ReSound Sensia vs. Vivia: What Changed in the New Generation?

ReSound Vivia introduced a different approach to hearing in noise, using artificial intelligence to help separate speech from distracting sounds while giving the wearer control over where to focus. Now, ReSound Sensia builds on that technology with a new AI platform designed to automatically identify and prioritize the sounds that matter most.

For people considering a new pair of ReSound hearing aids, the differences between Vivia and Sensia may not be obvious from appearance alone. However, ReSound has made several changes to sound processing, environmental awareness, directional listening, connectivity, and device design.

Sensia Introduces a New AI Platform

Vivia introduced ReSound’s dedicated Deep Neural Network (DNN) chip and Intelligent Focus feature. The DNN was trained using millions of spoken sentences and was designed to create greater contrast between speech and background noise. Sensia takes a different step with its new AI platform and combines three technologies under what ReSound calls Intelligent All-Around.

These technologies continuously monitor the listening environment, direct attention toward the sounds the wearer wants to hear, and use AI-driven DNN processing to manage noise. The goal is not simply to make speech louder but to automatically adapt the hearing experience to changing environments.

Directional Listening Becomes More Automatic

Vivia’s Intelligent Focus was designed to help the wearer focus on speech by using an upgraded four-microphone binaural beamformer together with DNN noise reduction. Sensia continues using four synchronized microphones, but its approach emphasizes automatic environmental sensing and feature engagement.

ReSound says Sensia’s AcoustIQ technology continuously monitors the surrounding sound environment and adjusts settings in real time. The system can also use head direction to help focus on the sound the wearer wants to hear.

If you’re moving between conversations, restaurants, meetings, and other noisy settings, this means the hearing aids can respond to changes in the sound scene without requiring the wearer to manually manage every adjustment.

Speech in Noise Remains the Main Focus

Both Vivia and Sensia are built around the challenge of understanding speech when other sounds compete for attention. Vivia uses its DNN chip to identify speech and reduce distracting noise, while Intelligent Focus gives the wearer additional control when extra support is needed.

Sensia expands this concept through its Intelligent All-Around system, which combines environmental sensing, directional listening, and AI-powered denoising. ReSound says Sensia is designed to highlight the sounds the user wants to hear rather than simply amplifying the loudest sound nearby. For patients who find environments difficult, the key difference is how much of this processing is designed to happen automatically.

Sensia Adds a Smaller AI Hearing Aid

Both product families include discreet hearing aid styles, but Sensia introduces a new microRIE design that ReSound identifies as its world’s smallest AI hearing aid. The rechargeable Sensia microRIE is designed to provide advanced processing in a compact receiver-in-ear form. Vivia’s rechargeable microRIE was also designed around small size, comfort, and all-day use, making physical discretion a focus of both generations.

Sensia therefore represents more of an evolution than a complete change in form factor. For patients who already wear Vivia comfortably, the decision to move to Sensia may depend more on the newer processing platform and listening features than on size alone.

Connectivity Moves Further With Sensia

Vivia introduced Bluetooth Low Energy Audio and Auracast broadcast audio, along with ReSound’s Auracast Assistant in the Smart 3D app. Sensia brings these connectivity capabilities to the newer platform. It supports Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast, while the ReSound Smart 3D app can be used to find and connect to Auracast broadcasts. Sensia also supports hands-free calling on compatible devices.

This means connectivity is not necessarily the reason a Vivia wearer would need to upgrade, since Vivia already offers these newer wireless standards. Instead, Sensia’s update is more about combining established connectivity with its newer AI and environmental-processing platform.

Should Vivia Wearers Consider Sensia?

There is no single answer for every Vivia wearer. Vivia remains a sophisticated hearing aid with dedicated AI processing, Intelligent Focus, Bluetooth LE Audio, Auracast, and a compact rechargeable option. Sensia adds a newer AI platform, AcoustIQ environmental sensing, updated DNN processing, and Intelligent All-Around technology designed to automatically respond to the listening environment.

ReSound also lists up to 24 hours of battery life for Sensia, depending on style and use, while Vivia’s rechargeable microRIE is rated for up to 30 hours or 20 hours with a combination of streaming and Intelligent Focus. If you are considering an upgrade, contact us to discuss your current experience with your specific listening needs before recommending a change.