ReSound Nexia Hearing Aid: Dr. Cliff’s Review

I recently had the opportunity to dive deep into the new ReSound Nexia hearing aid. Overall, I’m impressed - but read further to read about the Pros, Cons and other considerations that might be important to you. 

Disclaimer: Like all my video reviews, this one remains unsponsored. This ensures that manufacturers cannot pay me to endorse their products. My reviews are solely based on my expertise and an unbiased evaluation of each device's features and performance.

The New ReSound Nexia Hearing Aid

Just a year after launching the ReSound Omnia hearing aids, ReSound introduces its latest innovation, the Nexia platform. It's unusual for a new hearing technology platform to come out so soon, as they typically release every 18 to 24 months. However, ReSound's enhancements in the Nexia hearing aids make the early release worthwhile.

ReSound offers the Nexia in three styles: the Rechargeable microRIE, the Classic RIE 61, and the Classic RIE 62. There's great news for those with single-sided deafness too! The Nexia platform includes a new CROS transmitter, a first for ReSound, capable of both CROS and BiCROS functions. This rechargeable transmitter resembles the microRIE and is compatible with disposable battery models as well.

Rechargeable Micro Receiver-in-Canal (RIE)

I wore the rechargeable MicroRIE for the past two weeks and was very impressed by its size. It's the smallest rechargeable battery hearing aid I've ever tried, even smaller than the previous generation Omnia model. This compact size is particularly appreciated because I wear glasses alongside the hearing aids. With the MicroRIE, there's plenty of room behind the ear for both devices, and wearing glasses isn't a problem.

Upon inspection, it's clear just how small the MicroRIE is, with ample space behind my ear. Despite its size, ReSound didn't shrink the battery; instead, they utilized advanced plastic materials and smaller MEMS microphones, sealed differently to save space. They also reconfigured the internal structure, including the accelerometer.

This miniaturization makes the MicroRIE the smallest rechargeable behind-the-ear hearing aid on the market. It's an impressive feat of technology from ReSound, fitting so much capability into such a tiny device.

Battery Life and Charging

When it comes to charging your hearing aids, there are many options with the Nexia. There's the premium charger with a built-in battery bank, which shows you the remaining battery life with LED lights. It's portable too, offering extra days of charging on the go. A full charge takes up to three hours, providing up to 30 hours of battery life without streaming, or 24 hours with continuous streaming.

The charger's well is spacious enough for custom earmolds, a feature not common with other brands. However, some may find it a bit tricky to remove the hearing aids due to the rubbery lining. While it might pose a challenge for those with poor finger dexterity, it's manageable with the right angle.

For CROS hearing aid users, the rechargeable device offers up to 16 hours of battery life with the transmitter, ample for a typical day's use.

Form Factor Comparisons

When it comes to appearance, I prefer the rechargeable microRIE hearing aid over the disposable battery models. While I appreciate the option of disposable batteries, I find them less appealing in appearance. Unlike the rechargeable version, the disposable battery models lack an onboard accelerometer for tap control functionality. However, the Classic RIE 62 models, which use size 13 disposable batteries, feature an onboard telecoil for direct access to hearing loop systems in public venues. Yet, you can still access hearing loops with the rechargeable or size 312 disposable battery versions by using the Multi Mic accessory with a built-in telecoil, maintaining compatibility with these hearing aids.

Receiver Options

Regardless of the version, these hearing aids accommodate a wide range of hearing losses, from mild to profound, based on the receiver type. For moderate to severe hearing loss, custom earmolds are recommended, and ReSound accepts 3D ear scans for faster, more accurate molding. All models are compatible with M&RIE receivers, which place a microphone inside the ear canal, utilizing the natural pinna effect for enhanced sound.

Color Options and Technology Levels

When it comes to colors, you have the standard eight flesh tone and hair color options. As for technology levels, the ReSound Nexia offers three options: 9 for premium, 7 for mid-tier, and 5 for basic.

Choosing the right technology level for your hearing aids is a critical decision that can significantly impact your overall hearing experience. Each technology level offers a range of features and customizations designed to enhance your hearing ability and improve your quality of life.

When you opt for a lower technology level, you may need to sacrifice some advanced features and personalized settings that could provide additional benefits. This means there's a risk of leaving potential improvements untapped, potentially limiting the effectiveness of your hearing aids.

I strongly recommend considering the highest affordable technology level available to you. Investing in a higher level of technology not only provides access to a broader range of features but also allows your hearing care professional to fine-tune and optimize the performance of your devices to better meet your individual needs and preferences.

However, I acknowledge that budget constraints may limit your ability to access the highest technology level. In such cases, it's still important to work closely with your hearing care professional to select a lower-level option that fits your budget while maximizing its potential benefits. By collaborating with your audiologist or hearing specialist, you can ensure that your chosen technology level is optimized to provide the best possible hearing experience for you.

Front Focus Feature

When considering the Nexia technology levels, it's essential to note that only the premium level 9 technology offers the Front Focus feature. Transitioning to the 7 or 5 levels means forfeiting this feature in favor of the Ultra Focus option. The significance lies in the additional four decibels of signal-to-noise ratio improvement provided by Front Focus, especially valuable in background noise situations. This improvement surpasses what the Ultra Focus feature, available in the level 7 and 5 models, offers. For those unfamiliar with signal-to-noise ratio improvements, a one decibel enhancement roughly translates to a 10% improvement in handling background noise.

If you achieve a four decibel improvement, that equates to approximately a 40% enhancement in speech understanding in background noise. ReSound claims this four decibel improvement results in a 150% enhancement in background noise, though I question the basis of this calculation. Similar claims were made with the ReSound Omnia platform, but I remain skeptical about the accuracy of these figures, as signal-to-noise ratio improvements may not translate directly to percentage improvements in the same way.

