Oticon Zeal 1 nxtCIC R Hearing Aids Product Highlights

Oticon Zeal 1 hearing aids overview

The Oticon Zeal 1 hearing aid, launched in October 2025, is an interesting device. It combines Oticon's existing technology from it's Intent range of aids, with a modular "instant fit" design. The key features are;

• Good in background noise
• The external receiver microphone allows for more power
• Rechargeable (lithium-ion rechargeability provides up to 20 hours of battery life)
• Bluetooth
• Compatible with the full range of Oticon's accessories

However, much though we love Oticon's hearing aids in general, their talk of "worlds first" and "innovative design" are claims that we are not so sure about. If you have been a hearing aid wearer for some time, then the design might be surprisingly familiar, plus it's also trying to use a similar approach to solving the same problem. It's also IP68 water and dust resistance rating means it's properly sealed against moisture, not just moisture-resistant.

Oticon manage to pack significantly more technology into a similar or even smaller space than the GN Resound Lex. The external microphone seems to be sturdier which hopefully This ultimately solves many of the durability issues that hindered earlier remote microphone designs.

The processing power is simply significantly better, as the Sirius chip is considerably more powerful than the Range chip was in the Lex. The Deep Neural Network (DNN) trained on 12 million sound scenes provides better speech understanding in complex environments. This isn't just marketing; it's a measurable improvement in real-world performance.

There's also full Bluetooth LE Audio integration with hands-free calling, direct streaming, and future-ready Auracast support, which makes the Zeal an impressive modern hearing device that's going to keep up. The connectivity works reliably enough that you'll actually want to use it, rather than seeing it as a nice to have feature that doesn't quite work properly.

Resound Lex

Around 10 years ago, Resound released the Lex hearing aid with a remarkably similar concept, such as a remote microphone design that placed most of the technology deep in the ear canal, whilst positioning the microphone in the outer ear for improved acoustics. This was particularly good for wind noise reduction and directional hearing; other highlights were:

• Virtually invisible
• Provided natural wind noise reduction
• Preserved natural ear acoustics
• Featured 17 processing channels in the Lex 8 model, which was reasonable for excellent at the time
• Could classify seven different listening environments

The aids offered same-day fitting capability with various dome sizes, which was convenient, and they worked without the blocked-up sensation that plagued many In-the-Ear designs of that era. For people who wanted discretion and natural sound quality, the Lex represented a genuinely different approach.

Now it's not unusual for manufacturers to copy "take inspiration from" each other's designs, so one might wonder they are keen to promote this design as something new. Even though Resound's advanced design was respectively ahead of its time, you could speculate it's because the Resound Lex was a commercial failure.

People found the design fiddly and hard to keep in their ear. They broke fairly easily, had reliability issues, and were quickly discontinued. Hopefully the Zeal will not be plagued with the same issues, our advice would be to thoroughly test them out during your 60 day return period to make sure they are right for you.

Now that we have shown you the history behind the design, we will go through in more detail the features of the Oticon Zeal

With Oticon Zeal 1 hearing aids you don't have to compromise on the features that matter. For years, choosing a discreet hearing aid meant accepting limitations, such as no rechargeable batteries, basic sound processing, limited connectivity. The Zeal 1 eliminates all these compromises in one small package.

Currently only available in tech level, Zeal 1 uses the same premium AI sound processing found in Oticon's Intent range whilst maintaining genuine discretion.

If you've been putting off getting help with your hearing because you're concerned about visibility, or if you've been frustrated by in-the-ear hearing aids that couldn't keep up with your lifestyle, the Zeal 1 is worth considering.

Oticon Zeal 1 feature highlights

• BrainHearing technology with second-generation AI.
• Deep Neural Network (DNN 2.0) trained on 12 million real-world sounds. 
• MoreSound Intelligence 3.0 and MoreSound Amplifier 3.0 deliver clear sound across the full frequency range.

BrainHearing technology with second-generation AI

The Zeal 1 uses Oticon's BrainHearing philosophy, which focuses on supporting how your brain naturally processes sound rather than just making things louder.

The second-generation Deep Neural Network (DNN 2.0) has been trained on 12 million real-world sound scenes, which means it's genuinely good at recognising speech from background noise and adapting to different environments automatically.

The MoreSound Intelligence 3.0 and MoreSound Amplifier 3.0 work together to deliver clear sound across the full frequency range, giving you a richer representation of your listening environment.

Innovative encapsulation technology

The reason the Zeal 1 can pack so much technology into such a small space is down to innovative encapsulation methods, similar to what's used in medical devices like pacemakers. The entire device is enclosed in a single, solid structure that's both robust and moisture-resistant with an IP68 rating.

This approach not only makes the hearing aid more protected and compact, but also eliminates issues with battery corrosion that can plague traditional designs. 

Connectivity that works

The Zeal 1 uses the latest Bluetooth LE Audio standard, which provides better sound quality and more reliable connections. You can stream phone calls, music, and other audio directly to both ears with genuinely stable connectivity.

The Zeal 1 is also the first hearing aid enabled for Google's Fast Pair, which means Android users can pair their hearing aids easily. Once paired, the connection is automatically recognised across other Android devices logged into the same Google account.  A small detail that makes a surprisingly big difference to daily convenience.

