ReSound Nexia Hearing Aids with Auracast

Nexia, launched in September 2023, is an appropriate name for ReSound's latest hearing aid because it represents the "next step" in hearing aid wireless connectivity, featuring the latest Bluetooth LE standard with Auracast broadcast audio technology—a first in the hearing industry. ReSound Nexia accomplishes this while retaining all the best features of the company's previous flagship OMNIA hearing aid line.

This means these new hearing aids, in addition to being able to stream Android and MFi audio, are able to receive the Auracast broadcasts that should become widely available in the next couple of years in theaters, places of worship, airports, arenas, bars, restaurants, and a lot of other venues.

HearingTracker Audiologist Matthew Allsop gives you an overview and his perspectives on the new ReSound Nexia RIE hearing aid line. Closed captions are available on this video. If you are using a mobile phone, please enable captions clicking on the gear icon.

What is Nexia, who is it for, and how much does it cost?

Nexia was initially launched in four Receiver-in-Ear (RIE) models, then expanded to a full line that includes two Behind-the-Ear (BTE) and a range of small, custom in-ear styles in February 2024. With this expansion, the Nexia product family covers almost any hearing loss from mild to profound. Nexia hearing aids are ReSound's top-of-line prescription hearing aids dispensed by state-licensed hearing care professionals to people who are seeking high-technology, personalized, professional hearing care. HearingTracker price tracking indicates you can expect Nexia to range in cost from about $2,500 to $3,600 per device.

By far, the most popular hearing aid in ReSound's product line is the Nexia Micro RIE, which is 25% smaller than its standard RIE and incorporates an accelerometer for tap-based hands-free audio streaming compatibility with iPhones and iPads. Designed to address mild-to-profound hearing losses, the Micro RIE is user-friendly, built to help you with speech in noise, and has all the capabilities of the company's successful OMNIA product line but in a tinier package—and without compromising features, functions, or battery longevity, says ReSound.

Additionally, the Micro RIE doubles as a CROS/BiCROS solution, meeting the needs of individuals with unilateral (one-sided) hearing loss—and a welcomed addition for ReSound as it had previously not offered a CROS system.

There are also two battery-powered Nexia RIE models with size 312 and 13 disposable batteries. The RIE 13 model features a telecoil option so it can receive transmissions from both Auracast and the older but still widely used induction loop technology.

Likewise, the two rechargeable BTEs also have telecoils so they represent a ubiquitous solution for streaming and receiving audio. The larger BTE 88 is a power hearing aid capable of high sound volumes for severe to profound hearing loss, while the smaller BTE 77 gives users and providers more options, including the possibility of an almost-invisible thin-tube that transmits the sound from the processing unit to the earmold (in RIE aids, this is accomplished via an equally discreet thin wire that runs from the processing unit to a receiver/speaker).

Finally, ReSound has replaced its former custom in-ear product line with Nexia In-the-Ear (ITE), In-the-Canal (ITC), and Completely-in-Canal (CIC) hearing aids. With the exception of the CIC, all are rechargeable and essentially feature the same wireless capabilities as the RIE and BTE models (albeit without telecoils).

What we love about Resound Nexia hearing aids

Limitations

Who is ReSound?

ReSound is one of the largest hearing aid manufacturers in the world and is the flagship hearing aid brand of the GN Group, which purchased ReSound in 2000 and is also the parent company of Beltone, Audigy, Jabra, and e-gaming giant SteelSeries. GN has its global headquarters in Denmark, and ReSound has its headquarters in Bloomington, Minn.

Since its inception in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1986, ReSound has been known as a technology leader. In the 1990s, it helped pioneer analog programmable hearing aids with technology it purchased from AT&T Bell Labs. ReSound can claim several “hearing technology firsts," including the first slim-tube BTE (ReSound Avance in 1998), the first commercially successful open-fit aid (ReSoundAIR in 2003), the first 2.4 GHz wireless streaming aid (Alera in 2010) and the first Made-for-iPhone (MFi) hearing aids (LiNX in 2014).

ReSound Nexia models and technology levels

ReSound Nexia builds on and follows closely upon the heels of the company's successful OMNIA hearing aid line launched in August 2022. The two product lines share what is essentially the same chipset, except the Nexia has an accelerometer for tap controls and some new listening-in-noise technology.

Nexia also carries forward OMNIA’s trademark technologies like 360 All-Around Directionality, the unique M&RIE receiver (third microphone) technology option, and the Check My Fit app feature. In particular, it showcases the company's distinctive 4-microphone binaural beamformer and omnidirectional listening system that aims to automatically enhance speech comprehension from all angles. This is intended to give you a more natural listening experience rather than focusing only on the direction you're facing during more dynamic conversations.

