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JVC EH-Z1500 vs. ReSound Vivia

Check out our comparison of the JVC EH-Z1500 vs ReSound Vivia. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.

Score
3.6
JVC EH-Z1500
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JVC

EH-Z1500

SoundScore 3.9/5
$799.99 per pair
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Score
4.2
ReSound Vivia microRIE 7
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ReSound

Vivia microRIE 7

SoundScore 3.9/5
$3,798 per pair
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EH-Z1500
$799.99 per pair
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Vivia
$3,798 per pair
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Product Overview

EH-Z1500
Vivia
Form Factor
Form FactorThis type of hearing aid sits behind the ear. A tube runs along the top of the ear and inside the ear canal. A non-custom plastic or silicone 'dome' or custom-fitted mold may be fitted in the ear.
Form FactorThis type of hearing aid sits behind the ear. A wire runs along the top of the ear and down to a speaker sitting inside the ear canal. An custom-fitted mold may be required.
Expert Rating
Score
3.6
Score
4.2
User Rating
4.01 reviews
4.38 reviews
Hearing Loss LevelHearing Loss LevelThis represents HearingTracker's best guess on suitability. Please consult a licensed audiologist to confirm your own candidacy for this device.
MildModerate
MildModerateSevere
Product Features
TelecoilIP67
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroidIP68

Expert Ratings

Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.

EH-Z1500
Vivia

HearingTracker Score

EH-Z1500
3.6AVERAGE

The JVC EH-Z1500 OTC Hearing Aid is a high-quality, over-the-counter device designed to enhance hearing clarity and comfort for users with mild to moderate hearing loss. It features advanced sound processing technology, a discreet design, and easy-to-use controls, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable hearing solution.

Read full review
Vivia
4.2ABOVE AVERAGE

ReSound Vivia packs flagship AI processing into one of the smallest microRIE designs we’ve tested, delivering crisp sound in quiet, excellent all-day battery life, and best-in-class LE Audio/Auracast connectivity, even if its AI noise reduction isn’t as dominant as the marketing suggests in the toughest listening environments.

Read full review

HearAdvisor SoundScore

EH-Z1500
3.9ABOVE AVERAGE

JVC EH-Z1500 achieved a SoundScore of 3.92/5 and a SoundGrade of B in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #15 of 61 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.

Vivia
3.9ABOVE AVERAGE

Resound Vivia 9 60S microRIE achieved a SoundScore of 3.94/5 and a SoundGrade of B in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #20 of 35 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.91/5.

Build Quality

EH-Z1500
4.3AVERAGE

JVC hearing aids boast an impressive IP67 ingress rating, with a build that's better than other OTC products but not as robust as newer prescription models. The buttons are reliable, though the slimtube design feels a bit outdated.

Vivia
5.0EXCELLENT

Resound Vivia microRIE have an excellent build quality with a robust, portable charging case and a high ingress rating of IP68.

Battery

EH-Z1500
4.3ABOVE AVERAGE

You may be disappointed that these hearing aids are not rechargeable and require a disposable 312 battery. However, the batteries should last you several days, and can offer greater convenience at times, though this makes them more susceptible to water damage.

Vivia
4.6EXCELLENT

Vivia microRIE offer all-day battery life up to 30 hours, with 24 hours being more typical. The portable charger is also robust and will recharge Vivia in 3 hours.

Bluetooth

EH-Z1500

Not yet rated by our experts

Vivia
5.0EXCELLENT

Vivia are compatible with both iOS and Android, offering wireless audio streaming and hands-free calls. They are also Bluetooth Auracast enabled.

App Features

EH-Z1500
4.3AVERAGE

The Tuned app provides good features without being too complicated. Personalizing these hearing aids with the in-app hearing test is also a nice touch. For a more accurate fit, input hearing thresholds from an audiologic evaluation.

Vivia
4.5EXCELLENT

I found Resound's Smart3D app easy to use with many useful features, including "Check My Fit" which helps with correct insertion. The app unfortunately lacks health and fitness tracking.

