ReSound Nexia vs. Sony CRE-C20
Check out our comparison of the ReSound Nexia vs Sony CRE-C20. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.
Product Overview
Expert Ratings
Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.
The ReSound Nexia Hearing Aids with Auracast are advanced hearing devices that feature the latest Bluetooth LE standard and Auracast broadcast audio technology, enhancing wireless connectivity and streaming capabilities. Launched in September 2023, these hearing aids offer a range of models suitable for mild to profound hearing loss, with options for hands-free calling, rechargeable batteries, and sophisticated noise reduction features.
Read full reviewThe Sony CRE-C20 is a discreet, over-the-counter hearing aid designed for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, featuring a compact size and rechargeable battery for up to 28 hours of use. While it offers a user-friendly setup and an Auto Sound Analyzer for enhanced speech clarity, it lacks Bluetooth streaming capabilities, which may be a consideration for users seeking more advanced connectivity options.
Read full reviewResound Nexia achieved a SoundScore of 3.87/5 and a SoundGrade of B in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #21 of 35 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.91/5.
The Sony CRE-C20 achieved a SoundGrade of B and ranked #21 out of 56 devices in the OTC Hearing Aid category, placing it in the top 36% of OTC devices tested by HearAdvisor. This positions it as an above-average performer within a competitive category.
Resound Nexia Micro RIE have an excellent build quality with a robust, portable charging case and a high ingress rating of IP68.
Sony CRE-C20 has an excellent IP rating of 68, which aligns with our hands-on experience as we observed an improved build quality compared to CRE-C10.
Nexia Micro RIE offer all-day battery life up to 30 hours, with a quick recharge time of 3 hours in the portable charger.
CRE-C20 offer an impressive battery life of up to 28 hours. I also liked the portable charging case which offers you Qi wireless charging.
Nexia are compatible with both iOS and Android, offering wireless audio streaming and hands-free calls.
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.
Sony's Hearing Control app includes good features and allows your to further personalize CRE-C20 with their on-ear hearing assessment. One downside though is that the hearing aids and app communicate with sound cues from your phone. I find this method of wireless communication less reliable that Bluetooth, and it overall makes the pairing process more complicated.
Nexia Micro RIE 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.
CRE-C20 are good comfortable once you find the best tip for your ears. They are not overly plugging though it can take some time to get used to having a hearing aid so deep in your ear canal.
Nexia 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.
CRE-C20 are surprisingly small and sit mostly invisible in your ears. The style works well and was originally designed as an "instant-fit" prescription hearing aid from Signia.
Resound Nexia has a value score of 3.1/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
The Sony CRE-C20 offers moderate value relative to its $999 price point, with several higher-scoring alternatives available at similar or lower prices.
Nexia are easy to use and adjust using either the multi-function button or Smart3D app. I had no issues making adjustments with either.
CRE-C20's smaller size and method of wireless communication make it more difficult to manage than many other hearing aids. However, Sony has improved upon the design as CRE-C20 now uses internal rechargeable batteries, as opposed to disposable ones. It is a unique offering with many pros but be sure to consider this against your needs and abilities.
Prescription hearing aids like Nexia 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.
Sony does not offer great support with their hearing aids. You are limited to phone and email based technical assistance which is a downside to many OTC products.
Lab Recordings
Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.
Accessories
Compatible accessories for each hearing aid
Multi Mic+
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
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.
Unite Phone Clip+
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.
Nexia RIE CROS
Wirelessly transmits sound from the non-hearing ear to the hearing ear—offering all-day battery life, intuitive balance controls, Bluetooth® LE Audio and Auracast™ connectivity, and support for wireless accessories like the Multi-Mic+ and TV-streamer+. Compatible with other receiver-in-canal devices.
Multi Mic+
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
ReSound Smart 3D app
Adjusts sound, volume and balance settings, tinnitus settings, and allows your provider to make remote adjustments to your hearing aid programs.
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+
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.
ReSound Smart 3D app
Adjusts sound, volume and balance settings, tinnitus settings, and allows your provider to make remote adjustments to your hearing aid programs.
Micro Mic
A matchbook-sized remote wireless microphone that lets you hear from a distance up to 80 feet away.
Multi Mic+
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
ReSound Smart 3D app
Adjusts sound, volume and balance settings, tinnitus settings, and allows your provider to make remote adjustments to your hearing aid programs.
Unite Phone Clip+
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.
Multi Mic+
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
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
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
- Android (ASHA)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
- Bluetooth® Auracast™
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
- Accessory required (Android)
- Program control
- Accept/end calls
Software Features
- Tuned based on hearing test through device