Phonak vs. ReSound: The Breakdown

Phonak and ReSound offer a complete range of hearing aids from invisible-in-canal (IIC) to high power behind-the-ear (BTE) styles that allow them to fit almost anyone with hearing loss. While they are very similar, a few specific differences move the needle a bit for some users.

ReSound Products

Phonak and ReSound Equipment

ReSound offers a unique design called Microphone-in-Helix that allows users of small in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids to hear better in environments with background noise. I’ve also used this style for people with atypically shaped ears.

Testing out ReSound hearing aids

Phonak has a unique product called Lyric, an extended wear IIC that is sold by subscription and allows 24/7 use. The device itself is replaced every three to four months, and, in my experience, it is appropriate for a limited number of folks with average size and shape ear canals with mild to moderate hearing loss.

While both providers offer “frequency lowering,” Phonak provides the dispenser with a lot more flexibility in adjusting the feature; this will make a difference for those with more severe high-frequency hearing loss.

Testing out Phonak hearing aids

Connectivity

ReSound and Phonak are both leaders in wireless connectivity. ReSound was the first company to use the 2.4 GHz wireless platform and was first out of the gate with “Made for iPhone” direct streaming. The company also offers a flexible and cost-effective remote microphone called the Multi Mic, which connects to your hearing aid for better hearing in very noisy environments.

Phonak was the first to stream directly to Android devices and their wireless microphone system, the Roger, is the recognized leader for functionality in adverse listening settings. However, it’s much more expensive than the Multi Mic.

Both providers offer solutions for those with cochlear implants. ReSound has wireless accessories that are compatible with Cochlear brand cochlear implants or BAHA bone-anchored devices. “Bimodal” users with one hearing aid and one cochlear implant can synch their ReSound hearing and Nucleus seven implant processor to the same iPhone. Phonak has a similar partnership with Advanced Bionics cochlear implants, so the choice comes down to your brand of cochlear implants.

Smartphone Apps

Phonak and ReSound offer well-designed smartphone apps, but I give ReSound the edge here. My patients and I have found their app to be a bit easier to use. The ReSound Tinnitus Relief App is also very effective and has helped many of my patients get a handle on their tinnitus.

ReSound Smart 3D App

How Much do ReSound and Phonak Hearing Aids Cost?

If you want to find out the price of a hearing aid from either company, you’ll have to contact a local hearing aid professional. Neither company advertises prices online. A hearing aid professional will give you a price and help you determine which style is right for you.

It’s important to note that ReSound has “private label” arrangements with both Beltone and Jabra Enhance; both of these companies offer the same ReSound technology at potentially lower prices, so they may be suitable for those on a tight budget. When evaluating both options, Jabra Enhance has the best prices, but only offers a small subset of the ReSound catalog. One caveat for these deals: Beltone and Jabra Enhance hearing aids can only be adjusted by the company you buy them from, as opposed to a ReSound-branded product, which can be adjusted by any dispenser with a ReSound account.

Jabra Enhance Select App

Our Thoughts on ReSound vs. Phonak

These popular hearing aid companies are neck and neck for the average user. ReSound and Phonak will both provide excellent hearing loss correction in quiet and moderately noisy settings. If you have more severe hearing loss or need remote microphones regularly, Phonak has a slight edge by the numbers; however, ReSound provides very comparable performance for a significantly lower price (Phonak Roger vs. ReSound MultiMic).

If you’re still not sure which provider is the right choice for you, we’d recommend heading over to our ReSound hearing aid review and Phonak review for a deep dive into each provider’s offerings.