Oticon Zeal Hearing Aids

Description

Oticon Zeal nxtCIC R Hearing Aids

Oticon Zeal launched in London in October 2025. This in-the-ear hearing aid offers full functionality and sits discreetly in the ear.

This page is for individuals seeking a nearly invisible, high-performance hearing aid. Here, you’ll find an overview of Oticon Zeal’s features, technology, and compatible wireless accessories.

Oticon Zeal stands out for its combination of advanced sound processing and a nearly invisible design.

Zeal small casing with built-in receiver (speaker) fits most ear canals. To help retention and performance, domes or custom earmolds are fitted onto the receiver.

Oticon Zeal is rechargeable and offers up to 20 hours of battery life. Zeal also contains Bluetooth connectivity for Apple and Android phones.

Oticon Zeal features the same powerful processor and sound quality as the brand’s flagship model, Intent. While Intent is a receiver-in-the-ear hearing aid, Zeal is a smaller, more discreet device that fits comfortably in the ear canal.

Oticon Zeal Models

Oticon Zeal nxtCIC R is a discreet and rechargeable in-the-ear hearing aid. Zeal comes in one technology level, Zeal 1:

• Oticon: Manufacturer
• Zeal: Name of new hearing aid
• nxtCIC: next generation completely in the canal hearing aid
• R: Rechargeable – Built-in lithium-ion battery

 

 

• Contains the Sirrus chip and runs Oticon BrainHearing technology.
• Discreet hearing aid that sits in the ear
• Double-tap to answer phone calls
• Bluetooth compatible, LE audio, iOS and ASHA Android
• Uses new miniFIT Oticon miniFIT domes or custom micromolds
• Rechargeable
• Oticon Companion App
• Suitable for mild, moderate and some severe hearing loss

Oticon Zeal hearing aids are available in 1 technology level:

• Zeal 1 – Premium

Free Hearing Tests and Oticon Zeal Trial

Would you like to try Oticon Zeal Hearing Aids at Home?

• Free hearing tests in your home or at our affiliated clinic
• A clear explanation of your hearing test results and a conversation to determine the best hearing aid option for you
• Free Hearing Aid Trial
• A choice of service plans to meet your needs
• 60-day money-back guarantee
• 5-year warranty with all our hearing aids

Book a Hearing Test

How much does Oticon Zeal Cost?

The price of Oticon Zeal in the UK will vary depending on which hearing clinic you visit and what level of service you purchase. Sound Hearing offers two service levels, LITE and Standard, depending on your needs and hearing aid experience.

• Price for one Service LITE – £1610.75
• Price for two Service LITE – £3140.75
• Price for one Standard Service – £1895
• Price for two Standard Service – £3695

Compare our Standard Service LITE Plans.

Oticon Zeal Video Brochure

Oticon Zeal —how does it look in the user’s ear?

The images below show how discreet the Oticon Zeal looks once fitted in the ear canal.

In the next section, we explore how Oticon Zeal is built and how it integrates the groundbreaking technology into a tiny device.

Is Oticon Zeal Right for You?

Oticon Zeal is designed for people who want the performance of a premium hearing aid without the visible profile of a traditional device. If discretion is a priority for you, Zeal’s completely-in-canal design makes it one of the most discreet rechargeable hearing aids currently available.

Zeal may be the right choice if you:

• Have mild to moderate hearing loss, or moderate-to-severe loss where a CIC fitting is appropriate
• Want a hearing aid that is virtually invisible when worn
• Lead an active lifestyle and need a hearing aid that handles varied sound environments confidently
• Prefer the convenience of rechargeability over disposable batteries
• Use an iPhone or a compatible Android smartphone and want seamless Bluetooth streaming

Zeal may not be the ideal choice if you:

• Have profound hearing loss requiring a more powerful behind-the-ear device
• Have very narrow or unusually shaped ear canals that make a CIC fit difficult
• Have significant dexterity challenges, as in-canal hearing aids are smaller to handle than behind-the-ear models

Not sure if Zeal is suitable for your level of hearing loss? Our audiologist will assess your hearing and ear canal during a free home hearing test and advise you honestly on whether Zeal is the best fit for your needs — or whether an alternative model would serve you better.