It's worth noting that to fully capitalize on this additional benefit offered by the ReSound Nexia level 9 technology, the coupling of the hearing aid to your ear, whether through a dome or a custom ear mold, plays a crucial role. This benefit is achieved through directionality, which operates most effectively when the ear canal is effectively occluded or blocked off.

Auracast Bluetooth

I found one standout feature in these hearing aids that surpasses all others: AuraCast Bluetooth compatibility. This innovative technology ensures future adaptability with AuraCast, the new LE Audio Bluetooth standard poised to revolutionize wireless connectivity for hearing devices.

AuraCast Bluetooth offers a multitude of benefits, promising enhanced stability and audio quality compared to traditional Bluetooth standards. Notably, it boasts reduced battery drain, prolonging the lifespan of the hearing aid batteries. Additionally, it introduces a groundbreaking feature known as Broadcast Audio, allowing users to seamlessly share audio signals with others or receive shared audio signals from companions.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Currently, AuraCast functionality is inactive, requiring users to rely on Made for iPhone Bluetooth Low Energy and ASHA Bluetooth protocols for Android devices. I, a frequent user of Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy S23, encountered challenges when attempting to pair my device with these hearing aids. Despite initial pairing success with the app, streaming phone calls proved problematic, with sound only transmitting to one ear and subsequent streaming failures. ReSound acknowledged compatibility issues with the Galaxy S23 and Google Pixel phones, reassuring Android users of forthcoming updates expected to address these issues in the coming weeks to months.

In contrast, I found the ReSound Nexia hearing aids to perform more seamlessly with my iPhone. Notably, they enable tap control for answering incoming calls and feature voice pickup capabilities for transmitting the wearer's voice to the caller, enhancing communication clarity.

ReSound Smart 3D App

As with previous devices, ReSound continues to utilize the Smart 3D app. I note that the app has received high ratings and the addition of new features. These include "Check My Fit," which ensures proper placement of the hearing aids, and "ReSound Assist," facilitating remote care sessions with hearing care professionals from the comfort of home.

The Smart 3D app offers various functionalities. Users can switch between programs, access accessories, and utilize filters for noise and speech clarity. They can adjust volume levels individually or simultaneously for both ears and utilize the Sound Enhancer, which includes a three-band equalizer for audio adjustments, applicable to streaming as well. Additional features such as noise and wind noise reduction can also be adjusted.

One notable feature is the app's compatibility with the Apple Watch, allowing users to make adjustments directly from their wrist. However, it does require the presence of the paired phone in order to properly function.

ReSound TV Streamer & Other Accessories

ReSound has introduced the new TV Streamer+, replacing the TV Streamer 2, and it's compatible with AuraCast. This means you can not only stream audio directly into your hearing aids but also share the audio signal with others using AuraCast-compatible Bluetooth headphones or earbuds—an impressive feature, in my opinion. Additionally, adjustments to audio quality and controls can be made through the Smart 3D app when using the TV Streamer+.

Regarding other accessories, the ReSound Nexia remains compatible with a range of accessories from ReSound, including the TV Streamer 2, Multi Mic, Micro Mic, Phone Clip+, Remote Control, and Remote Control 2. Notably, the Nexia hearing aids are bimodal compatible with Cochlear Americas Nucleus sound processors, offering streamlined connectivity for cochlear implant users. These hearing aids are also IP68 rated, providing high resistance to debris and moisture, minimizing the risk of damage. I emphasize the importance of choosing IP68 rated hearing aids for enhanced durability and longevity.

ReSound Nexia: Final Thoughts

I find the ReSound Nexia hearing aids to be highly impressive, understanding why ReSound chose not to delay their release, introducing them just a year after the Omnia platform. Whether seeking a compact rechargeable receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid, a reliable disposable battery option, superior performance in background noise, or cutting-edge Bluetooth connectivity, the ReSound Nexia stands out.

With its diverse range of features and capabilities, I suggest consulting with a hearing care professional to explore the suitability of the ReSound Nexia for individual needs. Its versatility and advanced technology make it a compelling option for those seeking a top-tier hearing solution.

ReSound Nexia Cost & Audiology Best Practices for Fitting

As with all hearing aids, the price of ReSound Nexia hearing aids can vary significantly based on factors such as your location, the chosen technology level, included services, and their quality. This means the cost could differ by thousands of dollars per hearing aid depending on these variables.

I would like to note that ReSound hearing aids could benefit from offering more adjustment capabilities. I often find it difficult to precisely match hearing loss prescriptive targets compared to other brands, and I believe that real ear measurement is paramount. ReSound introduced a new hearing aid user onboarding patient profile, which aims to enhance comfort by reducing high frequencies but may inadvertently compromise speech intelligibility. I obtained objective data on these hearing aids from HearAdvisor, an independent hearing aid testing lab, comparing initial settings with customized settings using real ear measurement. However, I note that real ear measurement is just one aspect to consider.

To ensure that you receive a lot of benefit with these hearing aids, you really need to make sure that you have a hearing care professional who is going to be following comprehensive audiologic best practices when selecting, fitting and programming these hearing aids for you.

If you're looking for an easy way to find one of these rare hearing care professionals who actually follows comprehensive best practices, then make sure that you check out my HearingUp Network to find a HearingUp network member near you. HearingUp members have been vetted and are committed to providing comprehensive audiologic best practices to help you hear your absolute best. Once you find your closest provider, just give them a call and tell them I sent you!