High-power behind-the-ear
A BTE built for people who need genuine power. The case sits behind the ear and drives more amplification than a small in-ear aid can manage.
ReSound · Entry (Key level 1) · High-power BTE
ReSound Key 188 HP BTE
The ReSound Key 188 HP BTE is the most affordable hearing aid we fit at Prudent, and it is built for real amplification rather than the smallest possible shell. It is a high-power behind-the-ear model from ReSound (GN, Denmark) on a size 13 battery, with feedback and noise controls built in. One thing to be clear about up front: this is Key level 1, so it has no Bluetooth and will not stream from your phone.
Written & clinically reviewed by the Prudent Hearing clinical teamRCI-registered audiologists (MASLP / BASLP)Last updated 5 September 2026
What the Key 188 is
A plain look at what this model actually gives you, based only on its own spec sheet.
Size 13 battery
Uses the size 13 disposable cell, which runs longer than the tiny batteries in in-ear aids, so you change it less often.
DFS Ultra II
ReSound's feedback control works to stop the whistling that high-power aids can otherwise produce.
NoiseTracker II
Softens steady background noise so speech is a little easier to sit with in noisier rooms.
No Bluetooth streaming
Key levels 1 and 2 have no Bluetooth LE, so this aid does not stream calls or music directly from your phone. Be sure that is acceptable before you choose it.
Works with wireless accessories
It does pair with ReSound's TV Streamer and remote-control accessories, even though direct phone streaming is not part of this tier.
Who it suits (and who should look elsewhere)
An honest fit check, so the money goes to the right device.
Budget is the deciding factor
If cost is the number one constraint, this is the most affordable aid we stock and still gives you real power.
Stronger loss, power matters most
Its high-power BTE design suits people who need genuine amplification more than a discreet shape.
You do not care about phone streaming
If you rarely take calls through the aid or watch video on a phone, losing Bluetooth costs you nothing.
You want to stream from your phone
This tier has no Bluetooth. If direct streaming matters, look at the Key 362 or Key 488 instead.
You want an invisible aid
This is a behind-the-ear model. If discretion is your priority, a custom in-canal aid like the Nexia 4 CIC will suit you better.
It manages, not cures
Like any hearing aid, the Key 188 manages hearing loss and makes speech easier to follow. It does not cure the loss itself.
How the Key 188 compares in the ReSound range
Where this entry model sits next to its ReSound siblings, so you can see what a step up buys you.
Key 362 RIE
Same Key family, but level 3 adds direct streaming to iPhone and Android and a lighter receiver-in-ear shape. Step here if Bluetooth matters.
See the ReSound Key 362 RIEKey 488 HP BTE
The top of the Key range keeps the high-power BTE build of the 188 but adds Bluetooth streaming and extra noise features. The natural upgrade if you need power and connectivity.
See the ReSound Key 488 HP BTENexia 4 CIC
If it is discretion you are after rather than budget, this custom completely-in-canal aid sits inside the ear. It is also non-wireless, so no streaming either.
See the ReSound Nexia 4 CICKey 188 price and value in India
Straight talk on cost. We never quote a single hard price online because your final figure depends on your appointment.
MRP around Rs 20,995
Use the manufacturer MRP of about Rs 20,995 as a reference point, not as the figure you pay.
Up to 30-50% off MRP
At Prudent you get up to 30-50% off MRP. Your exact price is confirmed at your appointment once we know your fitting.
GST-exempt
Hearing aids are GST-exempt in India (HSN 9021), so there is no tax added on top.
0% EMI available
0% EMI is available so you can spread the cost, and every unit is genuine with full manufacturer warranty.
How we fit the Key 188 at Prudent
What actually happens, from first visit to long-term care.
Free 45-minute hearing test
An RCI-registered audiologist (MASLP/BASLP) checks your hearing properly and confirms whether a high-power BTE is right for you.
Real trial before you buy
You try the Key 188 in a real listening situation, in clinic, so you know how it sounds before you commit.
Fitted and fine-tuned
We program the aid to your hearing test, set DFS Ultra II and NoiseTracker II, and adjust until it is comfortable.
Free lifetime aftercare
Re-tuning and aftercare are free for the life of the aid, at our Pune, Delhi or Bengaluru clinics or on a home visit.
Explore more
Useful next steps if you are weighing up ReSound.
Compare the ReSound range
See the popular ReSound models on our comparison list, side by side — style, tier, who each suits and India MRP — to place this one in context.
Compare the rangeReSound hearing aid review
Read our honest overview of the ReSound range.
Read the ReSound reviewAll ReSound models
Browse every ReSound aid we fit.
See all ReSound aidsReSound price list
See indicative pricing across the ReSound range.
View ReSound pricingBook a free hearing test
Start with a free 45-minute test with an RCI-registered audiologist.
Book a hearing testFrequently asked questions
How much does the ReSound Key 188 cost in India?
The manufacturer MRP is around Rs 20,995. At Prudent you get up to 30-50% off MRP, and because hearing aids are GST-exempt (HSN 9021) there is no tax on top. Your exact price is confirmed at your appointment, and 0% EMI is available.
Does the Key 188 connect to my phone by Bluetooth?
No. The Key 188 is Key level 1, which has no Bluetooth LE, so it will not stream calls or music directly from your phone. It does work with ReSound's TV Streamer and remote-control accessories. If direct phone streaming matters to you, look at the Key 362 or Key 488.
Who is the Key 188 best for?
It suits people whose main constraint is budget and who need real power for a stronger hearing loss, where amplification matters more than Bluetooth or a discreet shape.
Is the Key 188 rechargeable?
No. It uses a size 13 disposable battery, which lasts longer than the tiny cells used in in-ear aids.
Will it cure my hearing loss?
No hearing aid cures hearing loss. The Key 188 manages your loss and makes speech easier to follow; the underlying loss remains, which is why free lifetime re-tuning matters.
Can I try it before buying?
Yes. After a free 45-minute hearing test with an RCI-registered audiologist, you get a real in-clinic trial before you decide.
Hear the Key 188 for yourself, free
Book a free 45-minute hearing test with an RCI-registered audiologist and try the Key 188 before you buy. Up to 30-50% off MRP, GST-exempt, 0% EMI, genuine units with full warranty. Clinics in Pune, Delhi and Bengaluru plus home visits. Call +91 9429690093.
Take the first step
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Book your comprehensive hearing assessment with our senior audiologists. Free of cost, no obligation.