There is no obligation or pressure. Our goal is simply to find you the right hearing aid for your hearing, your lifestyle, and your budget.

Book a Hearing Test

Oticon Zeal Hearing Aid Technology

Oticon Zeal internal components have been designed to fit all the components around the battery. This innovative design and manufacturing method has allowed Oticon to develop a discreet hearing aid without compromising advanced technology.

• Robust encapsulated body: Zeal is a complete hearing aid built with innovative encapsulation technology, IP68-rated and highly moisture-resistant.
• 312 lithium-ion rechargeable battery – up to 20 hours of battery life
• Accelerometer for tap control – Answer phone calls by double-tapping Zeal hearing aids
• LED light lets you know the Zeal hearing aid is powering or charging when in the charger.
• Triple-function antenna – Acts as an aerial for wireless connectivity, serves as a robust pull-out string, and ensures a secure fit with retention in the ear.
• miniFit interface – can be fitted with minifit domes and micromolds.

The Sirius™ platform powers the Oticon Zeal hearing aid. It operates using the Sirius Platform Deep Neural Network (DNN) 2.0, MoreSound Intelligence 3.0, and MoreSound Amplifier 3.0.

When processing audio, the MoreSound Amplifier amplifies across the full frequency range, delivering a clearer input with a richer representation of the sound scene.  More Sound Intelligence prioritises speech cues and adapts to changing listening environments, offering truly personalised hearing.

How does Oticon Zeal use Artificial Intelligence?

Deep Neural Network (DNN) 2.0

Oticon’s Deep Neural Network (DNN) technology is an AI-driven machine learning system that simulates how the human brain learns and processes information. DNN 2.0 is a second-generation AI technology that automatically adapts to different sound environments.  DNN 2.0 has been trained on thousands of sound scenes and is trained to recognise and prioritise speech over noise.

The DNN analyses all the inputs from the hearing sensors, processing sound to provide a richer representation of the sound scene. This results in a more natural listening experience, with improved clarity and easier speech understanding for the user.

The updated DNN 2.0 embedded in the Sirrus chip can process sound inputs 500 times per second. This upgrade delivers improved sound quality, clearer speech, and enhanced background noise reduction.

• It has been taught using a wider range of sounds, particularly the challenging ones, to ensure nothing important is missed.
• It has faced more challenges during its learning phase to improve its performance.
• It preserves audio accurately, reducing detail loss in conversations and background noise.
• It now effectively tunes out distractions, significantly reducing unwanted noise in busy environments.

MoreSound Intelligence™ 3.0 – The hearing aid automatically adjusts itself

More Sound Intelligence 3.0 works with the 4D sensors, constantly scans the sound environment, and adapts the hearing aid to the user’s environment and listening needs. It intelligently adapts to the current listening environment and context, delivering personalised hearing tailored to the wearer’s needs.

MoreSound Amplifier™ 3.0 – Big and bright sound

MoreSound Amplifier 3.0 is designed to deliver clear, balanced sound across a wide frequency range from 80 Hz to 10,000 Hz. It provides clearer sound input by delivering balanced amplification across the full frequency range.

MoreSound Amplifier ensures that all sounds, from a whisper to loud music, are amplified accurately, providing a comprehensive hearing experience tailored to your hearing needs.

MoreSound Optimiser™ – No more whistling hearing aids

MoreSound Optimiser detects and prevents feedback (whistling) in the hearing aid without sacrificing gain (volume). This gives users improved access to speech details, increased comfort, and improved speech understanding.

SuddenSound Stabiliser – Stops uncomfortably loud sounds

Sudden loud sounds like slamming doors or rattling cutlery are familiar. SuddenSound Stabiliser hearing technology acts quickly, instantly detecting and reducing the volume of these uncomfortable sounds. Providing appropriate gain reduction and immediately releasing it when the sound ends.

Wind & Handling Stabiliser – Wind noise reduction

The Wind and Handling Stabiliser detects wind and handling noise 500 times per second. Once wind or handling noise is detected, the hearing aid reduces these sounds without affecting speech clarity.

