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Oticon Zeal vs. ReSound Vivia

Check out our comparison of the Oticon Zeal vs ReSound Vivia. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.

Score
4.3
Oticon Zeal 1
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Oticon

Zeal 1

SoundScore 4.3/5
$4,598 per pair
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Score
4.2
ReSound Vivia microRIE 7
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ReSound

Vivia microRIE 7

SoundScore 3.9/5
$3,798 per pair
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Zeal
$4,598 per pair
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Vivia
$3,798 per pair
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Product Overview

Zeal
Vivia
Form Factor
Form FactorNon-custom device that typically sits completely inside the ear canal. Some of the device may be visible to the naked eye.
Form FactorThis type of hearing aid sits behind the ear. A wire runs along the top of the ear and down to a speaker sitting inside the ear canal. An custom-fitted mold may be required.
Expert Rating
Score
4.3
Score
4.2
User Rating
3.71 reviews
—
Hearing Loss LevelHearing Loss LevelThis represents HearingTracker's best guess on suitability. Please consult a licensed audiologist to confirm your own candidacy for this device.
MildModerateSevere
MildModerateSevere
Product Features
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroidIP68
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroidIP68

Expert Ratings

Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.

Zeal
Vivia

HearingTracker Score

Zeal
4.3ABOVE AVERAGE

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.

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Vivia
4.2ABOVE AVERAGE

ReSound Vivia packs flagship AI processing into one of the smallest microRIE designs we’ve tested, delivering crisp sound in quiet, excellent all-day battery life, and best-in-class LE Audio/Auracast connectivity, even if its AI noise reduction isn’t as dominant as the marketing suggests in the toughest listening environments.

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HearAdvisor SoundScore

Zeal
4.3ABOVE AVERAGE

Oticon Zeal achieved a SoundScore of 4.26/5 in HearAdvisor lab testing. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.91/5.

Vivia
3.9ABOVE AVERAGE

Resound Vivia 9 60S microRIE achieved a SoundScore of 3.94/5 and a SoundGrade of B in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #20 of 35 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.91/5.

Build Quality

Zeal
5.0EXCELLENT

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.

Vivia
5.0EXCELLENT

Resound Vivia microRIE have an excellent build quality with a robust, portable charging case and a high ingress rating of IP68.

Battery

Zeal
4.2ABOVE AVERAGE

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

Vivia
4.6EXCELLENT

Vivia microRIE offer all-day battery life up to 30 hours, with 24 hours being more typical. The portable charger is also robust and will recharge Vivia in 3 hours.

Bluetooth

Zeal
5.0EXCELLENT

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.

Vivia
5.0EXCELLENT

Vivia are compatible with both iOS and Android, offering wireless audio streaming and hands-free calls. They are also Bluetooth Auracast enabled.

App Features

Zeal
5.0EXCELLENT

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.

Vivia
4.5EXCELLENT

I found Resound's Smart3D app easy to use with many useful features, including "Check My Fit" which helps with correct insertion. The app unfortunately lacks health and fitness tracking.

Comfort

Zeal
4.8EXCELLENT

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.

Vivia
5.0EXCELLENT

Vivia microRIE were extremely comfortable and lightweight in my ears. In general, hearing care providers can make numerous physical changes to prescription hearing aids like Real to improve comfort.

Design

Zeal
5.0EXCELLENT

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.

Vivia
5.0EXCELLENT

Vivia are sleek, smaller than ever, and modern looking prescription hearing aids. They also allow you to customize the look of your hearing aids with an array of color options.

Value

Zeal
3.2BELOW AVERAGE

Oticon Zeal has a value score of 3.2/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Vivia
3.1BELOW AVERAGE

Resound Vivia 9 60S microRIE has a value score of 3.1/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Handling

Zeal
5.0EXCELLENT

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

Vivia
4.5EXCELLENT

Vivia are easy to use and adjust using either the large multi-function button or Smart3D app. I had no issues making adjustments with either.

Pro Support

Zeal
5.0EXCELLENT

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.

Vivia
5.0EXCELLENT

Prescription hearing aids like Vivia are fit by hearing care providers so you should receive quality care. The Smart3D app also opens the possibility for remote programming and virtual follow-up appointments.

Lab Recordings

Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.