Comfort

EH-Z1500
3.5BELOW AVERAGE

I found JVC hearing aids comfortable though the slimtubes are more noticeable than the newer earwire receivers. The body is also larger than many new hearing aids though this did not drastically effect comfort.

Vivia
5.0EXCELLENT

Vivia microRIE were extremely comfortable and lightweight in my ears. In general, hearing care providers can make numerous physical changes to prescription hearing aids like Real to improve comfort.

Design

EH-Z1500
3.5BELOW AVERAGE

The design is slightly older, featuring slimtubes and disposable batteries. Despite this, the hearing aids, multi-function buttons, and app function well together.

Vivia
5.0EXCELLENT

Vivia are sleek, smaller than ever, and modern looking prescription hearing aids. They also allow you to customize the look of your hearing aids with an array of color options.

Value

EH-Z1500
3.9ABOVE AVERAGE

JVC EH-Z1500 has a value score of 3.9/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Vivia
3.1BELOW AVERAGE

Resound Vivia 9 60S microRIE has a value score of 3.1/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Handling

EH-Z1500
4.0AVERAGE

Behind-the-ear hearing aids like these can be tricky to handle at first, but most people can use them without issue with practice. Some users might find changing disposable batteries inconvenient compared to rechargeable options.

Vivia
4.5EXCELLENT

Vivia are easy to use and adjust using either the large multi-function button or Smart3D app. I had no issues making adjustments with either.

Pro Support

EH-Z1500
3.0ABOVE AVERAGE

Like most OTC products, JVC does not include in-person care. However, the app offers both remote programming services from JVC providers as well as various educational guides to help with better hearing.

Vivia
5.0EXCELLENT

Prescription hearing aids like Vivia are fit by hearing care providers so you should receive quality care. The Smart3D app also opens the possibility for remote programming and virtual follow-up appointments.

Lab Recordings

Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.

EH-Z1500
Vivia
Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
EH-Z1500
Vivia
Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
EH-Z1500
Vivia
Streaming MusicStreaming MusicStreaming music provides a full range of bass and treble
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
EH-Z1500

Lab recordings not yet available

Vivia

HearingTracker partners with HearAdvisor to provide recordings and performance data from an acoustic laboratory that follows standard scientific procedures. All hearing aids are fitted and performance-tested for mild sloping to moderate hearing loss. All audio samples cutoff above 10kHz.

Accessories

Compatible accessories for each hearing aid

EH-Z1500
Vivia
Battery Charger
None

Premium Charger

Charges device when connected to power outlet, and also holds up to three full charges due to its onboard battery.

Standard Charger

Charges device when connected to power outlet.

Desktop Charger

A desktop charger for ReSound hearing aids. Does not charge on the go.

Remote Control

Tuned Hearing App+2

Beyond offering real-time solutions for your hearing aid fitting and troubleshooting needs, TUNED becomes your constant companion, supporting you every step of the way toward improved hearing and a fuller life.

Unite Remote Control 2

Gives you push-button control of volume and program settings on your hearing aids and lets you manage streaming accessories.

Unite Phone Clip++2

Small enough to clip onto your shirt collar, it streams phone calls and audio to your hearing aids from any Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone or smartphone.

Remote Microphone
None

Micro Mic

A matchbook-sized remote wireless microphone that lets you hear from a distance up to 80 feet away.

Multi Mic++3

The Multi-Mic+ is a versatile wireless accessory designed to help hearing aid users hear more clearly in challenging situations. It can be clipped onto clothing or worn on a lanyard to pick up a speaker’s voice and stream it directly to compatible hearing aids, or it can be placed on a table to capture group conversations in “table mode.” In addition to acting as a remote microphone, the Multi-Mic+ connects to other audio sources through a built-in telecoil, FM receiver (optional), or a standard 3.5 mm line-in cable, allowing users to stream sound from loop systems, FM transmitters, computers, TVs, or other devices. With a streaming range of up to 25 meters (82 feet), automatic mode switching, volume controls, and app integration, it provides flexible, high-quality sound input across a wide variety of listening environments

Smartphone App
None

ReSound Smart 3D app+2

Adjusts sound, volume and balance settings, tinnitus settings, and allows your provider to make remote adjustments to your hearing aid programs.