Oticon Zeal Charger 

 

Oticon Zeal nxtCIC R charger uses contact charging for speed and reliability. The built-in 312 Lithium-Ion battery provides up to 20 hours of battery life. 

With a built-in power bank, the portable Oticon Zeal SmartCharger lets you charge at home or on the go.

• A full day of power after one hour of charging.
• Four hours of power in just a 15-minute charge.
• Eight hours of power after just a 30-minute charge.

Battery performance can be affected by the time a user streams on their phone, the sound environment, and battery age.

Next-generation Bluetooth LE Audio

• With Bluetooth LE Audio, Oticon Zeal is ready for future communication technologies like Auracast.
• Auracast broadcast enables devices such as smartphones, laptops, televisions, or public venue address systems to broadcast audio to an unlimited number of nearby compatible receivers, including hearing aids, speakers and earbuds.
• Users with smart devices that support LE Audio can enjoy seamless Bluetooth connectivity for streaming audio content and making hands-free calls. This includes compatibility with Apple phones and certain newer Android devices. Click here to verify if your device is compatible with Zeal mobile.
• Google Fast Pair is a new feature that simplifies pairing between Oticon Zeal Hearing Aids and Bluetooth LE Audio-enabled Android devices. Zeal hearing aids are automatically recognised across all Google products which use the same account.
• Windows PC: Oticon Zeal can stream audio in both directions, enabling video calls from Bluetooth LE-enabled Windows 11 laptops or PCs.
• iPhone, iPad, Mac and Vision Pro – Oticon Zeal is Made for iPhone and can connect directly to  Apple products, enabling streaming in both directions for phone and video conversations.

Next, we explain the features inside the Oticon Companion App

Oticon Zeal Hearing Companion APP

The improved Oticon Companion app lets users control their hearing aids discreetly and personalise their listening experience.

Oticon Companion app features:

• Discrete control: Adjust volume and programmes.
• Remember Volume Settings—if you adjust the volume, the hearing aids will remember your new preferred hearing levels.
• Sound Equaliser – customise the sound of your hearing aids.
• Streaming Equaliser – customise the sound when streaming.
• Find my hearing aids.
• Set hearing goals with Hearing Fitness.
• Update your hearing aids: minor firmware updates are available via the Companion app.
• Check battery status.
• Control your tinnitus sounds.
• Pair your hearing aids with your smart home controls.
• Remote Hearing Care – receive personalised care from your audiologist.

Oticon Zeal vs Oticon Intent — Which One is best?

As audiologists who fit both devices, we are often asked which is better — Oticon Zeal or Oticon Intent. The answer is, it depends on your individual needs and priorities. Here is what we tell our patients when they ask.

What They Have in Common

Before exploring the differences, it is worth understanding what Zeal and Intent have in common. Both hearing aids use the same Sirius™ chip and Deep Neural Network (DNN) 2.0 for sound processing. Both hearing aids include  MoreSound Intelligence 3.0 and MoreSound Amplifier 3.0 technology.

In practical terms, this means that in quiet and noisy environments, or during phone calls, the sound quality and speech clarity between the two devices are similar. Oticon designed Zeal specifically so that patients choosing discretion would not have to sacrifice the premium sound processing found in their flagship model, Intent 1.

Battery and Charging

Both are rechargeable with a full day’s battery life.

Where They Differ

Form Factor and Discretion

This is the most noticeable difference. Oticon Intent is a Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing aid — a small device that sits behind the ear with a thin wire leading sound into the ear canal. It is generally discreet, but may be visible if you have short hair. 

Oticon Zeal is a Completely-in-Canal (CIC) hearing aid. It sits entirely within the ear canal and is, for many wearers, virtually invisible. If discretion is your primary concern.

Hearing Loss Range

Oticon Intent is suitable for a wider range of hearing losses, including more severe losses that a CIC device simply cannot accommodate. Zeal is designed for mild to moderate and some moderately severe losses. If your hearing loss falls outside this range, you should consider Oticon Intent or Oticon Own, which are a range of custom in-the-ear devices with more amplification.

Sensor Technology

This is where Intent has a genuine technical advantage. Oticon Intent features 4D Motion Sensors — an accelerometer that detects head movement and body orientation, and uses this data to automatically adjust the hearing aid’s directional focus. For example, if you turn your head towards someone speaking, Intent recognises this movement and prioritises sound from that direction.