Zeal
Vivia
Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Zeal
Vivia
Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Zeal
Vivia
Streaming MusicStreaming MusicStreaming music provides a full range of bass and treble
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Zeal
Vivia

HearingTracker partners with HearAdvisor to provide recordings and performance data from an acoustic laboratory that follows standard scientific procedures. All hearing aids are fitted and performance-tested for mild sloping to moderate hearing loss. All audio samples cutoff above 10kHz.

Accessories

Compatible accessories for each hearing aid

Zeal
Vivia
Battery Charger
None

Premium Charger

Charges device when connected to power outlet, and also holds up to three full charges due to its onboard battery.

Standard Charger

Charges device when connected to power outlet.

Desktop Charger

A desktop charger for ReSound hearing aids. Does not charge on the go.

Remote Control
None

Unite Remote Control 2

Gives you push-button control of volume and program settings on your hearing aids and lets you manage streaming accessories.

Unite Phone Clip++2

Small enough to clip onto your shirt collar, it streams phone calls and audio to your hearing aids from any Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone or smartphone.

Remote Microphone
None

Micro Mic

A matchbook-sized remote wireless microphone that lets you hear from a distance up to 80 feet away.

Multi Mic++3

The Multi-Mic+ is a versatile wireless accessory designed to help hearing aid users hear more clearly in challenging situations. It can be clipped onto clothing or worn on a lanyard to pick up a speaker’s voice and stream it directly to compatible hearing aids, or it can be placed on a table to capture group conversations in “table mode.” In addition to acting as a remote microphone, the Multi-Mic+ connects to other audio sources through a built-in telecoil, FM receiver (optional), or a standard 3.5 mm line-in cable, allowing users to stream sound from loop systems, FM transmitters, computers, TVs, or other devices. With a streaming range of up to 25 meters (82 feet), automatic mode switching, volume controls, and app integration, it provides flexible, high-quality sound input across a wide variety of listening environments

Smartphone App
None

ReSound Smart 3D app+2

Adjusts sound, volume and balance settings, tinnitus settings, and allows your provider to make remote adjustments to your hearing aid programs.

TV Streamer
None

Unite TV Streamer 2

Streams stereo sound from the television directly to your hearing aids from up to 22 feet away.

ReSound TV Streamer+

The ReSound TV-Streamer+, which supports Bluetooth Auracast, streams high-quality sound with speech clarity directly to your hearing aids at the volume you prefer.

Hardware

Zeal
Vivia
Bluetooth® AudioBluetooth® AudioThis hearing aid is capable of streaming Bluetooth® audio certain phones and/or devices.
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Android (ASHA)
  • Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
  • Bluetooth® Auracast™
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Android (ASHA)
  • Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
  • Bluetooth® Auracast™
Disposable BatteriesDisposable BatteriesCommon disposable batteries last anywhere from a few days to two weeks or more. For more information Google "how long do hearing aid batteries last" and click on the Hearing Tracker link.
No
312
Hands-Free CallingHands-Free CallingIt is possible to have a hands-free phone call with this hearing aid. You are not required to hold the phone up to your mouth.
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Android (ASHA)
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Accessory required (Android)
IP RatingIP RatingIP Ratings rate sealing effectiveness of hearing aids against intrusion from foreign solid matter (dirt, dust) and moisture.
IP68
IP68
Mic + Speaker In EarMic + Speaker In EarPlacing a microphone in the ear allows hearing aids to measure the effect that your pinna (outer ear) has on the sound arriving at your eardrum. This may allow the hearing aid to better emulate the natural sound of your ear.
No
Yes
Push ButtonPush ButtonThe hearing aid features a push button which allows toggling across different sound processing programs
No
  • Program control
  • Volume Control
Rechargeable BatteriesRechargeable BatteriesCharge your batteries overnight in a docking station and get a full day's use (in most cases) of battery life the following day.
Lithium-ion
Lithium-ion
Tap ControlsTap ControlsThe hearing aid may be controlled by physically tapping it with your fingers.
  • Volume Control
  • Change program
  • Accept/end calls
  • Tinnitus program
  • Accept/end calls
TelecoilTelecoilThe hearing aid is able to pick up audio from landline telephones or public audio systems without using its acoustic microphones. This minimizes background noise and improves clarity and understanding, even over great distances. At performing arts venues, events, government meetings, etc., look for assistive listening systems (hearing loop, FM, and infrared systems), which must be provided at no cost under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other international regulations.
No
Yes
Volume RockerVolume RockerA volume rocker or wheel to allows the adjustment of volume with a finger.
No
Yes

