ReSound OMNIA 9 Review

Prices, Sound Recordings, Models
Blake Cadwell
Blake Cadwell

Blake Cadwell is a hearing aid wearer and co-founder at Soundly. He regularly tests and reviews hearing technology to share his experience with Soundly’s readers. Blake's research and perspectives have been featured in the The New York Times, Washington Post, LA Times, AARP and FastCompany.

Amy Sarow, AuD, CCC-A
Amy Sarow, AuD, CCC-A

Dr. Amy Sarow is a practicing clinical audiologist and serves as Audiology Lead for Soundly. Her expertise and experience span topics including tinnitus, cochlear implants, hearing aid technology, and hearing testing. She holds a doctoral degree in audiology from the University of Iowa. During her residency at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Sarow was inspired by the three-tiered, patient-centered approach, incorporating clinical work, teaching and research.

Updated
January 15, 2024
Methodology
i

Soundly is an independently owned hearing health research tool. Our reviews are conducted by hearing aid wearers and audiologists. We physically review the leading hearing aids on the market for sound quality, comfort, durability, and more. Our review process starts with hands-on unboxing and days, weeks, or months of wear. We also record live sound demos using a calibrated binaural microphone (read more here). We experiment with backend fitting software for prescription products and use test box measures to measure prescriptive accuracy and flexibility. Our work is funded through reader support. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Read more about our story here.

Watch a video about this product.
Behind the Ear
Bluetooth
Rechargeable
PROFESSIONAL FITTING

Newer Product Available

ReSound OMNIA is not the latest model from the brand. We recommend that you research the newer 2023 release, ReSound NEXIA.

If background noise management is your number one priority, ReSound OMNIA should be on your shortlist. ReSound is one of the most respected brands in the hearing category, with more than 5,000 employees and millions of devices sold yearly.

ReSound announced their current flagship OMNIA in August 2022 with a clear focus on giving users a more comfortable experience in background noise.

Our team has put OMNIA through the paces, and we've been very impressed with the overall quality of the product and its ability to handle background noise. We've tried this hearing aid at a busy Vegas casino, a child's birthday party, and even an NFL football game. All with impressive results.

ReSound claims that OMNIA offers 150% improvement in background noise compared to previous ReSound Models. We have yet to validate the claim in our own research, but it seems plausible based on first-hand experience.

In February 2023, ReSound released an impressively small miniature version of OMNIA. OMNIA can be customized with rechargeable or disposable batteries, and every pair of hearing aids comes with access to the ReSound app. ReSound OMNIA allows Bluetooth streaming through Android and Apple devices, but only Apple devices allow hands-free calling (you'll need to keep the phone close by for calls on Android).

If you push your hearing aids to the limits through travel, public events, or busy restaurants, ReSound OMNIA is worth considering.

Choosing a Technology Level

ReSound comes in a few technology levels. Each level offers more features and comes at a higher price. Learn more about hearing aid technology levels here.

ReSound OMNIA 9 is the top offering from the ReSound family. It is made for people who lead an active lifestyle, including travel, work, and time spent in groups. If you plan to test the limits of your hearing aids, the additional spend is likely worth it.

Pros 👍
  • Best for background noise management
  • Easy-to-use app
  • Small form factor and an optional 3rd microphone in the ear
Cons 👎
  • Requires in-person care (no direct-to-consumer option)
  • More expensive compared to Telehealth and OTC options
  • OMNIA uses a push button style instead of a rocker-style button (which can be confusing for some)