Our Clinical View

In our experience providing both devices, we find that we fit an equal number of Zeals and Intents. Oticon Zeal has been a success for customers who have always wanted a hearing aid that sits discreetly in the ear and offers Bluetooth connectivity.  Oticon Intent is still a very popular, robust, and powerful hearing aid that fits all ears and can address all types of hearing loss. The intent is available across four technology levels, offering a hearing solution for various budgets. Zeal, at present, is only available in premium technology – Zeal 1.

Oticon Zeal vs Oticon Intent — Feature Comparison

Feature	Oticon Intent	Oticon Zeal
Design & Fit
Style	Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)	Completely-in-Canal (CIC)
Discretion	Discreet	Virtually Invisible ✅
Same-Day Fitting	✅	✅
Sound Technology
Chip Platform	Sirius™	Sirius™
Deep Neural Network	DNN 2.0	DNN 2.0
MoreSound Intelligence	3.0	3.0
MoreSound Amplifier	3.0	3.0
4D Motion Sensors	✅ Full 4D Sensing	Tap Control Only
Neural Noise Suppression	12dB / 6dB	12dB / 6dB
SuddenSound Stabiliser	✅	✅
Wind & Handling Stabiliser	✅	✅
Suitability
Hearing Loss Range	Mild to Severe+	Mild to Moderate-Severe
IP Rating	IP68	IP68
Connectivity
Bluetooth LE Audio	✅	✅
Auracast	✅	✅
Hands-Free Calling	✅	✅
Made for iPhone	✅	✅
Android ASHA	✅	✅
Google Fast Pair	✅	✅
Oticon Companion App	✅	✅
Power & Charging
Rechargeable	✅	✅
Battery Life	Up to 20 hours	Up to 20 hours
Portable SmartCharger	✅	✅
Accessories
TV Adaptor 3.0	✅	✅
ConnectClip	✅	✅
Remote Control 3.0	✅	✅
Tinnitus SoundSupport	✅	✅
Price at Sound Hearing
Single (Service LITE)	From £1,058.25	From £1,610.75
Pair (Service LITE)	From £2,116.50	From £3,140.75
Best For
Ideal Choice If…	Wider hearing loss range, dynamic listening environments, value	Discretion is a priority, stigma barrier and active lifestyle

Oticon Zeal R Wireless Accessories

Oticon TV Adaptor 3.0

It plugs into your TV and streams stereo sound directly to your hearing aids.

 

 

 

 

 

Oticon Connect Clip

Oticon Connect Clip pairs with most Bluetooth-enabled devices and enables direct streaming from mobile phones, tablets, and PCs. With its built-in remote microphone, you can also listen to people from a distance.

 

Oticon Remote Control 3.0

A simple remote to change the volume of the hearing aid or program.

Oticon Easy LE Adaptor

The Easy LE Adapter connects Android phones, tablets and computers to your hearing aids or other wireless audio devices via the latest Bluetooth LE Audio technology.

This enables you to stream audio, such as music or podcasts, and make high-quality, hands-free phone and video calls.

Most phones and tablets with a 3.5 mm audio jack will not work with the adapter, as many manufacturers route audio through the audio jack rather than USB-C.

Sennheiser BTD800 Bluetooth dongle

It plugs into a USB port (PC) and will allow a wireless audio link to the Connect Clip.

Buy Oticon Wireless Accessories →

FAQ

Oticon’s approach is centred on creating hearing aids that enhance the way the brain processes sound, allowing users to access all meaningful sounds in a 360° environment. At the core of this technology is MoreSound Technologies, which drives each generation of BrainHearing technology and provides an increasing array of benefits for hearing aid users.

Oticon hearing aids is a manufacturer based in Denmark. Oticon is part of the William Demant Group, which includes hearing aid manufacturers Bernafon and Phillips.

Oticon released its first hearing aid in 1904 and has a presence in 104 countries, employing 21000 people.

The Demant Group also funds the Eriksholm Research Centre, an independent research centre for developing hearing aids in scientific areas with the potential to improve the lives of people with hearing loss.