Software Features

Zeal
Vivia
Adjustment BandsAdjustment BandsThese are frequency-divided sections that can be adjusted in a hearing aid in order to amplify sounds. Although there are rarely more than 10 frequencies measured in a hearing assessment, having more bands that can be adjusted may allow for improved speech understanding and user comfort.
24
14
AI Noise RemovalAI Noise RemovalArtificial Intelligence is utilized to remove or modify background noise from the sound signal to help isolate speech for better speech understanding.
Neural Noise Suppression: 12 dB / 6 dBNeural Noise SuppressionThe Deep Neural Network is part of MoreSound Intelligence™, which gives precise analysis and balancing of the full sound scene.
Intelligent FocusIntelligent FocusFour-microphone binaural beamforming directionality with DNN-based noise reduction.
Better Ear FocusBetter Ear FocusSome modern hearing aids can share sound from one ear to the other. In some cases the sound from the less noisy side can be shared to the other ear, enabling the listener to hear a cleaner sound in both ears.
Better-Ear PriorityBetter-Ear PrioritySome modern hearing aids can share sound from one ear to the other. In some cases the sound from the less noisy side can be shared to the other ear, enabling the listener to hear a cleaner sound in both ears.
No
DirectionalityDirectionalityDepending on the types and number of microphones a hearing aid has, the hearing aid may be able to boost sounds from specific directions (by reducing sounds from other directions). This can be helpful to focus on a speaker directly in front of the hearing aid user, as well as to give the user information about where different sounds are coming from.
No
Adaptive Directionality™Adaptive Directionality™Adaptive Directionality slowly transitions between omnidirectional and directional settings based on an analysis of the acoustic environment.All Access DirectionalityAll Access DirectionalityAutomatically adjusts directional microphone patterns according to a binaural hearing strategy.Binaural Directionality™ IIIBinaural Directionality™ IIIBinaural Directionality III provides the ultimate balance for supporting natural hearing: a signal-to-noise ratio improvement similar to bilateral directional microphones and a significant benefit in ease of listening compared to other directional microphone strategies.Binaural beamformingBinaural beamformingBeamforming frequency range of 250-5000Hz.Clear FocusClear FocusFour-microphone binaural beamforming directionality with ReSound's Noise Tracker II for noise reduction.Front FocusFront FocusA high resolution binaural beamformer directional microphone program.Synchronized SoftSwitching™Synchronized SoftSwitching™SoftSwitching (synchronized between ears) uses sound level and speech detection algorithms to decide when directionality is likely to be advantageous in a certain listening environment. It also offers the same four selections of MultiScope beamwidth settings: the default AutoScope, Narrow, Medium and Wide. The SoftSwitching mode differs from MultiScope Adaptive Directionality in that it uses slower transitions between directional settings and the omnidirectional setting, which is sometimes more comfortable and preferable among certain hearing aid users.Ultra FocusUltra FocusThe user-controlled Ultra Focus uses a powerful combined directional pattern from both hearing aids to focus on the person in front of you.
Ear SimulationEar SimulationThe outer ear, or pinna, can have a significant effect on the frequency shape of sound arriving at your inner ear. Some hearing aids mimic the "pinna effect" when producing sound, to deliver more natural sound to the listener.
Virtual Outer Ear: 3 configurationsVirtual Outer EarThree realistic models of the ear pinna to provide better spatial balance.
No
Environmental AdaptationEnvironmental AdaptationThe hearing aid can detect different acoustical environments, like speech in noise, and adjust the sound of the hearing aid accordingly to drive comfort or speech understanding, etc.
No
360 All Around360 All AroundA microphone steering system that selects the best listening mode even in unstable background noiseEnvironmental OptimizerEnvironmental OptimizerProvide automatic adjustment of hearing instrument settings.Environmental Optimizer IIEnvironmental Optimizer IIThe Environmental Optimizer II automatically adjusts both gain and Noise Tracker II’s speech-in-noise settings according to the listening environment.
ExpansionExpansionExpansion reduces audibility for very soft sounds. This can help to remove microphone noise, which is generated by soft environmental sounds.
No
3 settings
Extended bandwidthExtended bandwidthHearing aid provides amplification at frequencies (pitches) higher than the typical hearing aid.