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Soundly Scorecard
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Hearing Loss Level 🔊
Mild - Severe
  • ReSound OMNIA is a fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for mild-severe hearing loss
  • If you have severe hearing loss, your care provider may fit you with a custom earmold to reduce feedback
  • If you have profound hearing loss, you may be a better fit for ReSound ENZO Q
Care Type 🏥
Prescription
  • ReSound OMNIA is a prescription device fit and programmed by a professional
  • After an initial fitting, you can connect with your care provider remotely through the ReSound app
Sound Quality 🔊
Strong in Background Noise
  • ReSound OMNIA is an excellent choice for background noise management. The optional M&RIE microphone that sits inside the ear adds additional intelligence and reduces handling noise from your hair or glasses.
Comfort 🦻
Somewhat Comfortable For All-Day Wear
  • ReSound OMNIA is a discreet and comfortable product, but some users with smaller ear canals find the M&RIE receiver uncomfortable in their ears. M&RIE can be removed by your care provider and replaced with a standard receiver.
Style  💫
Behind The Ear
  • ReSound OMNIA hearing aids sit behind the ear
  • OMNIA uses a sleek design and now offers a mini RIE version with smoother edges and a smaller size
  • OMNIA comes in 8 colors, including, sparkling silver, champagne, gold, bronze, warm grey, graphite, espresso, deep black
Battery 🔋
Rechargeable Or Disposable
  • OMNIA comes with three battery options, including mini RIE rechargeable (24 hours), rechargeable full-size RIE (30 hours), disposable battery powered (7-10 days between changes)
Connection 📡
Bluetooth Available
  • OMNIA allows Bluetooth streaming, music listening, and phone calls across all models. iPhone users can take calls hands-free, while Android users must keep their phones close to pick up outbound audio.
  • OMNIA uses Apple's MFI connection and Android's ASHA connection to stream content through Bluetooth
Dexterity Level 🤏
Average
  • OMNIA is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
  • OMNIA recharging cases use conduction charging, which is easier to handle
  • OMNIA has an app feature that uses your phone camera to check that the hearing aids are in the ear properly
Waterproof Level 💦
IP68
  • ReSound OMNIA is water resistant with an IP rating of 68
  • This hearing aid can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes
App features 📱
Has An App, Telehealth Capable, Find My Hearing Aids
  • Remote care: After an in-office activation, the remote care option is available on the app
  • Customization: Volume control, treble/bass, streaming treble/bass, programs
  • Tinnitus masking: Customizable programs with a hearing care professional or use the Resound Relief app to experiment with masking noise
  • Find my hearing aid: Yes, feature is included in the app
  • Check my fit: An app feature from Resound to check the hearing aids are in the ear properly

Read our full review of the ReSound App here.

Pricing and Process
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Pricing 

The national average price for ReSound OMNIA 9 hearing aids is around $7,410 per pair

Our research indicates that the best pricing and care packages are currently available through ZipHearing. ZipHearing offers a pair of ReSound OMNIA hearing aids with one year of unlimited care for $4,598 per pair.

Process 

ZipHearing will match you with a local clinic near your zip code and pre-negotiate a lower price (typically 25% less than the national average). 

Fill out the form on this page to get matched with a local clinic. 

Our readers are consistently happy with ZipHearing's offering and give the company 97% 5-star ratings on Trustpilot.

How to Choose A Technology Level
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ReSound OMNIA comes in several technology levels. Each device looks identical from the outside, but on the inside, each technology jump offers more sophisticated sound processing and special features. In general, wearers opt for the top technology they can reasonably afford.

The key differences between OMNIA 5, 7, and 9 mostly come down to the ability of the device to manage background noise.

OMNIA 9 

  • Offers 17 bands of customization
  • Includes 5 background noise management settings (Noise Tracker II)
  • Includes enhanced binaural background noise management (Environmental Optimizer II)

OMNIA 7 

  • Offers 14 bands of customization
  • Includes 3 background noise management settings (Noise Tracker II)
  • Includes non-binaural background noise management (Environmental Optimizer I)

OMNIA 5 

  • Offers 12 bands of customization
  • Includes 2 background noise management settings (Noise Tracker II)
  • Includes non-binaural background noise management (Environmental Optimizer I)
  • Does not come with the option to get a M&RIE receiver

Review ReSound's full feature matrix here

Read our full guide to choosing a technology level here 👈

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Name

Full Review

Amy Sarow, AuD, CCC-A
Written by
Amy Sarow, AuD, CCC-A

As an audiologist, I have experience working with top hearing aid manufacturers. Recently, I had the opportunity to try the new ReSound OMNIA miniRIE hearing aids, which gave me a new perspective.

I found it insightful to experience the OMNIA technology firsthand, and I'm excited to share my experience with you here. In this article, I'll explain more about the brand and the noteworthy features of the OMNIA and share notes from my personal listening experience.

About ReSound

ReSound is a leading global provider of hearing care solutions and has been in business since 1943. They are the fourth-largest hearing aid manufacturer in the world and one of the most established brands in the industry. GN Resound is a GN Store Nord AS division based in Denmark.

GN Audio is another company division specializing in headsets and earbuds, such as the Jabra earbuds. GN Resound has set the standard for innovation and quality over the years. With over 75 years of experience in the industry, they have become one of the leading providers of hearing aid technology, selling their products to over 100 countries worldwide.

Noteworthy Features

ReSound OMNIA hearing aids come with a variety of exciting features that make them an excellent choice for anyone looking for high-quality hearing aids, in particular in background noise. Let's get into some of the most noteworthy features. 

To start, the M&RIE receiver recently won awards for its innovative design and sound quality. This receiver boasts exceptional wind reduction capabilities and enhanced performance in background noise.

