ReSound is a hearing health juggernaut owned by Copenhagen-based GN Group. ReSound actually started in the U.S. before moving across the Atlantic - we’ll get there.
In this guide, we’ll cover ReSound’s history and reputation, the brand’s latest products, prices, app, and accessories. We’ll also compare ReSound to other leading hearing aids on the market.
Whether you are an experienced ReSound wearer looking for the latest model or brand new to the hearing health landscape, this guide is for you.
Let’s get into it.
About ReSound
Quick ReSound Facts
- ReSound is owned by GN Group, the 4th largest global hearing aid manufacturer
- ReSound shares technology with sister-brands Jabra and Beltone
- ReSound is headquartered in Copenhagen and serves 100+ countries
- ReSound is a prescription brand - only sold by hearing professionals
History and Background
ReSound wasn't always a European company. It was founded by Rodney Perkins, who grew up in Evansville, Indiana, and advanced technology from Bell Labs to create hearing aids. GN purchased ReSound and moved the brand's headquarters to Europe in 1999.
In the last 25 years, ReSound has grown into the flagship hearing aid brand from GN Hearing. GN is the 4th largest manufacturer of hearing aids globally and also makes products under the well-known brands Jabra, Interton, and Beltone. Side note: Jabra Enhance Select is our overall choice for best value in 2024.
GN has headquarters in the outskirts of Copenhagen, but its impact is global, providing products in over 100 countries. ReSound hearing aids are available from hearing care professionals around the world and are considered one of the most respected brands by audiologists.
ReSound was the first brand to feature an iPhone-compatible hearing aid in 2013. They continue to innovate with more intelligent devices, longer battery life, and unique design. In 2023, ReSound released the first hearing aid with Auracast capabilities built-in - ReSound NEXIA.
ReSound hearing aids are only available through prescription channels - no over-the-counter options. Consumers who want ReSound technology without a visit to a local doctor might consider Jabra Enhance Select.
The Latest ReSound Hearing Aids
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ReSound rolls out a new product line every few years. Each new line has more features and smarter tech. ReSound NEXIA is the company's current flagship product. As of February 2024, ReSound's NEXIA technology is now available in custom and BTE form factors, in addition to their NEXIA microRIE.
Available Styles
ReSound offers a full line of hearing aid styles, from nearly invisible IIC devices to high-powered BTE options. The majority of ReSound hearing aid wearers opt for devices that sit behind the ear due to their comfort, Bluetooth connection, and rechargeable batteries.
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Non-Flagship ReSound Product Families
In addition to their flagship products, ReSound makes two additional families of hearing aids.
- ReSound Key is the brand's budget line with slightly lower technology
- ReSound Enzo Q is the brand's high powered BTE lineup for severe and profound hearing loss with a NEXIA BTE now also available
The Last 10 Years of ReSound Models
2023: ReSound Nexia (current flagship)
2021: ReSound Key (budget line)
2020: ReSound One (flagship)
2019: ReSound Enzo Q (high-powered)
2018: ReSound LiNX Quattro (flagship)
2017: ReSound LiNX 3D (flagship)
2016: ReSound ENZO2 (high-powered)
2015: ReSound LiNX2 (flagship)
2014: ReSound ENZO (high-powered)
2013: ReSound LiNX (flagship)
Here's a closer look ReSound's current product range. 👇
ReSound unveiled NEXIA in October 2023. If you’ve read our past reviews, you might know that ReSound is a regular innovator in the hearing category.
The brand was the first to partner with Apple for Bluetooth streaming back in 2013. In 2022, ReSound released an impressive algorithm update with improved beam-forming tech that boasted a 150% improvement in background noise.
ReSound is also the only manufacturer that places a microphone inside the ear to use the natural shape of the pinna to sort out background noise. Those popular features will remain with ReSound NEXIA with some exciting additions.
The first is a visible reduction in size. Impressively, NEXIA maintains a 30-hour battery life while cutting 25% off the overall size—big thumbs up from us.
The second big announcement is that NEXIA has an updated Bluetooth capability that allows Auracast streaming in public places. If you aren’t familiar with Auracast, check out our guide to the topic here.
