BTE-SP: health tracking. For example, steps can be counted throughout the day, and you receive feedback on your own level of activity. Sensors in the hearing aid track the individual data, which can then be accessed in the app. You should take a closer look at the app for this Phonak device. There are a few extras in it that significantly expand the functionality of these hearing aids. We find these additional features really fantastic!
Rating Extras: 1,8
Conclusion: Phonak Terra+ BTE-SP
With a final grade of 2.8, this model holds its own in the mid-range. It has a pretty decent comfort package on board, which is sufficient for typical everyday moments and creates a satisfying listening experience.
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Our Phonak Terra+ BTE-SP 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
How large is the Terra+ BTE-SP from Phonak?
Since a size in millimeters does not explain how large a hearing aid appears, we have divided the size perception into classes. Class "XXS" is practically invisible, while class "M" has the largest appearance. The Terra+ BTE-SP from Phonak falls into size class M. It could therefore be described as rather large.
What is the price of the Phonak Terra+ BTE-SP?
The Terra+ BTE-SP from the manufacturer Phonak is currently offered by hearing care professionals in Germany within a price range of approximately €700.00 to €1,300.00. To assess the value for money, you should also consider the overall test grade of 2.8 (satisfactory).
How well can you hear with the Phonak Terra+ BTE-SP?
The Phonak Terra+ BTE-SP receives a comfort rating of 4.0 (sufficient) from us. The Phonak hearing aid receives the label 'complete failure' for its wind noise suppression, as it does not have this feature. The noise suppression of the device achieves 3 out of 5 stars. Ten frequency bands are adjustable separately in this hearing aid for the processing of sound pitches (top values of the current flagship models: 24).
Who is the Phonak Terra+ BTE-SP suitable for?
If your hearing impairment is mild, moderate, or severe, the Phonak Terra+ BTE-SP may be suitable for you. This so-called "adaptation range" of the hearing aid is determined by the manufacturer and is related, among other things, to the amplification of the hearing aid. Whether the device is actually suitable for you can only be meaningfully assessed by a hearing care professional on-site after a detailed hearing test has been conducted.
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