ReSound vs Phonak Hearing Aid Comparison

Hearing aids are increasingly incorporating smart technology, giving you more convenience and customization when it comes to tailoring a solution that fits your specific needs. However, these advanced smart options are not yet standard, and most insurance companies are still reluctant to pay for anything but the most basic hearing aids, that is, those without smart features. Therefore, it is important to consider your choices carefully before you make a buying decision.

ReSound and Phonak are both well-established companies in the field of audiology. Each offers devices with smart features and more simple and affordable hearing solutions.

History

ReSound is headquartered in Denmark and has been producing hearing aids since 1943. Part of the international GN Group, ReSound has a presence in more than 80 countries worldwide. ReSound broke new ground by introducing the first Made for Apple hearing aid, featuring the capability to stream stereo sound directly from your iOS device. Another innovation by ReSound was the first hearing aid with direct connectivity with the included 2.4 GHz Bluetooth technology.

Phonak's history parallels that of ReSound’s in several significant ways. Like ReSound, Phonak has a worldwide presence, represented in over 100 countries. Similarly, its roots are in Europe, specifically Switzerland. Additionally, Phonak has been an innovator on the cutting edge of technology. For example, it was the first hearing aid manufacturer to release a fully invisible hearing aid and offer solutions for single-sided hearing loss.

Pricing

Medical-grade hearing aids are FDA-approved medical devices that need to be individually fitted and calibrated by a hearing health care provider. With that said, pricing will vary greatly, depending upon the model recommended to you by your hearing healthcare provider. With that said, we can provide you with a general range in terms of pricing.

The Expert Take

From Kasey Craig

Traditionally, when you bought prescription hearing aids, all fittings and checkups with the hearing health care provider were included for the length of the warranty. With the introduction of OTC hearing aids, which usually use an “unbundled” or pay-as-you-go pricing structure, some traditional hearing aid practices have followed suit. Make sure to clarify exactly how many fitting and follow-up appointments are included in your purchase.

Generally speaking, ReSound hearing aids will run you about $1,699-$6,358 per pair. The more recent ReSound models –– ReSound Nexia, for example –– feature heightened speech focus, rechargeable batteries, and Bluetooth connectivity, among other useful tools. That said, these features will make a hearing aid more expensive.

Phonak brand hearing aids tend to be more expensive than ReSound hearing aids. There are no Phonak hearing aids with list prices of under $1,000. Prices generally range from $1,000 to $3,000 per aid.

Features

In terms of features, ReSound and Phonak offer relatively similar devices. While each provider has several models of hearing aids –– not to mention models from prior years –– they mostly cover the same territory. Both companies have hearing aids with:

• Rechargeable batteries
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Solutions for severe to profound hearing loss
• Tinnitus therapies
• Smartphone apps
• Optional remote controls and microphones

ReSound’s most advanced model, ReSound Nexia Micro RIE, boast highly natural sound reproduction. By using the unique ear shape of the wearer, this hearing aid allows you to hear sounds as they are with limited distortion. In addition to Bluetooth connectivity and rechargeability, one very exciting development for the ReSound Nexia is compatibility with Auracast.

Auracast is a Bluetooth technology that allows a single source to broadcast sound to multiple receivers. Imagine there is a muted TV in a waiting room that is broadcasting with Auracast. You could tune in with your hearing aids or headphones and receive the broadcast at any volume you choose. So far, ReSound is one of only two hearing aid companies that offer Auracast-compatible hearing aids. It’s likely that in the future, Auracast will be available in many public spaces, so going with either of these two companies’ hearing aids will put you ahead of the curve.

Phonak’s most recent model, the Infinio Sphere, does not yet have Auracast. In addition to the company’s top-of-the-line ERA sound processing chip, the Infinio Sphere has a dedicated AI chip, which is constantly using AI to analyze the noise environment and improve speech clarity. It can also pair with up to eight Bluetooth devices at once, making it ideal for the plugged-in user who wants to switch from hearing their cell phone to hearing their television. It also has motion sensors that can automatically adjust your microphones based on your location.

ReSound products in general — including the Nexia family aids — carry the “Made for iPhone” designation, which means you will be able to use Apple’s Live Listen feature with them. Live Listen allows you to use your iPhone as an additional microphone; for example, you can lay your phone on the other side of a large dinner table if you are having difficulty hearing the people farther away from you. Although Phonak is also Bluetooth-compatible with the iPhone, you’d need a separate Phonak remote microphone to do the same thing. That said, Phonak is known throughout the industry for having the best and most thorough line of hearing aid accessories, including a remote microphone that looks like a pen: the Roger Pen.

Choosing Your Hearing Aid

When buying a hearing aid, if your main consideration is price, ReSound hearing aids may be a better option as they may be less expensive. However, they also offer less selection. If you want a greater variety from which to choose, Phonak may be the better choice. Phonak and ReSound both have contracts with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide certain products to veterans for free or at a reduced cost, so you might wish to look into VA services if you served in the armed forces. If you have severe-to-profound hearing loss that might require a cochlear implant in the future, both brands also offer excellent compatibility with cochlear implants. If you are using a hearing aid on one side and a cochlear implant on the other, having compatible aids means the hearing aid and cochlear implant work together. For example, it allows you to Bluetooth stream to both devices at the same time.

The Expert Take

From Kasey Craig

If you have severe or profound hearing loss and think it’s possible that you may need a cochlear implant in the near future, it would be good to discuss compatibility with your hearing health care provider before buying new aids. The specific cochlear implant used for each patient is usually chosen by the surgeon and audiologist, not the patient. Phonak aids are compatible with the implants from AB, and Resound aids are compatible with implants from Cochlear.

If you’re torn between these two providers, then your best bet is to pay a visit to your local hearing healthcare provider. They’ll be able to administer a hearing test and recommend which device is best for you.