ReSound Nexia 960S MicroRIE Review (2026): Price in India, Features, Pros & Cons

The ReSound Nexia 960S MicroRIE earns the 'Micro' designation honestly. The behind-the-ear module is noticeably smaller and lighter than a conventional BTE or even a standard RIE housing, reducing the visible profile to a slim curve that tucks neatly behind the pinna. The receiver wire — thinner than a standard electrical cable — connects to a dome or custom earmould that sits inside the canal, and most wearers report forgetting the device is on within a few days of fitting.

Because the receiver sits in the ear rather than in the housing, the behind-the-ear unit carries less weight and generates less heat against the skin, which matters for wearers in India's warmer and more humid climate. The Nexia 960S MicroRIE is rated approximately IP54, meaning it resists light rain, perspiration, and the kind of dust exposure typical in Indian urban and peri-urban environments — though it should not be submerged.

ReSound offers the Nexia 960S MicroRIE in several colour options, ranging from hair-matching tones to more modern neutral shades, allowing wearers to either blend the device with their skin or wear it with some confidence. The push-button on the housing can be programmed for volume steps, programme changes, or mute — a tactile backup for moments when reaching for the app is inconvenient. First-time wearers at HearClear clinics consistently note that the domes provided are comfortable for full-day wear, and thin-tube alternatives can also be accommodated for those with shallow canals.

The foundation of the Nexia 960S MicroRIE is ReSound's Nexia processing platform, which distinguishes itself through a combination of 17 frequency channels and a scene-classification engine that continuously monitors the acoustic environment and adjusts amplification characteristics without requiring the wearer to intervene. This means the aid transitions automatically between, say, a quiet office and a crowded South Indian restaurant without a programme change.

The binaural directionality feature is particularly relevant in noisy Indian environments — busy markets, family gatherings with multiple speakers, or loud commutes. Both instruments exchange data wirelessly to determine which direction contains the primary speech signal, then orientate their directional focus accordingly. This is meaningfully different from single-microphone directionality, where the device can only process what one ear receives. Feedback suppression is implemented at the chip level and is effective enough that even wearers using telephones or leaning against headrests rarely encounter whistling.

ReSound's approach to sound processing has historically prioritised what audiologists call 'naturalness' — preserving spatial cues and ambient environmental awareness rather than aggressively filtering everything except speech. For wearers transitioning from older single-channel or basic digital aids, the 17-channel precision of the 960S tier represents a substantial improvement in music reproduction and in hearing fine consonant distinctions in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and other phonemically rich Indian languages. A calibrated fitting using REM (Real Ear Measurement) at a HearClear clinic ensures these channels are precisely mapped to the individual audiogram.

The Nexia 960S MicroRIE supports both classic Bluetooth and Bluetooth LE Audio, making it one of the more forward-looking hearing aids at this price point. Classic Bluetooth enables direct stereo audio streaming from iPhones (via Apple's Made for iPhone protocol) and from Android devices running Android 10 and above with ASHA (Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids) support. In practice, this covers the majority of mid-range and flagship smartphones sold in India today.

The newer Bluetooth LE Audio stack adds Auracast broadcast audio compatibility. Auracast allows compliant public venues — airports, cinemas, lecture halls — to broadcast their audio loop directly to compatible hearing aids, eliminating distance and signal quality degradation. This infrastructure is still being rolled out in India, but the 960S MicroRIE is hardware-ready for when it arrives, meaning buyers are not paying for technology that will be obsolete within the device's service life.

Day-to-day control is managed through the ReSound Smart 3D app, available on both iOS and Android. The app allows the wearer to adjust volume independently for each ear, shift directional focus, select programmes, and fine-tune bass and treble. An 'All Access Directionality' mode can be toggled for open, omnidirectional listening. The tinnitus relief feature is also accessible through the app, where wearers can select and customise masking sound profiles. Accessories such as the ReSound TV Streamer+ and Phone Clip+ extend connectivity to televisions and older non-Bluetooth phones, though availability of specific accessories should be confirmed at a HearClear clinic before purchase.

The Nexia 960S MicroRIE uses an integrated lithium-ion rechargeable cell rated for approximately 24 hours of use on a full charge, factoring in a realistic mix of amplification, wireless binaural communication, and moderate Bluetooth streaming. For wearers who stream audio heavily throughout the day, expect the figure to settle closer to 20–22 hours in practice — still sufficient for a full waking day and evening in most Indian usage patterns.

