bernafon | alpha | xt Hearing Aid

Launched in March 2023 comes the new release from Bernafon. Improving on their already successful Alpha technology, Bernafon launched the new Alpha XT. Again, inspired by wildlife and their sharp, pinpoint hearing they have created an improved version of the Hybrid technology called Hybrid Sound Care. This new feature is desgined to improve the protection level for hearing aid wearers in disturbing or uncomfortable sound environments. Combining all of the high end features previously in Alpha the hearing aids provide a premium sound in all user environments. One of the most natural sounding products on the market- We would certainly say so.

Features of the Product 

In this section we will go through the Hybrid Sound Care technology and the features that make the new Bernafon Alpha XT hearing systems some of the best on the market. We will break down the Hybrid system they use into the four main features and what they do to provide you with the best hearing.

Hybrid Sound Care

Introduced to further compliment the Hybrid technology, Hybrid Sound Care is designed to help its users with disturbing or uncomfortable environmental sounds. It does this by making 500 adjustments every second across 24 frequency bands to provide comfort in those environments with the help of Wind Noise Protector and Contact Noise Protector.

Wind Noise Protector

Wind Noise Protector is designed alongside Contact Noise Protector within the Hybrid Sound Care to assist with wind noise suppresion for the user. By suppressing the wind noise it allows the user to focus more on the sppech sounds and clairty of sound around them, without their focus being taken away by loud or distressing wind noise.

Contact Noise Protector

Contact Noise Protector is a completely new feature alongside the Wind Noise Protector within the Hybrid Sound Care system. Contact Noise Protecter uses innovative technology to reduce the sounds of contact noise such as brushing of hair and putting on and removing glasses. With many other hearing aids on the market this is a real problem for most users as the microphones for RIC and BTE hearing aids are sitting on the glasses and hair line. The disturbing noise from the contact sounds makes it difficult for acclimitization of hearing aids. Therefore Contact Noise Protector is a rela breakthrough in aiding the user to adapt and settle in to their hearing aids and also focus on those more important sounds in their life. 

Hybrid Balancing 

Hybrid balancing provides a personal balance between both speech audibility and listening comfort. It detects subtle changes in the environment and uses the Hybrid Balancing feature to respond rapidly and accurately. Speech Balancer and Noise Balancer tune sound amplification in the presence or absence of speech.It also provides independent customisation for speech in noise and just noisy situations.

Hybrid Feedback Canceller 

Alpha's premium hybrid feedback canceller has been designed to get rid of feedback withing milliseconds. It does this by combining phase cancellation and spectral-temporal modulation effectively to respond to any potential feedback signals. Two estimators eliminate feedback in static and dynamic conditions with up to 126,000 measurements per second.

Hybrid Noise Management 

Alpha's new management system provides smart noise reduction and smart directionality across the 24 bands within the hearing aids. This offers maximum focus and clarity when in the most challenging of situations. Used alongside the Smart Optimised Noise Reduction algorithm it offers specific measurements of the environment to provide the right settings for best sound quality. Smart Directionality is active in 24 individual bands and interacts smoothly with Smart Noise Reduction, optimized through machine learning.

Hybrid Sound Processing 

To provide the best sound processing the Alpha uses what they call 'Parallel sound processing in the time and frequency domains'. Two parallel strategies process sound simultaneously in the time and frequency domains to allow for the most natural and effective sound listening environment for the user as possible. Phonemic broadband compression in real-time is combined with high precision compression in 24 frequency bands.

Machine Learning

Bernafon have incorporated machine learning into the new Alpha range of hearing systems. Machine learning is the hub for training the four hybrid features to ensure that they work to the optimal level for each individuals requirements. Smart Noise Reduction within Hybrid Noise Management has been trained by machine learning to apply the correct amount of noise reduction to specific situations. By using machine learning the hearing aid is constantly updating and changing its requirements to match the finite changes within the environment.

Rechargeability

The Alpha range comes with a built in Li-ion power cell meaning that the user can expect to receive a full days usage of just a 3 hour charge. The Alpha range is currently only available as a rechargeable option. 

Charging times are as follows:

3 Hours- 24hours of usage including bluetooth streaming

1.5 Hours - 12 Hours of usage including bluetooth streaming

0.5 Hours - 5-6 Hours of usage including bluetooth streaming.

Streaming Facilities

The Alpha platform has a built in low energy 2.4 GHz bluetooth connection for effortless streaming to all smartphone devices. The hearing aids are also wireless which means the user can benefit from Bernafon's range of wireless accessories such as TV streamer and Mini mic setups. The EasyControl-A app can be downloaded free to your smartphone and will allow you to change the volume and programs on your Alpha Hearing Aids. There are also some enhancements to the app functionality which include:

• Connect to various IoT based devices with the IFTTT service.

• 'Find my hearing aid' function.

• Stream audio with the streaming equaliser.

• Fine-tune the sound you hear when watching TV.

• Stream the microphone signal from your mobile to your hearing aids.

• You can schedule online appointments and remote fitting sessions with your local audiologist with the EasyControl Connect app.

Build Quality

The Aplha product range all come with an ip68 rated moisture and dust resistant coating. The receivers have an enhanced, moisture resistant casing with a wax resistant filter to protect the inner electronics. The recharging unit is built with durability in mind and is also moisture and dust resistant to ensure your hearing aids receive maximum charge every time.

Hearing Aid Styles / Colours

The Alpha range currently only comes in two styles and can be rechargeable or battery opertated:

Receiver in Canal (RIC)

• miniRITE T R- The rechargeable version with a built in telecoil (Bluetooth and wireless compatibility)

Behind the Ear (BTE)

• Behind the Ear (BTE) version, either rechargeable or battery operated.

UK Hearing's Bernafon Alpha 9 Technology Star Rating

Wind Noise Reduction - *****

Natural Sound Experience - *****

Improved Speech Understanding - *****

Automatic Sound Adjustment - *****