Resound Vivia 9 60S microRIE vs Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus

The ReSound Vivia 9 60S microRIE is a premium prescription behind-the-ear hearing aid released in 2025, currently available at $3,798. In our lab testing, it earned a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.9/5, ranking #29 of 39 prescription hearing aids tested. This device shows a mixed performance profile. Its standout strength is own-voice comfort, scoring 3.4/5—a solid result that sits 0.70 points above the category average. Speech clarity in quiet environments also performs at category average with a score of 3.4/5. Feedback handling is strong in absolute terms at 4.2/5, though this falls 0.52 points below the category average, reflecting the high bar set by competing prescription devices. The Vivia 9's most notable weakness is speech understanding in noisy environments, where it scored just 1.1/5—a low result that trails the category average by 0.96 points. Music streaming performance is mixed at 2.6/5, sitting slightly below average. These limitations are worth considering given the premium price positioning. For listeners who prioritize comfortable own-voice perception and primarily encounter quieter listening situations, the Vivia 9 may be suitable. However, those frequently in challenging noise environments should note that several alternatives in this price range—including the Phonak Sphere Infinio and Oticon Intent—deliver stronger overall performance in our testing. Budget-conscious shoppers may also find comparable sound quality at lower price points with options like the Jabra Enhance Pro 20 at Costco.

The Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus is a premium amplification product priced at $850, earning an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.0/5 in our lab testing. This visible-in-ear device ranks #1 among the 8 amplification products we've tested, performing well above the category average of 3.24/5. In our testing, the Conversation Clear Plus delivered standout performance in music streaming and feedback handling, both scoring an excellent 5.0/5. Speech-in-noise performance was solid at 3.1/5, measuring 1.74 points above the category average—a notable advantage for an amplification product. Speech-in-quiet scored 2.6/5, which is above the category average but mixed in absolute terms. The device's primary weakness is own-voice comfort, scoring just 0.6/5—2.04 points below the category average. Users who are sensitive to hearing their own voice amplified may find this challenging. The device supports both iPhone and Android streaming, offers rechargeable batteries, and includes hands-free functionality. The Conversation Clear Plus is best suited for consumers who prioritize exceptional music streaming quality and solid performance in noisy environments, and who can tolerate some own-voice occlusion. It has earned HearAdvisor's Expert's Choice Award in both 2023 and 2024. Those seeking similar sound quality at a lower price point may also consider alternatives like the Apple AirPods Pro 2.