Launched in September of 2023, ReSound’s Nexia hearing aids are all the buzz.
Nexia builds upon ReSound’s OMNIA hearing aid line but adds a new wireless feature that uses the Bluetooth LE with Auracast audio broadcasting technology – an industry first.
Now, in addition to being able to stream Android and MFi audio, you will be able to receive Auracast broadcasts that are expected to become widely available in theaters, places of worship, airports, arenas, bars, restaurants, and a lot of other venues within the next few years.
The team at South Sound Audiology is excited about the avenues of better hearing and improved listening that will open up because of this new technology. We had a dozen of our patients do a test run of ReSound Nexia and we are eager to share their opinions.
What Is Nexia?
Before we get to patient responses, let’s fill you in on what Nexia is.
Nexia was originally launched in four receiver-in-ear (RIE) models, but by February of 2024, two behind-the-ear (BTE) and a range of small, custom in-ear styles became available.
Nexia is built on ReSound’s top-line OMNIA prescription hearing aids platform with user-friendly features, speech in noise enhancement, improved battery longevity, and other features designed to make hearing through your hearing aids a more natural experience.
The Nexia model that is catching most of the attention is the Nexia Micro RIE, which is 25% smaller than ReSound’s standard RIE and incorporates an accelerometer for tap-based hands-free audio streaming compatibility with iPhones and iPads.
What South Sound Patients Had to Say about Nexia
On average, our patients who gave Nexia a try rated this new ReSound hearing aid model 7 out of 10. Here are some of our patients’ responses to the three questions asked about their experience:
1. What was the biggest difference you noticed in comparison to your existing hearing aid?
Among the positive differences noticed by our patients, sound clarity seemed to be the big winner, receiving comments such as:
- The sound was clearer and consistently good, crisp, and clear.
- High frequency sounds came through better. I could hear the turn signals in my car.
- I could hear the TV better.
- I could hear more sounds – like it was letting in sounds all around the earpiece.
Other positive comments involved fitting comfort, light weight, and better charging ease and charge longevity.
On the negative side, some felt that their hearing aid was falling out all the time, and one noted that they did not feel Nexia helped much with music, phone, and audio book listening.
2. How would you describe the sound quality difference between Nexia and your existing hearing aid?
Five out of twelve noticed no sound quality difference between Nexia and their existing hearing aids. The seven who noticed a difference described the difference as consistently clearer, bright, crisp, more precise, defined, and real world rather than amplified.
One individual noted that in group meetings with a central microphone, there was improvement using the Mini-Mic feature but no improvement in group meetings without a central microphone.
Another commented that they noticed no difference in larger groups but enjoyed a sound quality difference in smaller groups.
3. In what specific moments did ReSound Nexia impress you?
Here are a few of the notable examples of specific moments when Nexia impressed our test subjects
Speech and Sound Clarity in Public:
One person noted better sound clarity in restaurants and at a Brazilian music concert. Another noted that “With Nexia, I was able to follow the general discussion of all the people at our table.”
Related to Improved Directionality:
One individual reported that when in the grocery store “I could tell if people behind me wanted to pass or if they said something.”
Television Viewing:
“I didn’t have to use closed captioning for British TV programs.”
After giving ReSound Nexia a test run, 8 out of 12 said that they would recommend Nexia to someone else, 2 would not, and 2 were undecided.
Do the answers to our survey mean that Nexia is right for you? A consultation with your audiologist is really the only way to find out.
What Are Some of Nexia’s Main Features?
Its versatility and advanced technology make it a compelling option for individuals in the market for a top-tier hearing solution with advanced tech features. Here are some of those features:
- First hearing aid from a global manufacturer to offer Bluetooth LE 5.2 and Auracast
- Advanced directionality system with 360 All-Around and FrontFocus for better hearing in noise
- Wide range of style options covering full spectrum of hearing losses from mild to profound
- Wireless audio streaming for Apple and Android, including hands-free phone for iOS devices
- Tap controls for answering the phone with micro RIE
- Smart 3D app – the highest-rated in the hearing industry
- Unique M&RIE receiver technology option with 3rd microphone near ear canal
- A CROS/BiCROS system for people with unaidable single-sided hearing loss
- Wide choice of accessories to address individual listening needs
How Do I Get Nexia in My Ears?
As you can see, Nexia wipes out just about all of the outdated stigmas surrounding hearing aids. Its advanced technology is setting a new standard in making hearing with hearing aids as natural as hearing without them.
If you’re ready to get Nexia in your ears, your first step is to schedule a hearing assessment with a member of our team of audiologists at South Sound Audiology.
Schedule a hearing assessment or give us a call at (360) 464-9780 for more information.
