ReSound Hearing Aids Review for 2022

Why You Can Trust Our Expert Review

Our experts independently research and recommend products we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. We’ve spent collectively more than 5,000 hours conducting in-depth research on hearing aids. Throughout this process, we did the following:

• Engaged in ongoing independent research
• Consulted with independent audiologists
• Consulted with geriatric care experts
• Mystery shopped the brands
• Surveyed hundreds of hearing aid users
• Tested various models of hearing aids
• Interviewed experts in the field
• Read thousands of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties such as Better Business Bureau and Consumer Reports

Why ReSound Hearing Aids Are One of Our Top Picks

ReSound is a reputable company that has served the public for nearly 80 years. Recently, ReSound has made many technological advances to its products. It was the first in the industry to bring direct iPhone streaming to hearing aids. ReSound has won several technology awards through the years thanks to its continuous efforts to bring state-of-the-art features to its products.

In August 2020, the company launched ReSound One, one of the only models to feature microphone & receiver-in-ear (M&RIE) design that gathers sound from within the folds of the ear pinna for a more natural listening experience, rather than pulling sound from outside the ear like other styles.

ReSound calls its One and LiNX Quatro models “the world’s first premium-plus hearing aids,” and the prices reflect that. They’re among the more expensive hearing aids on the market.

ReSound offers online hearing tests but requires consumers to see an audiologist for an in-person fitting. This ensures the consumer gets a more accurate and reliable hearing aid for their condition.

ReSound has many models of hearing aids, but its website only features its four top models. If those don’t suit a consumer’s needs, custom options in the LiNX Quatro line are available. As such, ReSound’s hearing aids (including its newer models with the latest technology) can accommodate mild to profound hearing loss.

ReSound’s ENZO Q model is compatible with cochlear implants, electronic devices that stimulate the auditory nerve via electrodes placed in the cochlea of the inner ear. Pairing the two devices can improve hearing for those with severe and profound hearing loss.

Rechargeable batteries can power hearing aids for up to 30 hours on three-hour charge. That’s impressive in this market even if it doesn’t take into consideration time spent streaming, which drains hearing aid batteries faster.

Pros and Cons of ReSound Hearing Aids

Pros

• Most up-to-date technology available in ReSound’s latest models
• Four models to accommodate mild to profound hearing loss
• Rechargeable and traditional battery options
• Several styles to choose from, including RIE, BTE, MIC, M&RIC, and custom-made ITC
• Apps available to improve hearing experience, including ReSound Relief for tinnitus symptoms

Cons

• One of the more expensive brands on the market
• In-person fitting with audiologist required
• Not water-resistant

ReSound Hearing Aid Models Offered

ReSound One launched in August 2020, bringing to the market the latest in hearing aid technology—a microphone & receiver-in-ear model (M&RIE). This new design delivers a more natural listening experience by collecting sound from within the pinna of the ear (the curved and folded visible part of the outside of the ear that channels sound waves into the ear canal) instead of from the outside of the ear like most other models. This also helps users have keener sensory perception to detect where noise is coming from.

For now, you won’t find M&RIE in any other hearing aid brand except Beltone. Both companies are made by the same parent company, GN Hearing. What makes ReSound a better option between the two is that Beltone’s hearing aids are locked, meaning they can only be serviced by a Beltone dealer. ReSound hearing aids, on the other hand, can be programmed by any hearing clinic that services ReSound hearing aids.

If you want ReSound One’s state-of-the-art M&RIE technology, you’ll have to pay a hefty price for it. Depending on how many bells and whistles you choose and where you purchase your device, the cost can ring in upwards of $4,600.

When LiNX was first introduced in 2014, it was the first hearing aid to offer iPhone streaming. Since then, the company has upped its game in later LiNX models to include the LiNX 3D in May 2017, and LiNX Quattro late August 2018. Considered by ReSound as the first “Premium Plus” hearing aid in the industry, the LiNX Quattro comes with a new sound processing package, redesigned wireless radio, and a unique utilization of microphones to improve sound amplification without distortion. It also enhances users’ music-streaming experience better than other premium hearing aid brands, according to an independent study.

