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

The MicroRIE form factor that ReSound uses for the Nexia 960S CROS system is one of the more compact rechargeable receiver-in-canal shells currently available. The hearing aid unit and the CROS transmitter are visually matched — both sit discreetly behind the ear with a thin receiver wire running into the ear canal — making it difficult for a casual observer to distinguish which is the amplifying device and which is the transmitter. For users who have historically resisted CROS fittings because of stigma or bulk, this matched miniaturisation is a genuine practical advantage.

The MicroRIE shell uses a push-fit or click-dome receiver at the ear canal end, so the audiologist can select the appropriate receiver power level and dome size during the fitting session. ReSound's flexible retention design keeps the device stable during physical activity without the rigidity of a traditional BTE hook. The IP68 rating — protection against continuous submersion beyond one metre — means the device handles perspiration, rain and India's monsoon humidity well. A built-in accelerometer enables tap controls, so wearers can answer calls, switch programmes or adjust volume with a gentle double-tap on the ear rather than reaching for a phone. Both units charge together in the included premium charging case, which also provides storage and protection during travel.

The Nexia platform represents ReSound's current flagship signal-processing generation. With 17 channels of frequency resolution, the system divides the audible frequency spectrum into finer bands than entry or mid-level devices, which translates to more precise gain application across the audiogram — particularly beneficial in complex fittings like BiCROS, where the audiologist must shape amplification on the better ear to integrate with the CROS signal arriving from the opposite side.

All-Access Directionality is one of the distinguishing features of the Nexia 9 tier. Unlike fixed directional microphones that lock attention to a forward zone, All-Access Directionality continuously analyses the acoustic environment and decides dynamically whether to apply omnidirectional, directional or binaural beamforming strategies. Front Focus sharpens attention on a speaker directly ahead in demanding noise, while Spatial Sense preserves ambient environmental cues so the wearer retains a natural, three-dimensional sound picture rather than a tunnel-like focus. Binaural Directionality coordinates both devices wirelessly — critical in a CROS system where the transmitter and hearing aid must exchange spatial metadata to present a coherent soundscape.

For the CROS user specifically, the practical outcome is improved ability to follow a speaker located on the deaf side, better cocktail-party performance and reduced head-shadow effect when crossing busy roads or navigating group conversations. The 17-channel resolution also means tonal music and voices retain naturalness rather than sounding processed or compressed.

The Nexia 960S CROS MicroRIE adopts Bluetooth LE Audio — the newest generation of the Bluetooth audio standard — which offers lower power consumption than classic Bluetooth, improved audio codec quality via LC3, and crucially, Auracast broadcast audio capability. Auracast allows compatible public venues (airports, cinemas, lecture halls) to broadcast audio directly to the hearing aids without a telephone intermediary. While Auracast infrastructure is still emerging in India, the hardware readiness ensures the system will not become technologically obsolete as venues adopt the standard.

Direct streaming of phone calls, music and media from compatible Android and iOS smartphones is supported without any intermediary streamer dongle — an important convenience, particularly for working professionals managing calls throughout the day. The CROS transmitter picks up environmental sound on the deaf side and streams it wirelessly to the hearing aid on the better ear; this CROS wireless link is separate from the Bluetooth phone connection and runs continuously in the background.

The ReSound Smart 3D app provides a clean, well-organised interface for adjusting volume, switching listening programmes (e.g., restaurant, music, outdoors), accessing tinnitus sound therapy sounds and enabling features like front focus. Remote Fine Tuning is also supported — the audiologist can push programme adjustments to the devices remotely after the initial fitting, reducing the need for in-clinic visits for minor corrections. The app is compatible with recent versions of both Android and iOS. ReSound's ecosystem of accessories — TV Streamer+, Multi-Mic+, Phone Clip+ — further extends usability for television listening and one-to-one microphone situations.

Both the hearing aid and the CROS transmitter in the 960S CROS system carry built-in lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. The hearing aid unit delivers approximately 30 hours of use on a full charge under typical conditions — sufficient for most users to go two days between charges with moderate streaming use, or comfortably cover a full day with active Bluetooth streaming included. The CROS transmitter operates for a similar duration, meaning both units generally align on charging schedules.

The premium charger included with this system charges both devices simultaneously and provides a secure, compact storage solution overnight. A full charge takes approximately three hours. ReSound also offers a portable charging case variant for users who travel frequently and need top-up charging away from a mains socket — this should be confirmed at the point of purchase with the HearClear clinic.

