Test report: ReSound Key 2 61_DRW

The ReSound Key 2 61_DRW in review

Diese Technik ist nicht mehr ganz aktuell. Wir nehmen daher eine Abwertung in der Gesamtnote vor.

This test report is about the Key 2 61_DRW. It was developed by ReSound and covers mild, moderate, and severe hearing needs. This variant is worn behind the ear. Key 2 61_DRW is a delicate, small hearing aid at the lowest price level. We achieve clean sound transmission through the clever decision to place the speaker directly in the ear canal.

Hearing comfort

What is most bothersome for hearing aid users: Exactly, the background noise. Therefore, we first look at what comfort features the test device includes. The Key 2 61_DRW offers only the bare minimum in terms of hearing comfort. A standard noise suppression is definitely present. It is supposed to dampen constant noises like street noise or the hum of the air conditioning. In our test device from ReSound, it works only very limitedly. If we take a look at the price, that might actually fit.

Unfortunately, we did not find a noise filter that responds to short, loud sounds. For active outdoor enthusiasts, we always find wind noise management to be sensible. This device does have one, but it is not very effective. It also cannot be adjusted individually. The equalizer in the Key 2 61_DRW only has 6 bands. This means that with any desired changes, one can only access fairly large frequency ranges. Therefore, you always change a lot at once, and the small nuances cannot be implemented. Unfortunately, nothing can be said here about spatial hearing; the microphones have no additional function that could enhance directional hearing.

The signal processing is based, among other things, on typical frequency patterns of speech and noise, but artificial intelligence is not yet in use here.

Rating Hearing comfort: 5,2

ReSound Key 2 61_DRW:

Operation & connectivity

“Can I adjust something on my hearing aid myself?” “Is there maybe an app?” These and similar questions are becoming increasingly important when selecting a hearing aid, which is why we will take a look at the operating and connection options. The simplest operating option is always a button directly on the hearing aid. This one has it too. It can be programmed according to your wishes. Do you want a manual volume control? No problem, the button allows for step-by-step adjustment of the volume. Or do you need different special programs for your professional life or hobbies? These can also be activated via the button. If you want to leave everything in automatic mode, you can simply ignore the button or even have it deactivated. Those who are not keen on touching their ear to adjust the volume will appreciate the optional remote control. This allows for convenient and discreet changes to the hearing aid.

We are always pleased when a hearing aid surprises us with a great additional feature. For example, we would have liked to see voice control here. But it is currently not available in the Key 2 61_DRW. In addition to buttons or remote controls, some hearing aids also have a tap control. This means you can simply tap your ear briefly, and the device switches. However, we do not have that here at ReSound; it would have required very specific sensors.

As expected, we find a suitable application for smartphones. Here we have a powerful app that trusts its users and provides a comprehensive toolbox. Problems when calling with the smartphone are now a thing of the past with this device. Phone calls, music, and other sounds are transmitted completely wirelessly to the hearing aids. Headphones become unnecessary. We tested the wireless transmission during longer phone calls as well as for listening to music while exercising. Everything worked smoothly and seamlessly. Only a compatible smartphone with 2.4 GHz wireless technology is required.

Rating Operation & connectivity: 1,8

Simplicity & security

How does one cope with the hearing aid in everyday life? This is the next aspect we need to evaluate. Because only if such a device works easily and straightforwardly can one become comfortable with it. Unfortunately, the simple hearing experience with the Key 2 61_DRW is not that great. The situation automatic is quite limited, and we receive little support when it gets loud around us. This can be compensated by using the manual adjustment options. However, this hardly scores points in terms of simplicity. Normally, an automatic acclimatization manager supports us in the first weeks with the new hearing aid. However, this model does not have such a feature, and we have to take care of regular readjustments ourselves.

The Key 2 61_DRW is not rechargeable. It continues to get its energy from disposable batteries of size 312, which need to be changed every few days.

The datasheet certifies the ReSound device with an IP protection class 68 certification. This makes it one of the most resilient hearing aids on the market. Dust stands no chance, and water does not penetrate the housing as long as it does not submerge deeper than 1.5 meters. Nevertheless, be cautious. Shampoo, for example, alters the surface tension of water. You should also avoid saltwater. In everyday life, however, you can behave completely carefree.

Rating Simplicity & security: 3,3

ReSound Key 2 61_DRW:

Extras

Everyone appreciates a few extra features, so let's see if we can find some here: Worth mentioning is the tinnitus program. Those who suffer from bothersome ear noises will benefit from this. Pleasant, soft sounds are adjusted to gently surround the tinnitus. In the end, the tinnitus fades into the background noise and becomes hardly noticeable.

ReSound is keeping up with the times and offers a future-oriented feature with the remote adjustment service. Busy people with little time can contact their audiologist online and have their hearing aids reprogrammed. Hearing aid users who have a longer journey to the specialist store also benefit from this special service.

Some hearing aids can track certain health data. However, this requires special sensors in the hearing aid, which we unfortunately do not have in the Key 2 61_DRW. Other hearing aids already offer a few expanded options such as a fall alert or reminder functions. We do not find these here, and that is not so dramatic, as the normal hearing functions are still the most important.

Rating Extras: 2,5

Conclusion: ReSound Key 2 61_DRW

This test device ranks in the lower positions overall and lacks several features. We give it a grade of 3.51. For less demanding listeners, this is acceptable, but for a very active lifestyle, we recommend a hearing aid with more extensive comfort features.

 

Our ReSound Key 2 61_DRW review was created on January 7, 2022 and lastly updated on August 7, 2025. The overall rating of 4,21 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 1 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 4.5 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 3 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 3.5 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..

 

 

 

FAQ

How noticeable is the ReSound Key 2 61_DRW to others?

It belongs to the size class XS, which makes it quite small. We primarily had the perception for outsiders in mind.

What does the ReSound Key 2 61_DRW cost?

The price range in which the ReSound Key 2 61_DRW is approximately offered in Germany is between €1.00 and €700.00. The performance of the device corresponds to the price. In the test, it achieved an overall rating of 3.5 (sufficient).

Is the ReSound Key 2 61_DRW suitable for my hearing loss?

This behind-the-ear hearing aid is suitable for mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss. You can compare other hearing aids from this fitting range with the Key 2 61_DRW from ReSound: Hearing Aid Comparison.

How well can you hear with the ReSound Key 2 61_DRW?

This behind-the-ear model received a performance rating of 5.2 (poor) for the area of "hearing comfort" in the test report. Important for hearing comfort is, among other things, noise suppression. The Key 2 61_DRW from ReSound only achieves 1 out of 5 stars here. For reducing wind noise, it receives a 'moderate' rating from us (only 1 out of 5 stars). The signal processing in this hearing aid takes place in 6 different adjustable channels (the best hearing aids currently have 24 channels).

 

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