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Resound Nexia Expert Review

Premium RxReleased 2023

HearAdvisor's independent lab tested the Resound Nexia 9 60s microRIE using precision manikin measurements and standardized acoustic protocols. This review presents objective performance data across speech clarity, noise handling, feedback control, own-voice comfort, and streaming quality.

Dr. Steve TaddeiDr. Steve Taddei, Au.D.Lab Director & Reviewer
Dr. Abram BaileyDr. Abram Bailey, Au.D.Fact Checker / Editor
How We Test

The Resound Nexia is a premium behind-the-ear prescription hearing aid released in 2023, currently available at $4,298. In HearAdvisor's lab testing, it earns a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.8/5, placing it in the middle tier of the prescription hearing aid category.

The Nexia demonstrates notable strengths in several areas. Speech clarity in quiet environments scores a solid 3.8/5, measuring 0.37 points above the category average. Own-voice comfort is another highlight at 3.6/5, sitting 0.85 points above average—a meaningful advantage for wearers sensitive to how their own voice sounds. Feedback handling is excellent at 5.0/5, ensuring stability during movement and physical contact with the devices.

However, the Nexia shows a significant limitation in noisy environments. Speech-in-noise performance scores just 0.4/5, falling 1.15 points below the category average. This represents a substantial gap compared to top-performing competitors in the same price tier. Music streaming quality is mixed at 2.8/5, slightly above average but modest in absolute terms.

At this price point, several alternatives deliver stronger overall performance, including the Oticon Intent (4.75/5) and Phonak Sphere Infinio (4.65/5). The Nexia may suit listeners who prioritize conversation in quieter settings and value excellent feedback control, but those frequently navigating challenging acoustic environments should consider higher-scoring options.

Reliable & Repeatable Lab Results

Quality data starts with quality recordings. HearAdvisor worked with GRAS to build a no-compromise front end so every test is repeatable and reliable.

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Steve in HearAdvisor Lab

Lab Assessment

Where the Resound Nexia Performed and Where It Fell Short

The verdict card below summarizes how the Resound Nexia measured against HearAdvisor's five core performance metrics. It reflects both standout results and areas where this premium prescription hearing aid showed limitations in our standardized testing.

HearAdvisor Verdict
BTop 73% of Prescription Hearing Aid
Bottom Line

The Resound Nexia is a premium prescription aid with excellent feedback control and natural own-voice quality, best for quiet-environment listening.

Strengths
  • Excellent feedback handling5.0/5
  • Natural own-voice quality+0.85 vs category
  • Above-average speech clarity in quiet settings
Drawbacks
  • Poor speech-in-noise performance0.4/5
  • Mixed music streaming quality2.8/5
  • Premium price at $4,298

Fit Conditions

Resound Nexia Tested in Initial and Tuned Configurations

HearAdvisor evaluated the Resound Nexia in both its Initial manufacturer settings and after professional Tuned adjustments. The fit summary cards below document how each configuration performed independently in our lab environment.

Lab Test Summary

In initial fit testing with a tulip dome and medium-power receiver using Resound's Audiogram+ fitting formula, the Nexia achieves a normalized score of 3.8/5. Speech in quiet performs well at 3.7/5, and own-voice comfort is solid at 3.6/5. Feedback handling is excellent at 5.0/5. However, speech-in-noise capability is limited at 0.4/5, well below the category average. Music streaming starts at 2.2/5, indicating room for improvement through adjustment.

What is HearAdvisor's Initial Fit?

The Initial Fit approximates the most likely settings and eartips for a typical moderate hearing loss. Results are measured across the same 72 acoustic scenes in our custom-built lab, then scored on a 5-star scale using an auditory model.

Metric Breakdown

Five Lab-Measured Performance Metrics for the Resound Nexia

The score card below displays the Resound Nexia's results across speech-in-quiet, speech-in-noise, own-voice comfort, feedback control, and streaming quality. Each metric reflects standardized measurements conducted in HearAdvisor's acoustic test chamber.

Lab Review Scores
B
SoundGrade
Initial Score
3.8
Tuned Score
3.9
Speech in quiet
best
3.7
5.0
Own voice
best
3.6
5.0
Speech in noise
best
0.4
5.0
Feedback handling
best
5.0
5.0
Music streaming
best
2.2
5.0

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Amplification Data

Resound Nexia Insertion Gain and Target Matching

The graph below plots the Resound Nexia's measured insertion gain against prescribed amplification targets. This visualization shows how closely the device's actual output aligns with fitting recommendations across the frequency range.

Graph

Audio Samples

Manikin-Recorded Listening Samples from the Resound Nexia

The audio player below provides recordings captured through our test manikin while fitted with the Resound Nexia. A reference recording without amplification is included to illustrate the processing applied by the hearing aid.

Lab Recordings
Adjust volume to make "No hearing aids" as loud as it would be in the real world, without hearing aids. Remove hearing aids while auditioning. High-quality headphones will improve results!
Resound Nexia Lab

Test Configuration

Resound Nexia Lab Setup and Measurement Parameters

The documentation below details the specific settings, accessories, and protocols used during testing of the Resound Nexia. This information supports transparency and allows comparison with other devices tested under equivalent conditions.

Lab Notes
Initial Fitting
Tuned Fitting
Ear Coupling
Tulip Dome
Tulip Dome
Receiver
Medium-power
Medium-power
Fitting Formula
Audiogram+ (Manufacturer proprietary targets)
Audiogram+ (Manufacturer proprietary targets)
Listening Program
All-Around (Automatic)
All-Around (Automatic)
Volume Setting
Manufacturer defaults
Adjusted to match NAL-NL2 targets at 55, 65, and 75 dB SPL
Software Version
Software v1.17
Software v1.17
Tuning Adjustments
Programmed to N3 audiogram, Feedback calibrated, Experience Level set at "Experienced Non-Linear", Gain Level (%) set at "100%", Other settings at manufacturer defaults
Programmed to N3 audiogram, Feedback calibrated, Experience Level set at "Experienced Non-Linear", Gain Level (%) set at "100%", Other settings at manufacturer defaults
Notes
n/a
n/a
Specs
Behind Ear
Behind Ear
Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable Batteries
iPhone Streaming
iPhone Streaming
Android Streaming
Android Streaming
Hands-Free
Hands-Free
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