TV Streamer
None

Unite TV Streamer 2

Streams stereo sound from the television directly to your hearing aids from up to 22 feet away.

ReSound TV Streamer+

The ReSound TV-Streamer+, which supports Bluetooth Auracast, streams high-quality sound with speech clarity directly to your hearing aids at the volume you prefer.

Hardware

EH-Z1500
Vivia
Bluetooth® AudioBluetooth® AudioThis hearing aid is capable of streaming Bluetooth® audio certain phones and/or devices.
No
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Android (ASHA)
  • Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
  • Bluetooth® Auracast™
Disposable BatteriesDisposable BatteriesCommon disposable batteries last anywhere from a few days to two weeks or more. For more information Google "how long do hearing aid batteries last" and click on the Hearing Tracker link.
312
312
Hands-Free CallingHands-Free CallingIt is possible to have a hands-free phone call with this hearing aid. You are not required to hold the phone up to your mouth.
No
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Accessory required (Android)
IP RatingIP RatingIP Ratings rate sealing effectiveness of hearing aids against intrusion from foreign solid matter (dirt, dust) and moisture.
IP67
IP68
Mic + Speaker In EarMic + Speaker In EarPlacing a microphone in the ear allows hearing aids to measure the effect that your pinna (outer ear) has on the sound arriving at your eardrum. This may allow the hearing aid to better emulate the natural sound of your ear.
No
Yes
Push ButtonPush ButtonThe hearing aid features a push button which allows toggling across different sound processing programs
  • Program control
  • Program control
  • Volume Control
Rechargeable BatteriesRechargeable BatteriesCharge your batteries overnight in a docking station and get a full day's use (in most cases) of battery life the following day.
No
Lithium-ion
Tap ControlsTap ControlsThe hearing aid may be controlled by physically tapping it with your fingers.
No
  • Accept/end calls
TelecoilTelecoilThe hearing aid is able to pick up audio from landline telephones or public audio systems without using its acoustic microphones. This minimizes background noise and improves clarity and understanding, even over great distances. At performing arts venues, events, government meetings, etc., look for assistive listening systems (hearing loop, FM, and infrared systems), which must be provided at no cost under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other international regulations.
Yes
Yes
Volume RockerVolume RockerA volume rocker or wheel to allows the adjustment of volume with a finger.
Yes
Yes