Yes
No
Extended Dynamic RangeExtended Dynamic RangeExtended dynamic range typically makes louder sound clearer. This may help with the reproduction of loud music or loud speech in a very noisy environment.
Clear DynamicsClear DynamicsClear Dynamics expands the input dynamic range, processing input sounds up to 113 dB SPL, to provide better sound quality without distortion and artifact at loud input levels, while still keeping the sound quality of soft input levels intact. Clear Dynamics has an operating range from 5 to 113 dB SPL. With speech cues preserved at high input levels, users enjoy a better listening experience without distortion even in loud environments. Clear Dynamics is especially valuable for users when listening to music or in conversations in busy, dynamic environments, where peaks can often be louder than the available input dynamic range.
No
Feedback SuppressionFeedback SuppressionIf any sound amplified by the hearing aid escapes the ear canal, it may reach the hearing aid’s own microphone and cause a harsh whistling noise. Some hearing aids are able to recognize when this feedback occurs and reduce or eliminate it.
Feedback ShieldFeedback ShieldEmploys an ultra-fast and effective feedback management system that prevents feedback without compromising sound quality or audibility.MoreSound Optimizer™MoreSound Optimizer™MoreSound Optimizer (MSO) and Feedback shield work together to counteract acoustic feedback from the receiver to the microphone to prevent audible feedback and gain reductions.
DFS Ultra IIIDFS Ultra IIIReduces feedback while preserving amplification without compromising sound quality.
Frequency LoweringFrequency LoweringUnderstanding certain speech sounds is dependent on the high frequency parts of these sounds. For individuals with high frequency hearing loss, this feature can take high frequency speech information and move it to lower frequencies where it will be audible.
Speech Rescue™Speech Rescue™Makes high frequency sounds more audible
Sound ShaperSound ShaperSound Shaper is the only frequency compression technology that moves high-frequency sounds down in the spectrum while maintaining a proportional relationship between input and output frequencies. So Sound Shaper improves the audibility of speech cues that would otherwise be lost, while maintaining the best sound quality possible.
Handling noise reductionHandling noise reductionReduces noises related to hearing aid movement on the ear and noises related to hands or objects touching the hearing aid while worn.
Wind & Handling StabilizerWind & Handling StabilizerWind & Handling Stabilizer detects and filters wind and handling noises 500 times per second. It selects the microphone with the cleanest sound input, preventing disruptive sound from entering the system. It then attenuates remaining wind and handling noises from the other microphone efficiently and only in the frequencies affected by the noise. This provides a cleaner sound for further processing in MSI 3.0, helping hearing aid users go about their day in comfort.
No
Listening ProgramsListening ProgramsNumber of manually accessible listening programs (using push button, remote, app, or other switching method)
4
Fully flexible programs: 4Fully flexible programsCustom listening programs
New User AdaptationNew User AdaptationProvider may set the hearing aid to gradually get louder over the first few weeks or months of a new hearing aid fitting. This can be convenient for new users who want to experience maximum benefit without making a lot of trips to the provider for tune ups.
Adaptation ManagementAdaptation ManagementAdapts in 3 steps for gradual user acclimatization to a new hearing aid
Synchronized Acceptance ManagerSynchronized Acceptance ManagerSynchronized Acceptance Manager gives a gradual and automatic increase of the gain in the hearing aid over time.
Noise ReductionNoise ReductionThis feature uses modern hearing aids’ processing power to examine the incoming sound signal, determine if noise is present and reduce the volume of the troublesome sound to increase comfort.
No
NoiseTracker™ II: 4 settingsNoiseTracker™ IINoiseTracker II uses a technology called spectral subtraction. Spectral subtraction works by subtracting the short-term noise spectrum from the signal, leaving only the speech portion behind ... ReSound’s NoiseTracker II is able to use spectral subtraction successfully because the Environmental Classifier has identified speech and noise so precisely.
Processing ChannelsProcessing ChannelsThese are all the frequency-divided sections the hearing aid is able to examine at a single time. The hearing aid uses this information to determine whether the contents of each section are noise, speech, or something else and amplify the sound in each section accordingly.