Four RIE and two BTE models are offered in the Nexia family:

• Nexia Micro RIE: Equipped with a rechargeable feature, push-button controls, no telecoil, and compatible with Cochlear™ Nucleus^® sound processors.
• Nexia Micro RIE CROS: Also rechargeable, with push-button controls and no telecoil.
• Nexia RIE 61: Powered by disposable size 312 batteries, push-button controls, and no telecoil.
• Nexia RIE 62: Powered by disposable size 13 batteries, push-button controls, and includes a telecoil.
• Nexia BTE 77: Rechargeable power aid with thin-tube options, push-button controls and telecoil.
• Nexia BTE 88: Rechargeable ultra-power aid, multifunction button, telecoil, and direct audio input option.

All these models can be controlled through push buttons or the ReSound Smart 3D™ app (with additional tap controls for Micro RIE). They offer four programs, are available in 8 different colors, and boast the highest moisture and debris resistance rating (IP68) for hearing aids.

The Nexia line also includes three custom in-ear options:

• Nexia ITE: Rechargeable with wide range of receivers (including power) with push-button and app controls.
• Nexia ITC: Space permitting, ITC has the same features as the ITE but is smaller.
• Nexia CIC: Powered by a disposable size 10A battery, no push button, no Bluetooth audio streaming but can be controlled via the app.

All Nexia hearing aids (except the CIC) provide hands-free streaming for music, videos, or other audio directly to your hearing aids with an iPhone or iPad (compatible with iPhone 11 or later; see ReSound compatibility page for details). With Android phones, you'll hear the person you're talking to through your hearing aids; however, you'll still need to speak into the phone receiver for them to hear you.

Nexia comes in three different technology tiers (levels 5, 7, and 9). Level 9, which is the highest tech tier, offers 360 All-Around technology, FrontFocus, and Environmental Optimizer II; Level 7 offers slightly older (last August!) All Access Directionality and Ultra Focus technology. The bottom line is you get progressively larger numbers of settings for Impulse Noise Reduction, NoiseTracker, Wind Guard, and other noise reduction systems as you progress to the higher technology tiers. However, no matter what tech level you choose, you should get improved speech understanding and exceptional sound quality, especially in noise.

In fact, ReSound says the rechargeable Micro RIE, although the company's smallest RIE ever, can provide 150% improvement in speech understanding in noise compared to its legacy technologies. A ReSound study revealed that 89% of users recommend Nexia for improved hearing in noisy environments compared to legacy technology. Nexia has boosted user satisfaction and fit acceptance rates by 50% and 48%, respectively.

We've briefly summarized the key features of each ReSound Nexia model in the following table:

7 New Tech Additions with ReSound Nexia

1. New processing and directionality features for hearing in noise
2. Bluetooth LE Auracast for what should become the "new standard" in public address systems, as well as a great way for sharing audio with companions
3. Audio streaming with Microsoft Windows 11 PCs and devices
4. Receiver-in-Ear (RIE) hearing aid—by far the most popular style among all hearing aids—is the smallest ever made by ReSound: 25% smaller than the previous standard RIE
5. Tap controls for answering phone calls and hands-free calling for compatible iPhones and iPads (Micro RIE)
6. New CROS and BiCROS models for people with single-sided deafness
7. "First Time User Onboarding" fitting tool designed to give you a better and more gradual on-ramp to your optimum amplification settings—for greater comfort and acceptance by first-time hearing aid users

Nexia features and technology highlights

As noted above, Nexia provides hearing aid users with several new and valuable features:

First hearing aid with Auracast

Here's a cool fact: Compared to the consumer electronics industry, the hearing industry is tiny. However, one of today's most exciting emerging technologies in wireless connectivity started with hearing aids—and ReSound and the European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association played a significant role in Auracast's development. Auracast is now part of a new Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) standard that will give many types of audio devices, including hearing aids, better streaming and lower processing time with less battery power.

GN ReSound Principal Engineer Thomas Olsgaard, one of the original industry engineers who worked with Bluetooth SIG to establish the new standard, told Hearing Tracker: “One special thing about [Auracast] is that the hearing industry and people with hearing impairment are getting this technology first. The Bluetooth LE and Auracast technologies are literally driven by the needs of people with hearing loss. So, do I like this as a hearing aid engineer? Yes, indeed!”

The new technology allows for shared audio experiences by turning an Auracast-enabled device (e.g., smartphone, iPad, computer, etc.) into a transmitter that can then broadcast its audio signals to as many as 1,000 other Auracast-enabled receivers like earbuds, hearing aids, and headphones. Essentially, Auracast provides for many different accessible audio streams from multiple transmitters.

This means you can tune into and receive transmitted audio from a specific TV, airport gate, lecturer, arena, museum PA system, etc. You can also use an Auracast transmitter (see below) to turn your smartphone or audio device into a broadcast channel so people can listen to your music, podcasts, or other audio files.