The rechargeable design eliminates the recurring cost and handling difficulty of disposable zinc-air batteries, which can be a meaningful quality-of-life improvement for older wearers or those with dexterity challenges. Since both devices must be worn consistently for the CROS benefit to function — the transmitter is not useful if left in the charger — the long battery life makes compliance straightforward for all-day wearers. HearClear's free hearing test appointment gives audiologists the opportunity to counsel new users on charging habits and optimal wearing schedules specific to their daily routine.

The ReSound Nexia 960S CROS MicroRIE is priced at ₹4,79,995 at HearClear India — this represents the complete CROS system, comprising both the Nexia 9-level MicroRIE hearing aid and the matched CROS transmitter unit, along with the premium charger. Buyers should note that a CROS price always covers two devices, so the per-device figure is not a meaningful comparison benchmark against a single conventional hearing aid.

To contextualise this within the Nexia family: the non-CROS Nexia 960S MicroRIE (a single hearing aid) is available at ₹4,34,995 from HearClear. The CROS system premium of approximately ₹45,000 reflects the inclusion of the second wireless transmitter device and its premium charger. For users who genuinely have single-sided deafness, there is no meaningful alternative within a conventional hearing aid — the CROS system provides a qualitatively different listening outcome.

HearClear India offers EMI options on this purchase — monthly instalments can be discussed at any of the 40+ clinics nationwide or through HearClear's customer support, making the investment more accessible across payment timelines. What's included in the box: Nexia 960S MicroRIE hearing aid (1 unit), Nexia CROS MicroRIE transmitter (1 unit), premium dual charging case, assorted ear domes and receivers, cleaning tool and user documentation. The purchase includes a 3-year warranty and a complimentary 3-day risk-free trial period arranged through the HearClear fitting appointment.

Buy the Nexia 960S CROS MicroRIE if: you have been diagnosed with single-sided deafness or a non-aidable ear on one side, and your audiologist has recommended a CROS or BiCROS fitting. At the Nexia 9 level, this is the most processing-capable CROS configuration in the Nexia family — if you are an active professional, a frequent traveller, or someone who regularly navigates noisy social environments (conferences, restaurants, family gatherings), the All-Access Directionality and 17-channel processing will provide meaningfully better performance than a mid-tier CROS system. The Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast capability also make this a future-proof choice for users who want longevity from their investment.

Consider alternatives if: you have usable hearing in both ears — in that case, a bilateral pair of conventional Nexia 9 hearing aids (such as the Nexia 960S MicroRIE at ₹4,34,995 per pair) will deliver binaural amplification benefits the CROS architecture cannot replicate. If budget is the primary constraint and your SSD is confirmed, a Nexia 7-level CROS system offers competent performance at a lower price, though with fewer adaptive features. If you require an in-the-canal or ITC form factor rather than a behind-the-ear RIC style, the CROS option is not available in those shells within the current Nexia range — an RIC style is required for the CROS transmitter pairing. Users who are uncomfortable managing two rechargeable devices simultaneously may prefer disposable-battery CROS variants if available from their audiologist.

A CROS fitting is more involved than a standard bilateral hearing aid fitting because the audiologist must verify not only the amplification on the better ear but also the wireless transmission latency and level from the CROS transmitter, and counsel the user on realistic expectations — most notably that CROS does not restore hearing to the deaf side but improves awareness of sounds originating from that direction. HearClear's audiologists conduct a free comprehensive hearing test before any fitting, which establishes the full audiogram needed to programme the Nexia 960S's 17-channel fitting accurately.

The system is covered by a 3-year comprehensive warranty through HearClear India, covering manufacturing defects and hardware faults. With 40+ clinics across India, aftercare visits — programme fine-tuning, receiver replacement, dome changes, cleaning and repairs — are accessible in most major cities without long travel. ReSound's Remote Fine Tuning feature via the Smart 3D app also allows the audiologist to push minor programme adjustments between in-person visits, which reduces disruption for users who travel frequently for work.

HearClear offers a 3-day risk-free trial period on this system, during which the wearer can evaluate the CROS benefit in their actual daily environments — at work, at home, in traffic — before committing to the purchase. For a CROS fitting, this real-world trial period is particularly important because the perceptual benefit of CROS is highly individual and environment-dependent. The trial is arranged through the fitting clinic and guided by the audiologist. EMI options are available at the point of purchase to spread the ₹4,79,995 investment across a comfortable repayment period.