The Ultra Focus program is a feature on the premium OMNIA hearing aid (and, it allows you to have conversation in noisy spaces where it may have been hard or difficult to do so). This is due to the program’s leading tech, and Resound's technology is labeled with ascending numbers for each technology level: standard (5), advanced (7), and premium (9). To that end, those with premium technology can access Ultra Focus to highlight the person right in front of them and block out background noise.  

In February 2023, they released the latest product: The ReSound OMNIA miniRIE hearing aid, designed to provide superior sound clarity, comfort, and convenience. It has a smaller, sleek design than the previous Omnia hearing aids.

Additionally, these hearing aids feature advanced noise management technology, which helps reduce background noise so you can focus on conversations in noisy environments. The OMNIA features the most advanced noise management technology to date from GN Resound. 

The recent OMNIA update is now also available in the custom hearing aids as well. These Resound custom hearing aids look like earbuds rather than traditional hearing aids. 

Other Form Factors

The highlight of Resound's portfolio is the latest OMNIA hearing aids, which come in several different sizes and form factors, including receiver-in-canal (RIC) and the mini version. In addition, the OMNIA chip is available in their custom hearing aid options (ITE, ITC, and CIC) and a BTE form with rechargeability.  

Additionally, they offer accessories such as remote microphones, TV streamers, or a phone clip. These accessories can be used with your device to enhance speech understanding in noisy environments and charging docks, making it easy to keep your device charged when not in use.

Personal Listening Notes and Wearing Observations 

I was impressed by how clear and natural-sounding voices were when wearing ReSound OMNIA hearing aids. The sound was crisp yet comfortable at all times, even in noisy environments like restaurants or bars, where background noise can often become overwhelming when using traditional hearing aids without proper amplification settings enabled. Plus, the hearing aids connected seamlessly to my iPhone, and I could make adjustments easily. And while the streaming was clear, I personally preferred to turn the bass up a bit when streaming. 

As for the M&RIE receivers, there are some great points to highlight from my experience. 

Sound Quality

First, the sound quality with M&RIE is good. I appreciated how these receivers removed the sound of my hair moving across the microphones or the tapping sound on the microphone. This is a big plus. 

Comfort

However, the M&RIE receivers in my ears were a bit uncomfortable to wear. As time passed, I started getting used to them with more wear. But this might be an obstacle if you have narrow or sensitive ear canals (so, keep this in mind!), or you may want to consider an encased receiver or suitable dome tip instead. 

Conclusion

Overall, I was impressed with the ReSound OMNIA hearing aids from my personal experience, and I would definitely recommend them. OMNIA is an excellent option for anyone looking for help with background noise, as their new processing and Ultra Focus offer definite advantages.

For anyone looking for more app controls or a "find my hearing aid" feature, GN Resound also fits the bill. Finally, if you're looking for more information, explore our other hearing aid comparison content or the Live Listen sound samples to learn more.

Amy Sarow, AuD, CCC-A
Written by
Amy Sarow, AuD, CCC-A
Soundly Staff
Reviewed by
Soundly Staff

Soundly conducts in-depth research to guide prospective hearing aid wearers. Our work is funded through reader support. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

The breakdown

ReSound OMNIA hearing aids come at a comparable price to the other top-of-the-line products like Oticon More and Phonak Audeo Paradise. So what makes this hearing aid different?

The third microphone is industry-leading and gives the hearing aid more power to pick out the important sounds in background noise.

The newly renovated Ultra Focus feature gives users the ability to hone in on their dinner or meeting partner with more clarity than other options in the industry.

ReSound has a more open sound quality than comparable products like Phonak Audeo Paradise. The ReSound ONE design is unique, very small, and looks very tech-forward.

ReSound One hearing aid
ReSound app being used to adjust hearing aidReSound one hearing aid exploded view

The tech inside

ReSound OMNIA hearing aids are rechargeable. 3 hours of charging gives you 30 hours of use.

These hearing aids allow Bluetooth streaming on Android and iOS devices and offer hands-free calling on iPhone and iPads.

The ReSound app allows you to control the direction of sound, access various settings for restaurants, music and more.

ReSound hearing aids feature a third microphone (called the M&RIE receiver) and offer a powerful Ultra Focus mode for restaurants and meetings.

Getting up close

ReSound OMNIA hearing aids sit behind the ear and offer simple buttons for volume control.

Ear tips and the behind-the-ear wire can be adjusted based on your ear size and shape.

The ReSound OMNIA has a unique design-forward shape that looks more like consumer technology than a medical device.

ReSound One hearing aid in a woman's ear

Overall notes:

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