The charging case provided with the kit functions as both an overnight charger and a protective carry case. A three-hour charge from empty delivers a full day of use, and a shorter 30-minute charge provides enough capacity for several additional hours — useful when the wearer has forgotten to charge overnight. ReSound also offers a premium portable charger option that includes an internal battery bank, allowing one or two additional charges without a mains connection, which is practical for travel or for areas with intermittent power supply.

The lithium-ion chemistry in the Nexia platform is designed to retain a high proportion of its original capacity over several years of regular charge cycles. Unlike zinc-air disposable batteries — which account for a recurring annual cost of ₹3,000–₹6,000 per pair and require daily handling — the rechargeable system is more convenient and cost-effective over the device's expected lifespan. HearClear's 3-year warranty covers the device including the battery, and the service team can assess battery health at any of the 40+ clinics if degradation is observed.

At HearClear India, the ReSound Nexia 960S MicroRIE is priced at ₹4,34,995 per pair. This positions it at the flagship tier of the Nexia family alongside the Nexia 9 ITC at the same price and above the Nexia 961 RIE and Nexia 9 CIC/IIC variants at ₹4,14,995. The CROS-enabled version — the Nexia 960S CROS MicroRIE — carries a higher price of ₹4,79,995 and is purchased when one ear requires a non-amplifying transmitter for single-sided deafness.

The purchase at HearClear typically includes the pair of hearing aids, a charging case, a set of dome sizes, cleaning tools, and a fitting appointment with audiological consultation. A free hearing test is available at all 40+ HearClear clinics before or as part of the buying process, ensuring the fitting is grounded in a current audiogram rather than an outdated or estimated one.

For buyers concerned about the outlay, HearClear offers no-cost EMI options through leading banks and fintech partners, making it possible to spread the cost across 6, 9, or 12 months. On a 12-month plan, the effective monthly outlay for a flagship pair of hearing aids works out to approximately ₹36,250 — comparable to a mid-tier smartphone EMI. A 3-day risk-free trial is also available, allowing the wearer to test the devices in real environments — home, workplace, commute — before committing fully. It is worth confirming exact EMI terms and any current promotional pricing directly at the clinic or via hearclear.in.

Buy the ReSound Nexia 960S MicroRIE if: You have mild-to-severe hearing loss and want a discreet, lightweight RIC that handles the full complexity of Indian soundscapes — noisy family gatherings, open-plan offices, street-side conversations, or public transport — without constant manual adjustment. If you use a smartphone heavily for calls, video, music, or podcasts, the seamless direct streaming and hands-free calling capability will be genuinely useful from day one. The built-in tinnitus sound generator makes this a practical single-device solution for wearers who experience both hearing loss and tinnitus simultaneously.

The 960S MicroRIE is also well suited if you are buying hearing aids for the first time at the premium tier and want a device that will remain technically current throughout its lifespan — Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast compatibility mean the hardware is not likely to feel outdated within the standard 4–5 year replacement cycle.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise maximum invisibility over connectivity — the Nexia 9 IIC (₹4,14,995) sits entirely inside the canal and is invisible from the side, though it sacrifices Bluetooth streaming and rechargeable battery. If budget is a primary constraint, the Nexia 961 RIE at ₹4,14,995 offers a similar RIC form factor at a lower price, with a modest reduction in processing sophistication. If you have single-sided deafness, the 960S CROS MicroRIE system at ₹4,79,995 is the appropriate configuration rather than the standard 960S pair.

Purchasing any hearing aid at this price tier without a proper audiological fitting is a false economy, and this is where HearClear's network of 40+ clinics across India adds practical value. Every Nexia 960S MicroRIE fitted at HearClear begins with a comprehensive hearing test and, for premium fittings, a Real Ear Measurement (REM) session — a probe-microphone verification step that confirms the device is actually delivering the prescribed gain at the eardrum rather than relying on manufacturer averages. This step is not uniformly offered across the Indian hearing aid retail market and is particularly important for a 17-channel instrument where the precision of channel-specific gain directly determines the quality of the listening experience.

Post-fitting, HearClear provides follow-up appointments for fine-tuning the programming as the brain acclimatises to amplification — a process that typically takes 4–8 weeks for new wearers and requires one or two return visits. Cleaning, re-tubing, dome replacements, and minor repairs are handled at the clinic, and the service team can also assist with app setup, accessory pairing, and connectivity troubleshooting.

The Nexia 960S MicroRIE carries a 3-year warranty at HearClear — extending the manufacturer's standard 2-year base warranty by an additional year. This covers manufacturing defects and component failures. Accidental damage (drops, water ingress beyond the IP54 rating) is not included in the standard warranty but HearClear staff can advise on optional protection plans at the time of purchase. The 3-day risk-free trial policy means there is no financial risk in testing the device in real conditions before confirming the purchase.