One of the most significant bits of news from EUHA 2025 is Oticon’s full embrace of Auracast in two new models.
The Oticon Zeal is the first of the two and is an in-the-ear design that the company says can be fitted in one visit. This means that clients can have a hearing test and then try out the aids, reducing the time needed to find the perfect sound mixture.
The Danish company showcased the hearing aids at EUHA, allowing people to see just how small and discreet they are.
However, the rollout will be staggered across the world, so not every territory will have access to the hearing aids just yet. It’s very much a case of watch this space in every market.
What Oticon says about the Zeal hearing aid
Firstly, Oticon says it has created a whole new hearing aid category: NXT In-the-Ear, something it says will be a game-changer as it combines power with functionality.
Battery life: Oticon says it lasts a whole day. Charging for 15 minutes provides four hours of use, 30 minutes gives eight hours, and a full charge gives 20 hours. That’s impressive for a small device.
Ole Asboe Jørgensen, President of Oticon Brand, Global, says: “For the first time, we’ve successfully integrated our proven technology and full functionality into a discreet in-the-ear device. This isn’t just another hearing aid: it’s a barrier-breaking solution where users don’t need to compromise on discretion or functionality.
“It eliminates stigma, attracts those who’ve avoided treatment, and empowers hearing care professionals to reach more people who need help.”
The Oticon Zeal, the company adds, is designed to meet the needs of users who expect exceptional sound quality, seamless connectivity, convenient rechargeability, and discreet design. This means the aids are packed with features designed to help, especially first-time hearing aid wearers who may be concerned about what a hearing aid would look like, and the social barriers and stigmas that hearing aids can bring.
It says that the Oticon Zeal “combines highly discreet design with advanced performance features that support active, connected lifestyles. Users no longer need to choose between discretion and functionality; they can confidently embrace hearing aid technology that works as seamlessly as they live.”
How is the Oticon Zeal so small?
Oticon says it has used encapsulation during manufacturing in a similar process to pacemakers.
The company states that this indicates the product is robust and moisture-resistant, with its internal components protected and no risk of battery corrosion. The aid’s circuitry utilises Oticon BrainHearing AI technology, which, according to the company, functions effectively in all environments. This is capable of delivering better speech clarity and noise suppression. The AI sound processing technology provides up to 12 dB noise suppression and AI-driven speech clarity enhancement up to 6 dB.
There is a triple functionality antenna in the Oticon Zeal so the aid can be placed deep in the ear canal and one of these is a pull-out string ensuring a close fit with good retention.
Susanna Løve, Director of Audiology, Oticon, says: 2The MoreSound Technologies serve as the audiological foundation for Oticon Zeal, and most importantly, the second-generation AI sound processing means we have a highly trained, highly effective method of helping hearing aid users hear the world the way it should sound.”
And as for Auracast in the Oticon Zeal?
Oticon says it has been collaborating closely with Apple and Google on connectivity, audio streaming and pairing.
In addition to the Zeal’s launch, Oticon announced support for Google Fast Pair at EUHA. This will make connections quicker and easier for Android users.
Its Oticon Companion phone app, which works on both iPhones and Android, has a built-in Auracast Assistant that is similar to GN Resound’s Smart 3D app. This is straightforward to use; the user has complete control over the sounds they are hearing at that moment, be it the Auracast volume or the noise around them.
We are delighted that Oticon has updated its range to include Auracast and look forward to it rolling out across its range in due course.
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