ReSound is among the best in the industry at separating speech and noise in a background situation. Our lead audiologist recently put NEXIA in a test box and found the hearing aids could consistently provide up to 8-10 dB of background noise reduction.
ReSound NEXIA is on most of our shortlists for the best premium, receiver-in-canal hearing aids on the market.
- Overall notes: ReSound NEXIA is an all around excellent product with an innovative approach to microphones and one of the smallest form factors in the industry. ReSound NEXIA has strong Bluetooth connection that now boasts Auracast compatibility.
- Price: The national average price for ReSound NEXIA is $7,410 per pair. In our price research we've found some national providers with prices as low as $3,198/pair. Click here for more on prices.
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth with hands-free calling for iPhone and iPad, Small behind the ear style
- What audiologists say: “ReSound offers elegant design and good (if not elite) sound quality. These hearing aids are high quality and reliable.” - Garrett Thompson, AuD
Great for background noise management
Auracast compatible
Small form factor and an optional 3rd microphone in the ear
More expensive compared to direct to consumer and OTC options
NEXIA's in-ear M&RIE microphone is a bit larger and can be uncomfortable for some
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ReSound is blurring the line between headphones and hearing aids with this custom product released in the summer of 2022. Customs by ReSound come in three sizes (completely-in-canal, half-shell and full-shell. The half-shell and full-shell products are the hero of the product family. The smaller, completely-in-canal product does not offer rechargeable batteries or Bluetooth streaming. Customs by ReSound use the same underlying technology as ReSound OMNIA hearing aids. The family of products prioritizes speech clarity in background noise.
The smooth and rounded control buttons on each hearing aid look like they belong on a new set of Beats By Dre headphones. Inside the ear, the hearing aids live up to their name. Each device is custom molded to match your ear canal's shape and size. The custom design means increased comfort and sound quality.
Like most Bluetooth hearing aids, Customs by ReSound allow hands-free calling with iPhone (you can leave your phone in your pocket), but you'll need to have your phone close by if you use an Android.
- Overall notes: If you are looking for a comfortable in-ear hearing aid with strong Bluetooth capabilities and a dexterity friendly charger, Customs by ReSound could be just the ticket. On the flip-side this device uses a slightly older operating system compared to ReSound's behind-the-ear model.
- Price: Customs by ReSound can cost up to $7,500 for a pair in a local clinic. We found prices as low as $3,198 for a pair. More on pricing here.
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth, custom-molded to your ear canal
- Customs by ReSound are custom-molded to fit your ear canal, providing increased comfort and sound quality.
- These hearing aids provide impressive music, podcast, and phone-call sound quality.
- The components in Customs by ReSound's larger have an excellent IP68 waterproof rating (unique among in-the-ear products).
- These hearing aids are on the higher end of the price range, which may not be affordable for everyone.
- Android Compatibility: While Customs by ReSound allow hands-free calling with iPhone, you'll need to have your phone close by if you use an Android.
- Customs by ReSound are not offered in fully invisible models (smallest size is a CIC).
This hearing aid is built with wireless connectivity capabilities and advanced noise reduction features. It adjusts to the varying sound environments that the wearer is exposed to and features a tinnitus app to manage tinnitus symptoms.
Overall notes: GN ReSound hearing aids top quality devices, and their user-friendly app allows for a lot of adjustment options for hearing aid users. For those who need extra support in background noise, GN also makes accessories that pair easily and seamlessly with their hearing aids.
Features: Rechargeable, behind the ear style, Find My Hearing Aid, Bluetooth, remote programming, and smartphone app customization.
- Seamless accessories: TV Streamer, Multi Mic, and more
- Made for iPhone and compatible with Android
- Intuitive app for those who like to make adjustments
- Compatible with Cochlear Americas cochlear implants
- Great options for tinnitus programs
- No compatible CROS
- Not the best option for Android users
The Key series is designed to provide a balance between performance and affordability. ReSound Key hearing aids are available in both custom and behind-the-ear styles and still include key features like rechargeable batteries, telecoil and Bluetooth streaming. The biggest difference between the Key family and more advanced NEXIA devices is the sound processing. ReSound Key uses sound processing from a few years ago without the latest R&D from the brand. ReSound Key also offers few customization bands then flagship products.