64
No
Soft Speech BoostSoft Speech BoostMore aggressive amplification for softer speech sounds
Soft Speech BoosterSoft Speech BoosterImproves soft speech understanding without turning up the volume.
No
Spatial AwarenessSpatial AwarenessListening to sound through hearing aids is not a natural experience, and your ability to tell where a sound is coming from may be impacted by the way sounds are amplified with hearing aids. Some hearing aids attempt to fix this problem by preserving cues to sound localization like between-ear level differences, etc.
Spatial Sound™: 4 estimatorsSpatial Sound™Improves ability to locate the most interesting sounds.
No
Spatial Noise CancellationSpatial Noise CancellationThis feature recognizes where sounds are coming from and can reduce noise coming from behind or to the side of the listener. This helps the listener focus on the speaker, usually in front of them.
Spatial Balancer: 100%Spatial BalancerSpatial Balancer increases the SNR by suppressing individual noise sources, placing them in the background and thereby creating a balanced sound scene.
No
Streaming Bass BoostStreaming Bass BoostBoosts bass when streaming audio
Power bassPower bassBoosts bass when streaming.
No
Sudden Loud Noise ReductionSudden Loud Noise ReductionThis feature detects loud sounds and reduces their volume to a comfortable level. Though not a replacement for hearing protection, this technology can greatly improve listener comfort.
SuddenSound Stabilizer: 6 ConfigurationsSuddenSound StabilizerSuddenSound Stabilizer monitors the sound environment and instantly adapts amplification to keep both soft and loud sudden sounds available, balanced, and comfortable.
Impulse Noise Reduction: 2 settingsImpulse Noise ReductionReduces amplification for sudden, brief noises.
Tinnitus ReliefTinnitus ReliefTinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be addressed by hearing aids in several different ways, such as introducing a soft therapeutic signal or targeted notched noise.
Tinnitus SoundSupport™Tinnitus SoundSupport™Select from a wide range of customizable tinnitus relief sounds that are dynamic, yet soothing — including broadband sounds (white, pink and red noise) and natural, ocean-like sounds.
Tinnitus Sound GeneratorTinnitus Sound GeneratorThe tinnitus sound generator administers sounds that make the disturbing noise less noticeable and draw your attention away from the tinnitus.
Unique Amplification StrategyUnique Amplification StrategyHearing aids all process sounds a little bit differently. Sometimes it varies even within one model.
Environment classifierEnvironment classifierAllows clinician to determine where you need hearing help in your daily life.MoreSound Amplifier 3.0MoreSound Amplifier 3.0Sound processing occurs in an adaptive path setup that gives priority to resolution or speed, based on the current sound scene. Including SuddenSound Stabilizer that provides instant and balanced amplification of both soft and loud sudden sounds.MoreSound Intelligence 3.0MoreSound Intelligence 3.0Prevents wind and handling noise from entering the processing in the hearing aid for more comfort and better access to speech. Uses 4D Sensor technology to create a clearer and more distinct contrast between sounds, precisely organizing the spatial sound scene, and intelligently suppressing unwanted noise through the second-generation Deep Neural Network 2.0.Sound EnhancerSound EnhancerDynamic gain primarily for speech, given in complex environments.
No
Wind Noise ReductionWind Noise ReductionAs wind blows against the microphones of hearing aids, unpleasant noise may be generated. Some hearing aids have the ability to recognize this wind noise and reduce its level. Such reductions may also affect the audibility of desired sounds, like speech.
Wind & Handling StabilizerWind & Handling StabilizerWind & Handling Stabilizer detects and filters wind and handling noises 500 times per second. It selects the microphone with the cleanest sound input, preventing disruptive sound from entering the system. It then attenuates remaining wind and handling noises from the other microphone efficiently and only in the frequencies affected by the noise. This provides a cleaner sound for further processing in MSI 3.0, helping hearing aid users go about their day in comfort.
Wind Guard: 3 settingsWind GuardWhen no wind noise is found, the hearing aid constantly updates and stores the sound input levels in each Warp band. Then, when wind is present, WindGuard calculates the amount of gain reduction needed to return to the stored level of the specific bands affected by wind noise.