Test report: ReSound Key 4 CIC

The ReSound Key 4 CIC in review

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

In this test report, we examine the Key 4 CIC. It was developed by ReSound and covers mild, moderate, and even severe hearing needs. This variant is worn in the ear. The Key 4 CIC is a small, slim hearing aid from the affordable segment. We achieve clean sound transmission through the precise placement directly in the ear canal.

Hearing comfort

We all agree that speech understanding is the most important task of hearing aids. From our experience in the hearing acoustics specialty store, we also know that hearing comfort is at least equally important. It is about processing background noise in such a way that it doesn’t hinder speech understanding, yet still creates a natural sound experience. In testing the Key 4 CIC, we found few options for influencing comfort. Let’s take a look at the individual features:

Of course, this ReSound device has noise suppression, as this is now standard. Noise suppression means that constant and rather monotonous sounds (e.g., air conditioning, vacuum cleaner…) are dampened. The manufacturer has integrated standard noise suppression here. It is active in the background but cannot be further adjusted.

Unfortunately, we did not find a blast filter that reacts to short, loud noises. Those who enjoy being outdoors will like this ReSound device. Normally, wind noise can be somewhat bothersome, but here it does not play a role because the outer ear provides good mechanical protection. With 12 frequency bands, you can already set a pretty good sound. A passionate musician may not be entirely satisfied with this, but for normal hearing and sound needs, this number is completely sufficient. Instruments for spatial hearing are missing here, yet we still grant full marks. Spatial hearing is maintained because the hearing aid sits directly in the ear canal. And that’s exactly where sound reaches even for non-hearing aid users. This is a real advantage of this specific, small formulation.

Sometimes, we experience hearing aids that successfully process data with the help of artificial intelligence, but that is not yet the case with this device.

Rating Hearing comfort: 3,5

Operation & connectivity

Digital hearing aids have long evolved beyond the standard amplification function. Apps and other control options significantly expand their range of functions, which is why we are also looking at this important topic in the Key 4 CIC from ReSound. There are no controls directly on the hearing aid. For space reasons, a button is sometimes omitted. Remote controls for hearing aids are now quite common, but ReSound did not include one for this device. In the test, we found no voice control option. This function is not strictly necessary, but we would have appreciated it nonetheless. Another option for controlling the hearing aids is tap control. This involves simply tapping your ear with your fingers, which triggers a specific function. However, this option is not available in this ReSound device. In the app store, we searched in vain for an app for further adjustments, which we would have preferred differently. A wireless connection to a smartphone or laptop is not possible, as the necessary hardware components are lacking. You should consider carefully whether you can manage without this feature, but why not give it a try?

Rating Operation & connectivity: 3,8

Simplicity & security

We continue the test with a brief assessment of how easy everyday use will be. Is it complicated? Do I need to be especially careful? Or do I not need to pay attention to anything? When it comes to ease of listening, we do not make any compromises. We expect the hearing aid to function fully automatically in the background without constantly forcing us to press any buttons. We are somewhat disappointed with the Key 4 CIC. Only the basic situations are recognized automatically. This means that we cannot really get by without manual controls. We give a big plus point for the automatic acclimatization assistant. It raises the starting volume in very small increments until my hearing goal is reached. This significantly eases the adjustment to the new sound.

The Key 4 CIC gets its power from small disposable batteries that need to be changed every few days. While this is not rocket science, it should at least be considered for those with motor difficulties. A rechargeable battery would be much easier to handle.

With an IP 68 certification, the hearing aid can withstand various adverse influences. Dust cannot penetrate, it withstands prolonged submersion in water, and it is also protected against contact.

Rating Simplicity & security: 2,8

Extras

Sometimes it’s the little things that make a hearing aid perfect. That's why we’ll quickly look at the extras that might be included: Are you among those suffering from tinnitus? Then you could use the optional tinnitus program in the Key 4 CIC. Soft, gentle sounds are tuned to your hearing and engage all areas of the inner ear. It's nothing more than a distraction technique, and it works surprisingly well. The tinnitus fades into the general noise and is no longer bothersome. This is a simple yet effective tool and earns extra points from us.

In these mobile times, a remote maintenance service via an app would be very helpful. This would allow one to comfortably create a new hearing aid programming from home. Unfortunately, this service is not available for the Key 4 CIC. Therefore, if you have requests for changes, you still have to visit the specialist store.

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 4 CIC. This ReSound hearing aid has no additional lifestyle options on board. Elsewhere, there are voice assistants or reminder functions, but they are not needed for good hearing. It would have just made the product a bit cooler.

Rating Extras: 3,3

Conclusion: ReSound Key 4 CIC

Im Gesamtergebnis landet dieses Testgerät auf den hinteren Plätzen und lässt einige Ausstattungsmerkmale vermissen. Wir vergeben die Note 4,11. Für anspruchsarme Hörer ist das in Ordnung, für einen sehr aktiven Lebensstil empfehlen wir allerdings ein Hörgerät mit umfangreicheren Komfortmerkmalen.

 

Our ReSound Key 4 CIC review was created on August 7, 2025 . The overall rating of 4,11 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 2.5 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 2.5 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 3.5 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 3 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..

 

 

 

FAQ

Was kostet das ReSound Key 4 CIC?

Das Key 4 CIC von ReSound wird von Anbietern derzeit in einem groben Preisrahmen von ungefähr zwischen 1.300,00 € und 2.000,00 € angeboten. Diesen Preis sollten Sie in Relation zur Testnote von 4.1 (**) sehen. Und zum Beispiel auch in Abhängigkeit mit der Sternebewertung im Bereich Lärmunterdrückung in unseren Tests (). Alle Vergleichswerte finden Sie im Hörgeräte-Vergleich.

Wie gut hört man mit dem ReSound Key 4 CIC?

Das Key 4 CIC von ReSound erreicht im Testbereich Hörkomfort die Note 3,5 (**). Im Bereich Lärmunterdrückung erreicht das Hörgerät . Bei der Windgeräuschunterdrückung bekommt es das Prädikat . Das Hörgerät zeigt im Test 12 unterschiedliche Equalizerbänder, die vom Hörakustiker auf das individuelle Hörvermögen eingestellt werden können (die aktuellen Spitzenmodelle erreichen 24).

Für wen ist das Key 4 CIC von ReSound geeignet?

Dieses Hörgerät richtet sich an Menschen, deren ist. Dieser sogenannte "Anpassbereich" wird von ReSound als grober Rahmen vorgegeben. Ein gutes Hörakustikunternehmen vor Ort kann nach einem Profi-Hörtest sofort sagen, ob dieses In the ear (ITE) Hörgerät für Sie geeignet ist.

Wie groß ist das ReSound Key 4 CIC?

Wir haben alle Hörgeräte am Markt in vier Größenklassen eingeteilt, von XXS (quasi unsichtbar) bis M (eher groß). Das ReSound Key 4 CIC hat die Größenklassifizierung XS, ist also im Vergleich mit anderen Hörgeräten.

 

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