LiNX Quattro also offers a more powerful rechargeable battery that the company claims can provide up to 30 hours of use (not counting streaming) on a three-hour charge. However, several consumer reviews beg to differ saying they’re hard pressed to get 10-15 hours on a single charge.

ReSound ENZO Q is based on the same technology as the LiNX Quattro (and has a similar price tag to show for it) but is also super powerful. ENZO Q is designed only for those with profound hearing loss who are completely dependent on their hearing aids. According to ReSound, ENZO Q can significantly improve hearing speech coming from individuals directly in front of users in noisy environments. It’s also better at detecting high-frequency sounds, which are a common problem among those with severe hearing loss.

Research also shows the ENZO Qs can seamlessly pair with cochlear implants (a surgically implanted electronic device that stimulates the auditory nerve) for a more enhanced speech-hearing and improved spatial perception. Like other ReSound models featured here, the device can be controlled via a smartphone app.

Interesting fact: Mo O’Brien, the first person with profound hearing loss to cross the Atlantic Ocean, reportedly accomplished the 49-day feat with the assistance of ReSound ENZO Q hearing aids.

A University of Manchester study recently published in the International Journal of Audiology found that 20 percent of people with hearing aids never use them, and 30 percent only use them some of the time. Why? One of the top reasons was because they are uncomfortable, according to a 2020 study published in the journal Plos One.The ReSound Key hearing aids were designed with comfort and accessibility in mind to ensure users actually wear the devices.

First, ReSound Key hearing aids accommodate people with mild hearing loss all the way up to profound hearing loss. They also come in a variety of styles to better ensure a comfortable fit. Consumers will also be more comfortable with ReSound Key’s price tag, which is less than ReSound’s other models. These hearing aids do have some technology offerings, such as Bluetooth streaming and rechargeable batteries, but they don’t have as many bells and whistles as ReSound’s other models, such as enhanced noise reduction or as many processing channels.

How Much Do ReSound Hearing Aids Cost?

ReSound must be purchased through a hearing clinic or ear, nose, throat (ENT) doctor’s office that is an authorized ReSound dealer. Prices may vary depending on whether any discounts are offered. The following are included in the price for the aforementioned ReSound hearing aid models:

• One year of free follow-up appointments
• Three-year manufacturer warranty
• Three-year loss and damage warranty
• Returns available within 30-60 business days from purchase

Unfortunately, most health insurance plans, including original Medicare (Part A and Part B), do not cover the cost of hearing aids. However, some Medicare Advantage plans offered by private insurance companies may include hearing coverage at an additional cost.

“I would encourage people to look at their Medicare supplements,” said Jennifer Parker, audiologist with ENT Associates of Alabama. “Almost every one of them now offers some sort of third-party hearing aid benefit or discount program to help people with the cost burden.”

Otherwise, payment plans may be an option, depending on where you purchase your hearing aids. And, most Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts should cover the cost. Also, veterans may be able to get hearing aids at no cost through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

ReSound Hearing Aid App and Accessories

ReSound has several apps that can be downloaded to a smartphone or tablet to help improve users’ hearing experience:

• ReSound Smart 3D app – Helps users personalize and control their hearing aids, and enables hearing care professionals to adjust hearing aids via ReSound Assist setting
• ReSound Smart app – Helps users fine-tune their devices
• ReSound Relief app – Relieves and manages tinnitus
• ReSound Control app – Enables users to switch programs or adjust the volume of their hearing aids

ReSound also offers various wireless hearing aid accessories that can be purchased separately to help expand users’ hearing experience:

• ReSound Micro Mic – Clips to the clothing of the person a user wants to speak with
• ReSound Multi Mic – Enables users to hear speech clearly up to 80 feet away
• ReSound Phone Clip+ – Allows users to make phone calls or stream music via a smartphone
• ReSound TV – Streams stereo sound directly from TV, computer, or music system
• ReSound Remote Controls – Enable users to adjust the volume on hearing aids

ReSound Hearing Aids Customization

ReSound LiNX Quattro line of hearing aids offers custom-made models that are measured to match a particular user’s ears. This enables the hearing aid to use the ear’s anatomy to collect sound for a more natural listening experience, as well as provide a more discreet fit.

