The ReSound Key 4 61-DRW in review
Diese Technik ist nicht mehr ganz aktuell. Wir nehmen daher eine Abwertung in der Gesamtnote vor.
ReSound introduces the Key 4 61-DRW, a model from an affordable price segment. It can compensate for mild, moderate, and even severe hearing needs. It is a nice little hearing aid that delivers good sound through the cleverly positioned speaker in the ear canal. It is worn behind the ear.
Hearing comfort
The hearing comfort determines whether someone enjoys wearing their hearing aids or not. Therefore, we first looked at how the hearing aid handles background noise. In this model presented by ReSound, we find only the bare essentials regarding hearing comfort. Of course, noise suppression is integrated to reduce exhausting background sounds. In the Key 4 61-DRW, it only has a very limited effect. Taking a look at the price, this might actually be fitting. The device from ReSound can also detect wind noise, but it only results in a minimal reduction of sound. This is sufficient for normal daily activities, but true outdoor enthusiasts will not be satisfied with it.
Explosive sounds are likely cushioned, but we didn’t really notice the effect. In our tests, we also examine spatial hearing. While adaptive microphones are integrated here, the wireless connection between both ears is missing, which prevents the reconstruction of true 3D hearing. Nevertheless, one can get by quite well. With a little practice, directional hearing can be retrained. With 12 frequency bands, you can achieve a pretty good sound. A passionate musician might not be completely satisfied with it, but for normal hearing and sound needs, this number is more than adequate.
Other hearing aids are already using artificial intelligence in their signal processing, but the Key 4 61-DRW has not yet adopted this strategy.
Rating Hearing comfort: 4,5
ReSound Key 4 61-DRW:
Operation & connectivity
How can you fully utilize the potential of hearing aids in everyday life? We found out what access options are available with the Key 4 61-DRW. A very quick way to adjust the volume is the small button on the device. It is easy to feel, and you can adjust the volume up or down in several steps. Additional programs for specific hearing situations can also be activated this way. If you prefer not to use the button, it can simply be deactivated. We do enjoy the small remote controls, and we have found one for this model. This allows for discreet adjustments to the volume or sound.
For some time now, there has been a trend to adjust hearing aids' volume with voice commands. The idea is really good, but ReSound has not yet implemented this feature in this device. Don’t worry, while this feature would be nice, it is not necessary. Another option to control the hearing aids is through a tapping control. You simply tap your fingers on your ear, which triggers a specific function. However, this feature is not available in this ReSound device.
An app is the perfect companion for hearing aids. The app for the Key 4 61-DRW is absolutely commendable. It is a sensible addition, as it can significantly simplify life in critical hearing situations with its various adjustment options. We really enjoyed the direct, wireless streaming. This means that calls from the smartphone are transmitted to the hearing aids without any additional accessories. This turns the hearing aid into the perfect hands-free system or wireless headphones. Listening to music or watching and hearing videos is incredibly comfortable.
Rating Operation & connectivity: 1,8
The best alternatives to the Key 4 61-DRW
Our database contains 76 reviews of hearing aids with similar technical features to this one (i.e., Lautsprecher im Gehörgang positioniert in Size "", not rechargable, geeignet für Hörverlust-Grad leicht, mittel & stark). Here are the top 3 (Redaktionsstand 02.10.2025):
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Philips HearLink 9040 MNR T | Rating: 4.5 / 5 |
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Starkey Evolv AI 2400 RIC 312 | Rating: 4.5 / 5 |
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ReSound Vivia 9 61-DRW | Rating: 4.5 / 5 |
Simplicity & security
Of course, we are also interested in how quickly one can get used to the Key 4 61-DRW and how easy daily use is. We do not necessarily experience simple, comfortable hearing with the Key 4 61-DRW. In a quieter daily life, it is certainly manageable, but as soon as one has a varied hearing experience, manual adjustments are unavoidable. We are very pleased with the integrated acclimatization manager. It gradually increases the volume of the hearing aid in tiny increments until our target amplification is eventually reached. We can relax and gradually get used to the new hearing impressions.
The Key 4 61-DRW is not rechargeable. It operates with hearing aid batteries size 312. Disadvantage: The batteries are disposed of after use. Advantage: The daily recharging of batteries is eliminated; the hearing aid runs continuously for several days on a single battery.
We also take a look at the robustness of the casing and discover in the data sheet the protection class IP 68. This means that dust cannot penetrate at all, and water only becomes dangerous after longer submersion. Protection against contact is also included.
Rating Simplicity & security: 2,8
ReSound Key 4 61-DRW:
Extras
Sometimes, hearing aids come with additional features that can be quite useful. Let's see how it is with this ReSound device: Here we noticed the tinnitus option. Those who wish can have a special tinnitus program set up. If necessary, it plays a gentle noise to distract from the annoying tinnitus. The sounds can be tailored to personal hearing preferences.
A very good added benefit is provided by the remote maintenance service. Through the app, one can contact their hearing care professional and describe their hearing problem. They can then adjust the settings accordingly and upload them to the hearing aids via the app. For people with little time or a long commute, this is a great service.
Tracking health data is a real added value in modern hearing aids. However, this ReSound model lacks the sensors for that service. The functionality of the Key 4 61-DRW is limited to normal hearing, which is completely fine. Additional features like fall alarms or Siri connections do have a decent added value but are not relevant for a good hearing balance.
Rating Extras: 2,5
Conclusion: ReSound Key 4 61-DRW
With a final grade of 3.15, this model holds its own in the middle range. It has a decent level of comfort equipment on board, sufficient for typical everyday moments and creating a satisfactory listening experience.
Top alternatives in the same price range
Which devices in a comparable price range currently show the best technical performance? Here are the current top 3:
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Hansaton Beat FS 3 R T 13 | Rating: 4 / 5 |
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Hansaton Beat FS 3 R T 312 | Rating: 4 / 5 |
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Hansaton Beat FS 3 R T 675 | Rating: 4 / 5 |
Our ReSound Key 4 61-DRW review was created on October 11, 2021 and lastly updated on August 7, 2025. The overall rating of 3,79 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 1.5 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 4.5 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 3.5 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 3.5 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..
FAQ
What is the cost of the ReSound Key 4 61-DRW?
The Key 4 61-DRW from ReSound is currently offered by providers in a rough price range of approximately between €1,300.00 and €2,000.00. You should consider this price in relation to the test score of 3.2 (satisfactory). And, for example, also depending on the star rating in the area of noise suppression in our tests (only 1 out of 5 stars). You can find all comparative values in the hearing aid comparison.
How well does one hear with the ReSound Key 4 61-DRW?
The Key 4 61-DRW from ReSound achieves a score of 4.5 (poor) in the comfort of hearing test category. In the area of noise suppression, the hearing aid only receives 1 out of 5 stars. In terms of wind noise suppression, it gets the rating 'moderate' (only 1 out of 5 stars). The hearing aid shows 12 different equalizer bands in the test, which can be adjusted by the hearing care professional to the individual hearing ability (current top models achieve 24).
For whom is the ReSound Key 4 61-DRW suitable?
This hearing aid is aimed at people whose hearing loss is mild, moderate, or severe. This so-called "fitting range" is roughly defined by ReSound. A good local hearing care company can immediately determine, after a professional hearing test, whether this behind-the-ear hearing aid is suitable for you.
What is the size of the ReSound Key 4 61-DRW?
We have classified all hearing aids on the market into four size categories, from XXS (virtually invisible) to M (rather large). The ReSound Key 4 61-DRW has a size classification of XS, so it is quite small compared to other hearing aids.
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