Additionally, Bluetooth LE Audio prioritizes audio quality while minimizing latency (signal delay) and conserving battery life for uninterrupted daily streaming. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) predicts that Auracast will connect with 3 billion devices in 2.5 million locations by 2030.

Hearing Tracker thinks Auracast is set to revolutionize large-area public audio transmission: it's essentially a personalized PA system on steroids. But we also temper our enthusiasm with a note that it will take some time for Auracast to be rolled out—potentially several years before it's in widespread use across a variety of popular venues.

Nexia hearing aids may be the first to incorporate Auracast, but we think others will soon follow. In fact, Signia's IX line is reportedly "Auracast-ready,” meaning it just needs a firmware update to activate the technology. For a review of products that are now using the technology, please see our Auracast page.

Auracast-enabled TV Streamer+

ReSound also has announced a new accessory, called TV-Steamer+, which is also Auracast-ready. This TV accessory uses Auracast to give you immediate speech clarity at preferred TV volumes through your hearing aids without disturbing anyone else in the room. TV-Streamer+ is designed to receive streamed audio from a TV to Nexia hearing aids, but within the app, you'll also eventually be able to use this little device as a transmitter of audio signals (music, podcasts, etc.) in Broadcast Mode.

Bluetooth audio streaming for Apple/Android with hands-free calls for iPhones

Nexia hearing aids are versatile, offering compatibility with Apple and Android devices for audio streaming from various sources. With compatible Apple devices, Nexia doubles as a hands-free headset, eliminating the need to speak into your phone during calls and providing seamless communication. The hands-free feature requires an iPhone^® 11 or later.

For Android devices, Nexia can directly stream phone calls to the hearing aids, but hands-free calling is not supported (i.e., you'll need to speak into the phone receiver, but you'll hear the person on the line through your hearing aids). To enable hands-free calling on Android, you can utilize the Phone Clip+ accessory, which can be paired with your hearing aids and clipped to your lapel, which is particularly useful while driving. This accessory is usually sold separately.

Nexia and other ReSound wireless hearing aids accommodate one active connection at a time but support up to 8 pairings. This differs from competitors like Phonak, which offers products with two simultaneous connections. Having two active connections is advantageous, especially when managing both work and personal phones, without the need for constant reconnection.

Audio streaming from Windows 11 compatible PCs and devices

GN has recently partnered with Microsoft and its Windows 11 operating system, laying the groundwork for ReSound Nexia to be seamlessly compatible with new Windows PCs supporting Bluetooth LE Audio. This integration allows you to enjoy the audio quality of ReSound Nexia on compatible Windows devices. So, for example, you can stream audio directly to your hearing aids whenever you use Teams or Windows-compatible conference calls—or simply enjoy streamed music, videos, podcasts, and other audio from the PC.

360 All-Around and FrontFocus hearing in noise technology

Within its highest tech level (level 9), Nexia employs a directional microphone strategy with three different improvements:

1. A steering system with faster processing;
2. Frequency-specific and more narrow directional response, and
3. An improved ear-to-ear streaming system that helps to ensure audibility and awareness of sounds all around the listener.

There’s also a wearer-selectable program called “FrontFocus” that provides an additional narrowing of the directional microphone beam. Keep in mind that directional microphones work by minimizing sounds from certain directions around you (usually to the side and rear) and focusing on sounds in front of you. Omnidirectional simply means that the microphone picks up sound from all around the listener.

A ReSound-produced video that explains some of the tech highlights in Nexia. Closed captions are available on this video. If you are using a mobile phone, please enable captions clicking on the gear icon.

ReSound Smart 3D App

The free Smart 3D app is available for download on your phone and is a versatile tool. Beyond basic remote functions for program and volume adjustments, it allows control over directional response (e.g., FrontFocus), tone modifications (bass and treble), battery monitoring, and more. Additionally, a "Find My Hearing Aids" feature helps you locate your hearing aids if they're misplaced.

Here are three other features of the Smart 3D app:

Location-based hearing: In some places you frequent (e.g., a regular meeting with a friend at a local coffee shop), you may find a particular optimal setting for your hearing aids. With "Location Based Hearing,” you can save those optimal settings, and your hearing aids will automatically switch to them whenever you're there.

Tinnitus management: The Smart 3D app also features a program for managing tinnitus, using customizable tone, nature sound options, and volume adjustments—offering a level of control that goes beyond basic volume changes, which can be especially beneficial for individuals with fluctuating tinnitus.

Telecare and remote adjustments: Additionally, the app allows users to request remote care from their hearing provider for convenient adjustments and firmware updates. These may save time, add convenience, and spare you a trip to the office/clinic.