Custom hearing aids require a visit with a hearing care professional. The hearing specialist creates an earmold of the user’s ear by using 3D scans of the ear or taking a manual impression using silicone. The earmolds are sent to ReSound’s laboratory where they are turned into shells of the hearing aid using 3D printing. The components of the hearing aids are then built inside the shells.

ReSound’s custom hearing aids are available in several color options and styles including:

• Invisible-in-canal (IIC)
• Completely-in-canal (CIC)
• In-the-canal (ITC)
• In-the-ear (ITE)
• Mic-in-Helix (MIH)

Customer Service and Satisfaction

ReSound provides downloadable user guides for all of its hearing aids, as well as video tutorials and demos to help users make full use of their hearing aids, apps, and accessories. Personal assistance is available through affiliated hearing clinics as well. The company also offers ReSound Assist Live, an app that allows users to connect via a video call to remotely fine-tune hearing aids.

If you search ReSound’s customer service reputation online, you’ll see a 74/100 score from Consumer Reports and more impressive 4/5 and 5/5 reviews on TrustPilot. The company also scored a “Very Good” overall rating from the review site Consumer Advocate. One of the biggest thorns in ReSound’s side appears to be with the longevity of the rechargeable batteries. ReSound promises 30 hours of use from a three-hour charge. Some customers said they’re lucky to get 10-15 hours. However, it’s unclear how much streaming the users were doing. Streaming depletes a battery’s power much faster.

Otherwise, reviews on customer satisfaction are generally positive. One audiology clinic polled several of its customers about their ReSound hearing aids experience. Several gave the hearing aids a 10/10 for the crystal-clear sound clarity, seamless streaming, or ability to hold up in high winds. None rated the hearing aids below an 8/10, including one reviewer who said he was impressed with the battery’s charging capabilities.

Comparing ReSound to Other Brands

What to Consider Before Buying Hearing Aids

There are several factors to consider when deciding on whether to buy hearing aids, including:

• Underlying causes – A checkup with a medical doctor is a good place to start to rule out any underlying causes of hearing loss that can be cleared up via treatment. For example, sometimes hearing loss can be chalked up to an infection or excessive earwax.
• Professional testing – Online hearing tests can be a convenient alternative to actually setting foot in a hearing clinic, but they can’t identify the extent of your hearing loss as accurately or reliably as an audiologist. “When you buy hearing aids from an audiologist, you are a patient, not a customer,” says Parker. “Understand that you are not just buying a product, you are investing in the service that you get from personalized one-on-one care, and the best technology. “The relationship that you develop with your audiologist goes far beyond just buying a device.”
• Type of hearing loss – Understanding the type of hearing loss you have can help you better narrow your hearing aid search. For example, some hearing aid models don’t treat severe or profound hearing loss.
• Hearing aid features – Consider your lifestyle when choosing hearing aid features. Do you enjoy streaming music? Are you active in sports? Or, can you sacrifice bells and whistles to save on cost?
  Budget – Even inexpensive hearing aids can put a dent in your wallet. Set a realistic budget for your hearing aids understanding that they are an investment not only in your hearing but in your overall well-being. Be sure to consider benefits such as trial periods and warranties, as well as hidden costs, such as whether follow-up care is included in the price.

ReSound Hearing Aid Reviews from Customers

How We Reviewed ReSound Hearing Aids

To create our review of ReSound hearing aids, we examined the brand based on cost, the number of models available, the types of hearing loss covered, customization options, advanced features, app compatibility, comfort and fit, customer reviews, and warranty options.

Bottom Line

ReSound has been around for nearly eight decades and has proven to be at the forefront of hearing aid technology. Since introducing the first hearing aids to stream via iPhones, ReSound has been actively trying to one-up itself. Its latest model, the ReSound One with the innovative microphone & receiver-in-ear (M&RIE), takes a whole new approach to hearing device optimizations. If the price tag doesn’t scare you off, you’ll find you actually do get what you pay for with ReSound hearing aids.

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