One Size Does Not Fit All - Why a Walmart Hearing Aid May Not Be What You’re Looking For

Aug 30, 2022

Key Takeaways

check_circle_outline   Oticon uses Bluetooth Low Energy to make their products more power-efficient, while ReSound's 6th generation Bluetooth offers better sound quality and more stable connections.
check_circle_outline   Both Oticon and ReSound provide tinnitus relief programs and telehealth options for remote adjustments.
check_circle_outline   Nano Hearing Aids provides OTC hearing aids that start at just $297 and come in various models like CIC and BTE - they are suitable for individuals with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.

Oticon vs. ReSound: Quick Comparison Table

Oticon and ReSound hearing aids are considered to be some of the best prescription devices on the hearing device market. Both brands deliver high-quality sounds even in situations with loud background noises.


Here’s a comparison table to help you choose the best kind of hearing device brand according to your hearing needs. 

Aspects
Oticon
ReSound
Country of Manufacture
Denmark
Denmark
Phone Streaming
Direct streaming to iOS and Android
Direct streaming to iOS and Android
Background Noise
Available
Available
Rechargeable
Yes, lithium-ion batteries
Yes, lithium-ion batteries
Directionality
Yes, binaural directionality
Yes, binaural directionality
A.I (artificial intelligence)
Yes, Deep Neural Network technology
Yes
Tinnitus Programs
Yes, Tinnitus SoundSupport
Yes, Tinnitus Sound Generator (TSG)
Telecoil
Available in some models
Available in some models
Telehealth
Available through Oticon RemoteCare
Available through ReSound Assist
Manual Control
Yes
Yes
Smartphone Apps
Only one app which is the Oticon Companion
Three different apps which are ReSound Smart 3D, ReSound Smart, and ReSound Relief (specifically for tinnitus management program) apps
Example of Models
check_circle_outline   Oticon Intent
check_circle_outline   Oticon Real
check_circle_outline   Oticon More
check_circle_outline   ReSound ONE
check_circle_outline   ReSound LiNX Quattro
check_circle_outline   ReSound ENZO Q

Nano Hearing Aids are FDA-registered, Class I devices. These OTC hearing aids are designed for individuals over 18 years of age with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment. Nano won the Top ENT Solution Provider 2023, has 24/7 customer care, and has an affordable price compared to others. 

Oticon vs. ReSound: The Detailed Comparison

Bluetooth Technology

The Bluetooth technologies used by Oticon and ReSound hearing aids are different - Oticon uses Bluetooth Low Energy (LE), while ReSound uses the newest 6th generation Bluetooth technology.


This means ReSound hearing devices will have a more detailed sound and a more stable connection, while Oticon devices will consume less power while streaming audio.


However, hearing aids from both brands can seamlessly stream to both Android and iPhone devices.

Sound Systems

The Bluetooth feature is especially great for ReSound's LiNX Quattro hearing aid's Music Mode, which is considered to be one of the best systems for musicians.


ReSound produces superb sound quality, capturing all the details of the musical notes and allowing you to enjoy the best quality sounds.

Background Noise Technology

Experts say that both Oticon and ReSound have great technology to manage background noise - Oticon's Opn S model is especially impressive since it’s built on the powerful OpenSound Navigator technology.


Oticon's OpenSound Navigator technology analyzes the sound environment in real-time, scanning it up to 56,000 times per second. This allows it to differentiate between various sound sources, so that users can hear multiple speakers and background sounds more clearly.


On the other hand, ReSound's LiNX Quattro model also does a great job of managing background noise. It's got an extended bandwidth of up to 9.5 kHz and a sound sample rate that is 50% faster than previous models - so you get distortion-free, natural sound. This means users can enjoy high-quality sound even in challenging acoustic settings.

Telehealth

Oticon’s RemoteCare and ReSound’s ReSoundAssist are the built-in telehealth features for the hearing aids. The technology makes it easier for users to get support and make adjustments from audiologists remotely.

C: Users can access the RemoteCare feature from the Companion app that works with all Oticon Bluetooth hearing aids and is available for iPhone, iPad, and Android™ devices.

AT: Oticon Companion app showing the RemoteCare feature.

Since ReSound comes with 3 different apps, users can only access the ReSoundAssist feature on the ReSound Smart 3D app

Battery Life

Oticon and ReSoundhearing aids have rechargeable hearing models - they usually use lithium-ion rechargeable batteries for their devices. Both brands also offer impressive battery life after a single charge.


For example, Oticon More can last up to 24 hours while ReSound LiNX Quattro provides up to 30 hours of use on a single charge, depending on usage patterns and streaming activities.

Additional Programs

Both of these brands include tinnitus programs and telecoil capabilities too. Oticon’s Tinnitus SoundSupport and ReSound’s Tinnitus Sound Generator (TSG) provide customizable sound therapy and a range of soothing sounds, respectively, which help to mask the ringing or buzzing sensations caused by tinnitus.

C: Many Oticon and ReSound models include a telecoil feature that lets users connect directly to compatible phones and assistive listening devices. This feature makes phone calls and public address systems sound better.

AT: Telecoil logo.

Designs Available

For both brands, you can select hearing aid models from different designs that fit your ear shape the best.

Hearing Aid Design
Oticon Models
ReSound Models
Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC)
check_circle_outline   Oticon Opn S MiniRITE
check_circle_outline   Oticon More RIC
check_circle_outline   ReSound LiNX Quattro
check_circle_outline   ReSound OMNIA
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
check_circle_outline   Oticon Ruby
check_circle_outline   Oticon Xceed BTE
check_circle_outline   ReSound ENZO Q

Also Read: Completely in the canal (CIC) hearing aids are hidden inside the ear. They’re suitable for a wide range of hearing loss levels. Learn how to choose the right CIC hearing aid for you.

Pricing

Neither of the brands advertise their prices on the Internet. However, a hearing aid expert can provide you with pricing, and may also help you to determine the right model for you.


You must consult with a hearing device professional or an audiologist before choosing any of these devices.

How Nano Hearing Aids Compare with Oticon and ReSound

We also encourage you to have a look at the products from Nano Hearing Aids. Our devices are FDA-registered, rechargeable, with features like advanced noise reduction technology and feedback management

C: The Nano Audacity® RIC is one of our premium models that comes with Bluetooth technology for audio streaming and easy app control.

AT: Nano Audacity® RIC OTC hearing aids.

The biggest difference is that Nano hearing aids are over-the-counter (OTC) and can be bought online without requiring a hearing test or audiologist's consultation. Our hearing aids are also only suitable for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.


With over 1000+ positive reviews, Nano is a great alternative to Oticon and ReSound at an affordable price. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the key differences between Oticon and ReSound hearing aids?

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Oticon focuses on power efficiency with Bluetooth Low Energy, while ReSound prioritizes sound detail with 6th generation Bluetooth. ReSound also offers multiple apps for functionality, while Oticon uses a single app.

Which brand is better for managing background noise?

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Oticon’s OpenSound Navigator excels at analyzing sound environments in real-time, while ReSound LiNX Quattro provides natural, distortion-free sound with advanced bandwidth capabilities.

Do both brands support telehealth services?

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Yes, Oticon uses the RemoteCare feature through its Companion app, and ReSound offers ReSound Assist via the Smart 3D app for remote adjustments and audiologist support.

How do Nano Hearing Aids compare to Oticon and ReSound?

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Nano Hearing Aids provides affordable, FDA-registered OTC hearing aids with features like noise reduction and Bluetooth streaming. They don’t require a hearing test or audiologist visit, making them a convenient alternative for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.