- Overall notes: ReSound Key is a dependable choice for anyone on a budget. The product offers what would have been state-of-the-art tech 4-5 years ago. Still, if you are looking for the latest sound-processing techniques and the smallest form factor, NEXIA is the way to go.
- Price: ReSound Key prices vary by provider but we've found them available starting at $2,500 / pair.
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth, full range of styles
- Affordable option with stable technology from a trusted brand
- Bluetooth streaming-enabled
- Rechargeable
- Less customization bands
- Less advanced sound processing algorithms
ReSound Accessories
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Like most top-rated hearing aid manufactures, ReSound makes a robust suite of accessories to support wearers of their products. These accessories generally fall in three categories.
Multi-Purpose Mic
ReSound's Multi-Mic and Micro Mic (slightly smaller) both come with a clip that can be placed on a companion's collar. Some users also set the multi-mic on a table near the speaker they want to hear more clearly. The remote microphone streams audio directly into your ReSound hearing aids. The Multi Mic also connects to loop and FM systems*, and has a mini-jack input for streaming audio from virtually any device with a headphones output.
Phone Clip+
ReSound's Phone Clip+ allows hands free phone calls from virtually any Bluetooth-enabled phone. This device has waned in popularity over the last several years as more users can now access ReSound's streaming capabilitles directly through their hearing aids (no accessory needed). If you have an older phone or want hands free calling for Android devices (currently only available on iPhone) this accessory is a great option.
ReSound TV Streamer 2 and TV Streamer+
ReSound offers two TV streamers that send TV audio directly into your hearing aids without disrupting the regular stream of audio for other viewers. The older TV Streamer 2 provides a 22-foot range and simple connection with any TV or computer.
The new TV Streamer+ is smaller and offers a 100+ foot range. The new device uses Bluetooth Low Energy and supports Auracast, allowing multiple hearing aid wearers to tune into the same stream while controlling their volume. TV Streamer+ is only compatible with ReSound's new NEXIA devices.
ReSound Remote Control
ReSound's remote control gives you the power to adjust your hearing aids easily and discreetly from under the table. Some users prefer a remote control to using onboard buttons or the ReSound smartphone app.
How to get ReSound Accessories
All ReSound accessories are available at local clinics or through your hearing care provider. Prices range from $200 - $600 depending on the device and your clinic.
Smartphone App
ReSound's smartphone app is one of the best rated among top hearing brands. This app is a remote control for your hearing aids. The app offers volume control, program change, and streaming bass/treble adjustment on the main home screen. You can also check your battery life, look for a lost hearing aid with the "find my hearing aid" feature, and check that your hearing aids are in your ears correctly with the "check my fit" feature. Read our full review of ReSound's app here.
ReSound Vs. Other Market Leaders
ReSound hearing aids are often compared to market leaders like Phonak, Signia, Starkey, Oticon, and Widex. While the underlying technology and capabilities of each brand are relatively similar, there are a few places where ReSound stands out.
Modern Connection
ReSound has a legacy of innovation when it comes to Bluetooth connection. The brand was the first to ink a deal with Apple in 2013 to make their hearing aids Bluetooth-streaming compatible. Ten years later, ReSound became the first brand to introduce Auracast capabilities to a hearing aid. Auracast isn't widely available yet, but over the next few years, the new capability could prove exciting and useful for ReSound wearers.
Innovative Microphone Strategy
ReSound is the only brand on the market to add a third microphone inside the ear canal to their receiver-in-canal devices. The move gives ReSound an edge in background noise situations and reduces the sound of your hair touching your hearing aids or the wind.
Leading Size
At present, ReSound has the smallest receiver-in-canal devices on the market. Their new "micro" model cut 25% off the size of their already small "mini".
