HearingAssist Control vs ReSound OMNIA miniRIE

The HearingAssist Control is a mid-priced OTC behind-the-ear hearing aid available at $549. In our lab testing, it earned a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.3/5, placing it in the top 77% of OTC hearing aids tested. This device demonstrates solid speech performance, scoring above the category average in both quiet and noisy environments. Speech in quiet earned a solid 3.4/5, while speech in noise scored 2.0/5—above average for the category but only mixed in absolute terms. Feedback handling is excellent at 5.0/5, meaning wearers should experience minimal whistling during normal use. The HearingAssist Control has notable limitations. Music streaming scored 0.0/5, indicating this device does not support audio streaming functionality—a significant gap compared to many competitors in this price range. Own-voice comfort scored 2.1/5, which is below the category average and may result in a hollow or boomy perception of your own voice. For shoppers considering this price tier, alternatives like the Yeasound RIC800 (4.73/5) and Sony CRE-E10 (4.66/5) offer substantially higher overall sound performance. The HearingAssist Control may suit buyers prioritizing speech clarity and feedback stability who don't need streaming capabilities, but most users would benefit from exploring higher-scoring options at similar price points.

The ReSound OMNIA miniRIE is a premium prescription behind-the-ear hearing aid released in 2022, priced at $4,764. In our lab testing, it earned a SoundScore of 4.0/5 (A grade), ranking #26 of 39 prescription hearing aids tested. This device demonstrates solid speech clarity in quiet environments, scoring 3.7/5—0.26 points above the category average. Own-voice comfort also measures slightly above average at 2.9/5. However, the OMNIA miniRIE struggles in challenging listening situations, with speech-in-noise performance scoring just 1.0/5, which is 1.11 points below the category average and low in absolute terms. This represents a significant limitation for users who frequently encounter noisy environments like restaurants or social gatherings. Feedback handling is strong in absolute terms at 4.1/5, though this falls 0.62 points below the prescription hearing aid category average of 4.72/5. Music streaming performance is mixed at 2.7/5, essentially matching the category average. The device offers modern connectivity features including iPhone and Android streaming, hands-free calling, and rechargeable batteries. While the OMNIA miniRIE has earned Expert's Choice Awards in 2023 and 2024, consumers in this premium price tier should note that several competitors—including the Phonak Sphere Infinio and Oticon Intent—achieve higher overall scores. This hearing aid may be best suited for individuals who prioritize performance in quieter settings and value ReSound's ecosystem, but those needing robust noise management should explore alternatives.