Fortell AI Hearing Aids vs. Oticon Zeal

Fortell delivers the best background-noise performance we've seen, but its aggressive processing, lack of Android connectivity, and limited in-person clinic network are important tradeoffs.

Oticon 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.

Fortell AI Hearing Aids achieved a SoundScore of 6.0/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 4.19/5.

Oticon Zeal achieved a SoundScore of 4.7/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #6 of 39 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 4.19/5.

Fortell AI Hearing Aids feel well built, though their IP54 rating offers less water and debris resistance than many prescription hearing aids, which commonly carry a higher IP68 rating. As with any hearing aid, regular cleaning and proper care will help keep them performing well over time.

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.

Fortell states that its hearing aids last around 24 hours per charge in the default All-day AI mode, so they should easily last a full day even if you rely heavily on the more processing-intensive “All voices” or “Front voices” programs.

With a battery life of up to 20 hours, Zeal should last you all day.

While Fortell AI Hearing Aids support hands-free calling and audio streaming on iOS devices, they currently do not support Android, and the company has not announced a timeline for Android compatibility.

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.

The Fortell app offers useful controls for volume, a 3-band EQ, and several AI listening modes. While I found it easy to use and sufficiently flexible, it is more limited than many competing apps, with no tinnitus features, health tracking, or other extras.

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 Fortell AI Hearing Aids comfortable and similar in fit to other prescription receiver-in-canal hearing aids. Although the body is slightly larger than many competing devices, it should fit comfortably behind most ears without interfering with glasses or causing retention issues. Your provider can help you fine-tune your fit in office.

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.

Fortell AI Hearing Aids use a familiar receiver-in-canal design with a slightly larger body than many other "micro" prescription devices. However, they remain fairly discreet behind the ear. Several colors are currently available with more to come later in 2026.

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.

Fortell AI Hearing Aids has a value score of 3.2/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Oticon Zeal has a value score of 3.4/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

I found Fortell AI Hearing Aids easy to use and comparable to other receiver-in-canal devices. The app, charging case, and physical buttons all worked well, making day-to-day handling straightforward and giving me easy access to the controls I needed.

Zeal are easy to use and adjust with the Oticon Companion app. I had no issues making adjustments while testing them.

Fortell AI Hearing Aids are professionally fit and supported, but access is currently more limited than with major prescription hearing aid brands. In-person care is available in only a handful of major metropolitan areas, though additional clinics are planned. Fortell also offers fully remote care across 30 states, which expands access considerably for those comfortable with telehealth.

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.