Drawbacks
Of course, there are a few drawbacks to ReSound's products. These are some of our notes:
- ReSound is only available through local clinics (you can get similar tech with telehealth through Jabra Enhance Select)
- ReSound does not offer the smallest custom-molded devices on the market (consider Starkey Genesis)
- ReSound's in-ear M&RIE microphone is a bit larger and can be uncomfortable for some
Final Thoughts
ReSound is a leader in the hearing health space with some of the most compelling technology on the market. From ReSound's flagship receiver-in-canal devices to headphone-like custom-molded products, there's lots to love.
ReSound's app and accessories are also robust and well-loved. If you want to dig into ReSound hearing aids more, search ReSound vs. other leading brands in the search bar at the top of this site, or listen to our studio sound demos for ReSound NEXIA here. If you have a question about ReSound hearing aids or anything else hearing health-related, feel free to send our team a note at [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
ReSound is a brand owned by GN Hearing, a Danish company that specializes in audio solutions and hearing healthcare. GN Hearing also owns other reputable brands such as Beltone and Jabra. With over 150 years of experience in the industry, GN Hearing continues to drive innovation and advancements in hearing aid technology through its various brands.
Yes, ReSound is a reputable and high-quality hearing aid brand that has been in the industry for over 75 years. They are known for their advanced technology, including their award-winning M&RIE receiver, which provides a natural listening experience. ReSound also offers customizable hearing options and features, making them a popular choice among those with mild to profound hearing loss.
No, ReSound is owned by GN Hearing, a Danish company, and is not German. However, they do have a strong presence globally, including Germany.
Both ReSound and Phonak are reputable and high-quality hearing aid brands, known for their advanced technology and commitment to improving the lives of those with hearing impairments. Which one is better ultimately depends on an individual's specific needs and preferences. Some may prefer Phonak's universal Bluetooth feature, while others may find ReSound's MRIE receiver a deciding factor. If you'd like to know more about how these two stack up side-by-side, check out our comparison here.
Yes, ReSound hearing aids are FDA-approved and adhere to strict regulations and standards set by the Food and Drug Administration. This ensures that their products are safe and effective for use in treating hearing loss. ReSound also conducts ongoing clinical research to continually improve their technology and meet the highest standards of quality.
The best ReSound hearing aid ultimately depends on an individual's specific needs and preferences. Some may prefer the advanced technology and features of the NEXIA, while others may find the powerful Enzo BTE to be a better fit for their hearing loss and needs. You can explore more on our hearing aid comparison page.
Yes, ReSound can connect to both iPhone and Android phones. Made for iPhone (MFi) technology allows you to connect and take hands-free calls on your iPhone. For those with Android, the ASHA protocol will allow you to connect to your Android. However, you'll still need to hold your phone up to pick up your voice for the caller on the other end.
Beltone and ReSound are both owned by GN Hearing, a Danish company that specializes in audio solutions and hearing healthcare. However, they are two separate brands with their own unique products and features. While ReSound focuses more on advanced hearing aid technology and customizable options, Beltone offers similar hearing technology with a different care model through its network of hearing care professionals. Overall, both brands offer high-quality products and are backed by GN Hearing's years of experience and commitment to improving hearing health.
ReSound's lineup truly dances to the beat of innovation with their award-winning M&RIE receiver, which brings natural sound quality to your ear with a third microphone placed in the ear canal. Imagine the sounds of the world delivered directly to your ear, as clear as nature intended—this is the M&RIE experience. Additionally, the microRIE is the only hearing aid currently with Auracast capability in the hearing aid landscape.
For those who prefer a BTE or custom hearing aid, ReSound has integrated their latest NEXIA technology into both behind-the-ear (BTE) and custom hearing aid forms.
Choosing a hearing aid brand is a personal decision that depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, ReSound has several unique features and advanced technology that sets them apart from other brands in the industry. The M&RIE receiver, with its third microphone placed in the ear canal, provides natural sound quality unlike any other hearing aid on the market. Additionally, ReSound offers customizable options and features, such as their tinnitus app or Front Focus program, making them a popular choice for those with mild to profound hearing loss. You can explore more about ReSound hearing aids and other brands in our comparison feature.