The Smart 3D app boasts some of the highest ratings on both the Apple App Store (4.7) and Google Play™ store (4.4), surpassing the typical range of 2-3 on a 5-point scale for most other hearing aid apps. People generally find it user-friendly and practical. While some connectivity and battery life issues were reported with Apple iOS 15.4, these were addressed in 15.4.1. Users are encouraged to keep their phone's operating system up-to-date.

ReSound hearing aids do not have health and fitness tracking features, like step counting or heart rate monitoring.

M&RIE Technology

Nexia, OMNIA, and ReSound One RIE models feature the Microphone & Receiver-in-Ear (M&RIE) system, combining traditional hearing aid microphones with an additional in-ear microphone for natural sound capture, aligning with ReSound's "Organic Hearing" philosophy. This technology aims to overcome microphone placement limitations inherent in RIC and BTE hearing aids.

In natural ears, sound is collected and typically amplified in the high-frequency range (2000-4000 Hz). The outer ear helps you tell from which direction sound originates (localization) while also helping reduce wind noise. These are two advantages offered by custom hearing aids that sit inside the ear or ear canal. In contrast, microphones for RIC and BTE devices are placed atop and behind the ear, and lack this natural amplification—impacting sound localization, and making them susceptible to wind noise.

To mitigate microphone location challenges, modern digital hearing aids employ wind noise algorithms and built-in microphone location corrections. However, these solutions cannot fully replicate the ear's natural response or adapt to individual anatomical variations.

With a microphone positioned naturally next to the ear canal, M&RIE has been shown by ReSound to enhance sound localization by 9% to 10%, particularly in individuals with mild hearing loss. Although M&RIE is a unique feature, its suitability largely depends on ear canal size and degree of hearing loss. Smaller ear canals may not comfortably accommodate M&RIE, and the potential for feedback (squealing) increases due to microphone proximity. In short, it doesn't work for everyone.

Your hearing care provider can determine if M&RIE technology aligns with your specific hearing needs and ear anatomy.

Tap Controls

Nexia offers added convenience for answering phone calls with tap controls in the Micro RIE. When a call comes to our smartphone, you get a prompt from the hearing aid; to stream the audio to your hearing aids, you can just double-tap on your ear (or one of the hearing aids) and answer the call.

In theory, this is an excellent, handy feature. However, we've found that it does take some practice to master this function.

Nexia CROS and BiCROS hearing aids

The introduction of the Nexia Micro RIE CROS system addresses a previously unfilled gap within ReSound's product range. CROS, an abbreviation for Contralateral Routing Of Signals, is a hearing aid system specifically designed for people experiencing unaidable hearing loss or deafness in one ear.

A typical CROS system comprises two hearing aids: one acts as a transmitter, capturing sound from the deaf ear and transmitting it to the better ear, while the other plays back the received sound from the deaf ear. In situations where the better ear also has hearing loss, sound from both ears is amplified by the receiving hearing aid, a configuration known as a BiCROS system.

ReSound says the Nexia CROS hearing aid—which uses the same form factor as the Micro RIE—is the smallest system of its type on the market.

Battery life and chargers

Although it depends on the wearer’s hearing loss and usage, Nexia reportedly offers 24 hours of typical use on one charge or 20 hours when streaming 50% of the time across all styles —placing them toward the upper end of battery life for rechargeable hearing aids.

All of the rechargeable RIE models offer the option of three chargers: A Premium Charger that is portable and carries 3 extra charges, and a Desktop Charger and Standard Charger which require a plug-in to power the devices. However, the Nexia BTEs can be powered only by the Desktop Charger.

The custom ITE/ITC hearing aids get their power from a special Custom Charger that contains two specially created inserts that match the shape of each hearing aid for seamless, reliable charging. Like the RIE and BTE devices, the custom aids can be expected to offer up to 24 hours use-time on a single charge for all-day use.

The bottom line

To tell the truth, I was surprised that ReSound Nexia was introduced only one year after OMNIA, because OMNIA was (and still is) an excellent hearing aid that has enjoyed a lot of success in the market. In fact, OMNIA was good enough to have been named a 2023 Expert Choice Winner from the independent testing lab HearAdvisor.

Not surprisingly, Nexia and OMNIA share many of the same features and benefits. One obvious exclamation point for Nexia, however, is that it's the first hearing aid to offer Bluetooth LE 5.2 and the Auracast broadcast technology—which we think is tremendously exciting. However, you may not see Auracast broadcasts widely available at most venues for at least a year or more, therefore limiting its immediate practical value.

But even given this, Nexia offers new processing and hearing-in-noise features, tap controls, and other features in a significantly more discreet form factor not previously offered by ReSound. Thus, Nexia represents a real "next step" in technology and hearing aid performance, and serves as an excellent hearing aid choice for almost any hearing loss.