With so many hearing aids on the market, finding the right model for your needs can be a challenge. ReSound and Starkey are two popular hearing aid manufacturers among seniors and others with hearing loss, providing smart solutions that incorporate the latest technology. If you are shopping for a hearing aid for the first time or seeking an upgrade to your current model, here's what you need to know about the offerings of Starkey and ReSound.
History
Starkey is a U.S.-based company founded in 1970 by William S. Starkey, who previously attended medical school and worked in a hearing aid repair shop. The company earned a reputation for great customer service and earned nationwide fame and astronomical sales after Ronald Reagan wore Starkey hearing aids during his presidential term in 1983.
ReSound is a Danish company based in Ballerup as part of the GN Group, a worldwide leader in audio technology. This company was founded in 1940 and their hearing aids are sold in more than 80 countries.
Both companies led the charge in creating iPhone and Android-compatible hearing aids. Starkey was also a leader in implementing hearing aids with nanotechnology, which protects the devices from sweat and moisture.
Key Products
| Category | ReSound | Starkey |
| Digital and Bluetooth hearing aids | LiNX Quattro: The latest digital model, featuring exceptional sound quality and a rechargeable battery LiNX 3D: Available in various colors to match different skin tones as well as behind the ear, in the ear and custom, invisible styles ENZO 3D: Crisp, multi-directional sound for those with severe to profound hearing loss All three digital models from ReSound include Bluetooth capabilities to connect with Apple and Android smartphones and other compatible devices. | All six Starkey hearing aid styles can be equipped with Bluetooth capability and feature the latest advanced digital technology. |
| Invisible hearing aids: Custom styles made to fit the contours of the ear and incorporate your desired tech, features and style. | Both the LiNX Quattro and 3D are available in invisible versions that fit within the ear canal. | These styles provide a custom fit that easily adapts to new sounds for a personalized listening experience with integrated wireless streaming. Available with Picasso, SoundLens Synergy, and SoundLens Synergy IQ technology. |
| Receiver-in-ear models | These hearing aids are comfortable to wear and provide natural sound quality. This style is available in the LiNX Quattro, LiNX 3D and LiNX2, a smart hearing aid with tinnitus management and proprietary Made 4 Apple technology. | These hearing aids are appropriate for mild to severe hearing loss and available in rechargeable styles. They also offer tinnitus protection, single-sided hearing capabilities and hearing and activity tracking for optimal health. |
| Behind-the-ear aids | This versatile model is appropriate to treat the widest range of hearing loss. This style is available for the following: LiNX 3D LiNX2 ENZO 3D ENZO2, currently the smallest and most powerful model available from this brand | Available in single-sided models and with hearing and activity tracking technology. |
| Tinnitus hearing aids | Designed to treat the ringing, buzzing or clicking sounds that result from this hearing issue. The LiNX Quattro, LiNX 3D and ENZO 3D offer a sound therapy app to help treat this condition. | This technology is available in all of Starkey's six hearing aid styles. |
Customer Service
Starkey offers comprehensive online resource guides for customers using its hearing aids, including online operations manuals and instructional videos, troubleshooting and maintenance information, hearing health resources and even hearing games that allow you to test your hearing with or without your hearing aid device. Although the company itself does not have a dedicated customer service number for users of its hearing aids, you can connect with a Starkey dealer in your area through its website.
Like Starkey, ReSound outsources customer service to its local ReSound dealers and hearing professionals. However, it also offers online resources including user guides, video tutorials and app support for each model. With the ReSound app, your audiologist can adjust hearing aid settings as needed and send them directly to your device.
Reviews and Ratings
Although these hearing aid companies have similar offerings, each has specific advantages that may lead seniors to choose one company over the other. ReSound gets high marks for the quality of its integrated apps, which allow you to find your hearing aid if it's lost, seek relief from tinnitus, and stream audio from your favorite devices. If you have tinnitus, Starkey is the highest rated company for hearing aid-based relief for this condition and also receives accolades for its wide selection of hearing aids.
Starkey also has the benefit of an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. ReSound is known for its innovative hearing solutions, but some of its products may be somewhat challenging to use, particularly for new hearing aid users and those who are less tech-savvy. For both brands, pricing is only available through their authorized dealers and may vary among practices.
If you're in the market for a new hearing aid, which model is correct for you depends on your current hearing needs, your budget, and other factors. Both ReSound and Starkey offer a range of excellent choices for a variety of customers.