The aids are also Auracast-ready, which future-proofs them for the next generation of public audio sharing technology. Whilst Auracast isn't available yet, having your hearing aids ready for it means you won't need to upgrade when venues start using this technology for broadcasting audio.

All-day rechargeable power

The Zeal 1 uses a lithium-ion rechargeable battery that provides up to 20 hours of use on a single charge, including streaming. There is also a 15 minute charge for 4 hours of use, whilst 30 minutes provides 8 hours, and a full charge takes just 2 hours.

The portable SmartCharger has a built-in power bank that provides up to three additional full charges when you're away from mains power. This means you can go on away for the weekend without worrying about finding somewhere to plug. Simply place your hearing aids in the charger overnight and wake up ready for the day.

Same-day fitting

Unlike traditional custom In-the-Ear hearing aids that require ear impressions and waiting weeks for manufacturing, the Zeal 1 uses a modular hybrid design. Your audiologist can fit them on the same day using medical-grade silicone domes or custom tips, getting the right fit without the lengthy process.  You can walk out of your appointment actually wearing your new hearing aids rather than waiting weeks to try them.

Additional features

• SuddenSound Stabiliser - Manages unexpected loud sounds without making them uncomfortable whilst preserving important sounds.
• Wind and Handling Stabiliser - Monitors and reduces wind and handling noise 500 times per second without affecting speech clarity.
• Multi-purpose retention antenna - Acts as a Bluetooth connector, extraction cord, and retention device that gradually moulds to your ear's shape.
• Tap control - Answer calls or adjust settings with a simple double-tap.

Compatible Oticon accessories

• TV Adapter 3.0 - Streams stereo sound directly from your TV and set to your own volume.
• ConnectClip - Remote microphone and hands-free calling.
• Easy LE Adapter - Enables streaming from USB-C devices without LE Audio support.
• Remote Control 3.0 - Physical remote for volume and programme changes.
• Phone Adapter 2.0 - Connects landline phones to ConnectClip for streamed calls.
• Companion App - Free smartphone app for discreet control and fine-tuning.

However, none of these accessories are essential, as Oticon Zeal hearing aids work perfectly well on its own. Your audiologist can advise which, if any, would benefit you.

Oticon Zeal 1 Specifications

• Style: NXT CIC hearing aid
• Technology level: Premium
• Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion (size 312)
• Battery life: Up to 20 hours
• Charging: 2 hours full; 15 min = 4 hours; 30 min = 8 hours
• Water resistance: IP68
• Connectivity: Bluetooth LE Audio, hands-free calling
• Special features: Google Fast Pair, Auracast-ready, tap control
• Processor: Sirius platform with DNN 2.0
• Sound processing: MoreSound Intelligence 3.0, MoreSound Amplifier 3.0
• Fitting: Same-day with domes or custom options
• Suitable for: Mild to moderate to severe hearing loss
• Warranty: 5 years
• Charger: SmartCharger included

Conclusion

The Oticon Zeal 1 hearing aids don't compromise between discretion and functionality. The encapsulation technology enables features that simply weren't possible before in an In-the-Ear format, whilst the premium sound processing matches Oticon's Intent range.

This is premium technology with premium pricing, and for someone who's been avoiding hearing aids due to visibility concerns, the Zeal 1 is worth considering.

Researching for a loved one?

If you're reading this page on behalf of someone else, perhaps a parent, partner, or friend, you're not alone. Many people come to us researching hearing aids for family members who've been struggling with hearing loss.

The best next step is booking a free consultation. You're welcome to attend with them, in fact, many family members find it helpful to be there for the discussion and decision process.

Our audiologists can assess whether this technology is appropriate for their specific hearing loss and lifestyle, and answer any questions you both have. There's no obligation, and it's an opportunity to understand what modern hearing aid technology can actually achieve.

Why choose us for your Zeal 1?

We're completely independent, which means our recommendations are based solely on what's best for your hearing and lifestyle and not on manufacturer or sales targets. When we suggest the Zeal 1, it's because we genuinely believe it's the right fit for you, not because we're encouraged to push certain brands.

Our audiologists are fully qualified and experienced with Oticon's latest technology. More importantly, they understand that getting hearing aids isn't just about the device but about the support, reassurance, and expertise that comes with it. We take the time to explain things properly, answer your questions without rushing, and make sure you feel confident with your decision.

What's included in the price of the hearing aids?

• Full hearing test and examination by a registered audiologist
• Fitting and programming of hearing aid(s)
• All aftercare and fine-tuning for life
• Full manufacturer's warranty
• 60-day full money-back guarantee
• An "excellent" service voted by our customers on Reviews.io

Need more support with Oticon Zeal 1?

Call us free on 0800 567 7621 to speak with one of our audiologists about the Oticon Zeal 1 hearing aids and what they could do for you and your hearing.  We are open 8am - 8pm, 7 days a week.  You can also read more about the launch features and benefits on our range page here

We also offer free home visits.  Take advantage of our FREE home visits for all audiology appointments! Our audiologists will come to you, making it easier than ever to prioritise your hearing health. Schedule an appointment with an expert you can trust and experience the convenience of personalised care right at your doorstep.

Please note that there will be an additional surcharge of £125 if we are pairing a single hearing aid with an existing aid bought from another company, where we are taking over the aftercare responsibilities and looking after both hearing aids.

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