Philips Hearlink Hearing Aids

Philips Hearing Aids is the new brand created in 2021 in collaboration with the Demant group to enter the world of audiology under the new Philips Hearlink brand, aiming to leverage the value of the Philips name.

In its recent launch, Philips Hearing Aids presents two hearing aid types in its Hearlink range: the miniRITE T and the miniRITE T R. Although we’ll likely see new models in the future to cover all types of hearing loss.

When we look at their features, we can see that these Philips hearing aid models are identical to the corresponding models from Bernafon Alpha, which Bernafon launched at the start of 2021. For those unfamiliar with the Bernafon brand, it’s part of the Demant group and is a hearing aid specialist with 75 years in the industry — a reference point and a guarantee of quality, which puts it at a clear advantage compared to Philips, which, despite being a well-known brand, is a “newcomer” when it comes to hearing aids.

The brand’s hearing aids are RIC models. The miniRITE T has a telecoil and a double programme button, and covers moderate to severe hearing loss, while the miniRITE T R is rechargeable, with a lithium-ion battery, and covers moderate to severe hearing loss.

Both models share the same main features and come in the same colour range: beige, black, brown, dark grey, grey and tan.

Rechargeable Charger

The Philips miniRITE T R hearing aid comes with a rechargeable charger, featuring a simple, sturdy design. It has a built-in USB 2.0 port that allows charging from various power sources, ideal for users who like to travel, letting them enjoy a full day’s use — including streaming from smartphones and TVs — with just a short charge.

There’s also the option of the Charger Plus, also for the miniRITE T R. This is a portable charger for users who lead a more active, on-the-go lifestyle. It charges its built-in internal battery, letting you enjoy up to three full charges.

Main Features of Philips Hearing Aids

AI sound technology. Designed to make speech clearer in noisy environments.

Noise control with SoundMap. Useful in noisier environments, this uses a dual microphone that cleans up the signal to access speech information, offering directionality and noise reduction.

SoundMap amplification. Once the signal has been cleaned, it’s passed on to amplification, where compression takes place to make those sound details audible. The compression rate adapts to the noise level, helping preserve speech information better in noisy environments.

SoundMap feedback cancellation. Manages feedback via a detector so the hearing aid doesn’t whistle.

2.4 GHz wireless technology. Enables wireless connection with devices such as iPhone, iPod or iPad.

Binaural coordination. Any adjustments to volume, programme changes or noise management applied to one hearing aid can also be automatically applied to the other device.

Extended dynamic range. Provides greater clarity for loud sounds through enhanced processing across the input signal range.

Low-frequency enhancement. To achieve better sound quality, low-frequency signals from wireless devices such as TVs or mobile phones are boosted.

Connectivity

The hearing aids can be connected to various smart devices, making it easier to enjoy certain entertainment activities such as watching TV or listening to music.

To do this, Philips offers the HearLink app, which can be downloaded on a smartphone and lets you use your phone as a remote control, letting you switch programmes, adjust the volume, mute the hearing aids and enable streaming options.

Among other features, the app also lets you check battery level or connection status, as well as connect the hearing aids to other devices and web services via IFTTT.

There’s a “Find my hearing aids” option, which lets you know their location.

Accessories

Philips AudioClip. Works as a microphone that helps with individual conversations in noisy environments or in situations where the person you’re speaking with is at a distance. To work, the speaker needs to place the device close to their mouth. It can also be used for hands-free phone calls via an iPhone or Android smartphone.

Philips TV Adapter. This adapter lets you listen to TV audio directly through your hearing aids, with volume adjustable to your liking.

Philips Remote Control. A remote that lets you control the volume of your hearing aids, and from which you can also use the HearLink app.

Bernafon Alpha vs Philips Hearlink Comparison

Conclusions on Buying Philips Hearing Aids

We could say we’re looking at a replica of Bernafon’s Alpha model, both in appearance and in its technical features and specifications, which raises the question of which one to choose.

In my opinion, the answer is clear: if I had to choose between these two brands, I’d clearly go with the one with more experience in the world of audiology, Bernafon, and steer clear of the one that’s clearly a marketing strategy, Philips, since that strategy will likely be reflected in the product’s final price.