Software Features

EH-Z1500
Vivia
Adjustment BandsAdjustment BandsThese are frequency-divided sections that can be adjusted in a hearing aid in order to amplify sounds. Although there are rarely more than 10 frequencies measured in a hearing assessment, having more bands that can be adjusted may allow for improved speech understanding and user comfort.
No
14
DirectionalityDirectionalityDepending on the types and number of microphones a hearing aid has, the hearing aid may be able to boost sounds from specific directions (by reducing sounds from other directions). This can be helpful to focus on a speaker directly in front of the hearing aid user, as well as to give the user information about where different sounds are coming from.
No
All Access DirectionalityAll Access DirectionalityAutomatically adjusts directional microphone patterns according to a binaural hearing strategy.Binaural beamformingBinaural beamformingBeamforming frequency range of 250-5000Hz.Front FocusFront FocusA high resolution binaural beamformer directional microphone program.Synchronized SoftSwitching™Synchronized SoftSwitching™SoftSwitching (synchronized between ears) uses sound level and speech detection algorithms to decide when directionality is likely to be advantageous in a certain listening environment. It also offers the same four selections of MultiScope beamwidth settings: the default AutoScope, Narrow, Medium and Wide. The SoftSwitching mode differs from MultiScope Adaptive Directionality in that it uses slower transitions between directional settings and the omnidirectional setting, which is sometimes more comfortable and preferable among certain hearing aid users.
Environmental AdaptationEnvironmental AdaptationThe hearing aid can detect different acoustical environments, like speech in noise, and adjust the sound of the hearing aid accordingly to drive comfort or speech understanding, etc.
No
Environmental OptimizerEnvironmental OptimizerProvide automatic adjustment of hearing instrument settings.
ExpansionExpansionExpansion reduces audibility for very soft sounds. This can help to remove microphone noise, which is generated by soft environmental sounds.
No
3 settings
Feedback SuppressionFeedback SuppressionIf any sound amplified by the hearing aid escapes the ear canal, it may reach the hearing aid’s own microphone and cause a harsh whistling noise. Some hearing aids are able to recognize when this feedback occurs and reduce or eliminate it.
No
DFS Ultra IIIDFS Ultra IIIReduces feedback while preserving amplification without compromising sound quality.
Frequency LoweringFrequency LoweringUnderstanding certain speech sounds is dependent on the high frequency parts of these sounds. For individuals with high frequency hearing loss, this feature can take high frequency speech information and move it to lower frequencies where it will be audible.
No
Sound ShaperSound ShaperSound Shaper is the only frequency compression technology that moves high-frequency sounds down in the spectrum while maintaining a proportional relationship between input and output frequencies. So Sound Shaper improves the audibility of speech cues that would otherwise be lost, while maintaining the best sound quality possible.
Listening ProgramsListening ProgramsNumber of manually accessible listening programs (using push button, remote, app, or other switching method)
No
Fully flexible programs: 4Fully flexible programsCustom listening programs
New User AdaptationNew User AdaptationProvider may set the hearing aid to gradually get louder over the first few weeks or months of a new hearing aid fitting. This can be convenient for new users who want to experience maximum benefit without making a lot of trips to the provider for tune ups.
No
Synchronized Acceptance ManagerSynchronized Acceptance ManagerSynchronized Acceptance Manager gives a gradual and automatic increase of the gain in the hearing aid over time.
Noise ReductionNoise ReductionThis feature uses modern hearing aids’ processing power to examine the incoming sound signal, determine if noise is present and reduce the volume of the troublesome sound to increase comfort.
No
NoiseTracker™ II: 4 settingsNoiseTracker™ IINoiseTracker II uses a technology called spectral subtraction. Spectral subtraction works by subtracting the short-term noise spectrum from the signal, leaving only the speech portion behind ... ReSound’s NoiseTracker II is able to use spectral subtraction successfully because the Environmental Classifier has identified speech and noise so precisely.
Self-fittingSelf-fittingThis hearing aid allows you to fit yourself without professional assistance. Typically found in OTC products.
Tuned based on hearing test through device
No
Sudden Loud Noise ReductionSudden Loud Noise ReductionThis feature detects loud sounds and reduces their volume to a comfortable level. Though not a replacement for hearing protection, this technology can greatly improve listener comfort.
No
Impulse Noise Reduction: 3 settingsImpulse Noise ReductionReduces amplification for sudden, brief noises.
Tinnitus ReliefTinnitus ReliefTinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be addressed by hearing aids in several different ways, such as introducing a soft therapeutic signal or targeted notched noise.
No
Tinnitus Sound GeneratorTinnitus Sound GeneratorThe tinnitus sound generator administers sounds that make the disturbing noise less noticeable and draw your attention away from the tinnitus.
Wind Noise ReductionWind Noise ReductionAs wind blows against the microphones of hearing aids, unpleasant noise may be generated. Some hearing aids have the ability to recognize this wind noise and reduce its level. Such reductions may also affect the audibility of desired sounds, like speech.
Yes
Wind Guard: 3 settingsWind GuardWhen no wind noise is found, the hearing aid constantly updates and stores the sound input levels in each Warp band. Then, when wind is present, WindGuard calculates the amount of gain reduction needed to return to the stored level of the specific bands affected by wind noise.