Check out our comparison of the Cearvol Wave vs Oticon Zeal. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.
Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.
The Cearvol Wave is a budget-friendly OTC hearing aid with a visible in-ear design, Bluetooth streaming, app-based personalization, AUX-IN support, and a charging case that can double as a remote microphone. In HearAdvisor lab testing, it earned a strong 4.32/5 SoundScore, with especially impressive speech-in-noise performance for its $399 price. The main trade-off is own-voice comfort, where users may notice a more plugged-up or boomy sound. A full HearingTracker review is still pending.
Read full reviewOticon Zeal is an instant-fit, nearly invisible, rechargeable prescription hearing aid with AI-driven processing and modern Bluetooth LE Audio connectivity for Android and Apple iOS.
Read full reviewCearvol Wave achieved a SoundScore of 4.37/5 in HearAdvisor lab testing. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.
Oticon Zeal achieved a SoundScore of 4.26/5 in HearAdvisor lab testing. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.91/5.
We found Cearvol Wave to feel well built, especially the portable charging case, though they have a lower IPx5 rating. This suggests you should take extra care and limit exposing them to moisture and debris.
Zeal offer excellent moisture and dust protection with an ingress rating of IP68. Both the hearing aids and case are well build and ready for daily use.
Wave's battery life falls below many other hearing aids with a max use time of up to 10 hours per charge. You can expect shorter run times in their Restaurant program and with heavy use of Wave's wireless audio features. While this could be better, Wave offer a quick-charge feature where 15 minute in the case gives you an additional 3 hours of use.
With a battery life of up to 20 hours, Zeal should last you all day.
Cearvol Wave are Bluetooth compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing for audio streaming and hands-free calling. The case also offers unique additional wireless features.
I found Zeal to offer easy and stable wireless connection. Their audio quality while streaming music, and during hands-free calling, was good and comparable to other prescription hearing aids.
We found the Cearvol mobile app to offer many useful features for general sound customization. The user-interface could be modernized, though the large numbers and icons make it easier to see what you are adjusting.
I found the Companion app easy to navigate and use. Other prescription hearing aid companies offer more in-depth health features, but there is still plenty of opportunity to customize settings from your mobile device. The HearingFitness component is also a nice feature for those who like to actively track their progress.
I found Wave comfortable to wear with a nice "twist-in" feel. My main complaint is that they protrude slightly from the ear which can make them more prone to catching on things.
Oticon Zeal were extremely comfortable and lightweight in my ears. In general, hearing care providers can make numerous physical changes to prescription hearing aids like Zeal to improve comfort.
Wave offer a modern earbud-like design. This, along with their black and silver color, make them very noticeable in your ears. Depending on your preferences this can be a pro or a con.
Zeal are sleek, easy to use, in-the-ear prescription hearing aids. They are nearly invisible in the ear which is extremely impressive given their battery life and wireless capabilities.
Cearvol Wave has a value score of 4.9/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
Oticon Zeal has a value score of 3.2/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
Handling is one area where Wave shine. The portable charging case includes a touch-screen and doubles as a wireless remote control for your hearing aids. It also offers additional features like a remote microphone and direct audio input.
Zeal are easy to use and adjust with the Oticon Companion app. I had no issues making adjustments while testing them.
Cearvol mention offering both remote and online support from hearing care providers. You also have 24/5 access to their support specialists. In my experiences, they are quick to respond and you can easily receive help from a human.
Prescription hearing aids like Zeal are fit by hearing care providers so you should receive quality care. The Oticon Companion app also opens the possibility for remote programming and virtual follow-up appointments.
Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.
Compatible accessories for each hearing aid
The Cearvol Wave includes a rechargeable charging case with a built-in LCD display that shows the battery status of both hearing aids and the case itself. The hearing aids provide up to 24 hours of runtime per charge, while the 400 mAh charging case stores additional power for on-the-go charging. Beyond charging, the case doubles as a remote microphone for one-on-one conversations and includes a 3.5 mm AUX input that can stream audio from TVs and other compatible devices directly to the hearing aids.
The Cearvol Wave includes a rechargeable charging case with a built-in LCD display that shows the battery status of both hearing aids and the case itself. The hearing aids provide up to 24 hours of runtime per charge, while the 400 mAh charging case stores additional power for on-the-go charging. Beyond charging, the case doubles as a remote microphone for one-on-one conversations and includes a 3.5 mm AUX input that can stream audio from TVs and other compatible devices directly to the hearing aids.
The Cearvol Wave includes a rechargeable charging case with a built-in LCD display that shows the battery status of both hearing aids and the case itself. The hearing aids provide up to 24 hours of runtime per charge, while the 400 mAh charging case stores additional power for on-the-go charging. Beyond charging, the case doubles as a remote microphone for one-on-one conversations and includes a 3.5 mm AUX input that can stream audio from TVs and other compatible devices directly to the hearing aids.