Only if invisibility matters more to you than lab performance or price. Active Pro IX actually scored higher in HearAdvisor lab testing (4.6/5 vs 4.3/5) for roughly $2,250 less, so Zeal's premium buys discretion, not better measured sound.
Oticon Zeal vs. Signia Active Pro IX
Check out our comparison of the Oticon Zeal vs Signia Active Pro IX. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.
Published Updated
Quick Verdict
AI summarizedSummarized with AI assistance from our human-researched product information, in-lab testing, objective sound measurements, and expert ratings.
The real choice here is discretion versus dollars: Zeal buys you a nearly invisible fit and ear-level tap controls for roughly $2,250 more, while Active Pro IX delivers slightly stronger measured sound quality and lower cost in a design that's plainly visible in the ear.
Zeal
Choose the Oticon Zeal if you want the most discreet, nearly invisible instant-fit design available with strong speech-in-noise performance (2.9/5, well above average) and don't mind paying roughly $2,250 more per pair.
Active Pro IX
Choose the Signia Active Pro IX if you want the stronger overall lab performance (4.6/5 SoundScore vs 4.3/5) and app-based wellness tracking at a meaningfully lower price, and you're comfortable with a visible earbud-style design rather than a hidden one.
What actually separates them
AI summarizedPrice gap
PriceActive Pro IX runs roughly $2,250 less per pair than Zeal, a large gap for two devices with broadly comparable lab performance.
Discretion vs visibility
SpecZeal is a nearly invisible completely-in-canal style, while Active Pro IX is a visible earbud-like design (offered in six colors) — this is a cosmetic tradeoff, not a performance one.
Overall lab SoundScore
Lab measuredActive Pro IX scored 4.6/5 in HearAdvisor testing (ranked #3 of 35 prescription aids tested), edging out Zeal's 4.3/5, though both earned an A SoundGrade.
Ear-level physical controls
Hands-on reviewZeal offers tap controls for volume, program changes, calls and its tinnitus program, while our hands-on review of Active Pro IX notes it has no tap controls or buttons at all, requiring the app or an optional remote for adjustments.
Product Overview
Zeal
Active Pro IX
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 FactorNon-custom device that typically sits inside the ear canal. The device will be clearly visible to the naked eye.
Expert Rating
Score
4.3
Score
4.5
User Rating
5.01 reviews
3.01 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
MildModerate
Product Features
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroidIP68
Hands-freeRechargeableAndroidIP68
Expert Ratings
Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.
Zeal
Active Pro IX
HearingTracker Score
Zeal
4.3AVERAGE
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.
Read full reviewActive Pro IX
4.5EXCELLENT
The Signia Active Pro IX offers the functionality of a high-performance hearing aid in a sleek, earbud-like design, making it ideal for those who value both modern aesthetics and advanced hearing enhancement. Lab tests showed strong performance in speech clarity and music streaming, though its instant-fit design has some limitations, such as reduced feedback handling and lack of custom-fit personalization.
Read full reviewHearAdvisor SoundScore
Zeal
4.2AVERAGE
Oticon Zeal achieved a SoundScore of 4.2/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.91/5.
Active Pro IX
4.6EXCELLENT
Signia Active Pro IX achieved a SoundScore of 4.6/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #3 of 36 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.
Active Pro IX
4.9EXCELLENT
Active Pro IX has an IP rating of 68, meaning it has excellent protection against dust and moisture. This is consistent with my hands-on testing which suggested it is built well and will hold-up to daily use.
Battery
Zeal
4.2ABOVE AVERAGE
With a battery life of up to 20 hours, Zeal should last you all day.
Active Pro IX
4.4ABOVE AVERAGE
I love the all-day rechargeable battery life of Active Pro IX. Even with 5 hours of audio streaming, you can expect around 29 hours of user per charge.
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.
Active Pro IX
5.0EXCELLENT
Signia Active Pro hearing aids are Bluetooth compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing for audio streaming and hands-free calling. While streamed audio quality is not the best, I did not run into any issues while testing.
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.
Active Pro IX
5.0EXCELLENT
Signia's hearing aid app stands out with its user-friendly interface and modern, appealing design. It includes practical features like the ability to control the focus of your hearing aids and a mask mode to enhance speech clarity. Additionally, the app offers wellness features, utilizing hearing aid motion sensors for activity 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.
Active Pro IX
4.5EXCELLENT
I found the instant-fit comfort and retention of Active Pro good. Your hearing care provider can demo various ear tips to find the best fit for your ears and hearing needs.
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.
Active Pro IX
5.0EXCELLENT
Active Pro IX have a modern earbud-like look, which may be desirable depending on your preferences, and you can choose among 6 colors.
Value
Zeal
3.2BELOW AVERAGE
Oticon Zeal has a value score of 3.2/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
Active Pro IX
3.6AVERAGE
Signia Active Pro IX has a value score of 3.6/5 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.
Active Pro IX
4.8EXCELLENT
I did not run into any issues while testing Active Pro IX. However, I do wish they offered ear-level controls such as buttons, or tap controls, as it would make the streaming features more user-friendly.
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.
Active Pro IX
5.0EXCELLENT
You should receive quality hearing care and support from your provider. The Signia App should enhance your experience with AI assistance and user-friendly virtual appointments, given your provider offers telehealth services.
Lab Recordings
Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.
Zeal
Active Pro IX
Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Zeal
Active Pro IX
Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Zeal
Active Pro IX
Streaming MusicStreaming MusicStreaming music provides a full range of bass and treble
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Zeal
Active Pro IX
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.
Hardware
Zeal
Active Pro IX
AccelerometerAccelerometerThis hearing aid is capable of measuring acceleration through an embedded sensor.
No
Yes
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)
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)
IP RatingIP RatingIP Ratings rate sealing effectiveness of hearing aids against intrusion from foreign solid matter (dirt, dust) and moisture.
IP68
IP68
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
Software Features
Zeal
Active Pro IX
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
20
Adjustment SynchronizationAdjustment SynchronizationThis feature allows for a more pleasant listening experience by ensuring that both hearing aids process sound the same way. If one hearing aid changes its processing in response to noise or speech, it will send a wireless signal to the other hearing aid so both process sound in the same way.
No
e2e wireless 4.0e2e wireless 4.0Control coupling, synchronization, binaural directionality, Spatial Speech Focus, CROS/ BiCROS.
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.
No
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
Direction SelectionDirection SelectionAllows the user to select one or more directions to focus their hearing aids on. For example, some hearing aids allow the listener to focus on sounds coming from in front or back, or from the right or left.
No
- 5/5
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
Binaural DirectionalityBinaural DirectionalityDirectionality provides scientifically proven enhanced speech understanding in noise. Available for bilateral fittings with directional microphones and e2e wireless link.Spatial SpeechFocusSpatial SpeechFocusAvailable for bilateral fittings with Ultra HD e2e.
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.
TruEar 360TruEar 360Reproduces benefits of the natural pinna effect by highlighting the difference between front and back sources of sound.
Echo ReductionEcho ReductionThis feature improves speech audibility by reducing the “blurring” of speech sounds that can occur in the presence of echoes.
No
Auto EchoShieldAuto EchoShieldAutomatically creates a more comfortable hearing experience in high-reverb environments leading to increased speech clarity and natural room perceptions.
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
Conversation Dynamics AnalyzerConversation Dynamics AnalyzerPrecisely analyzing conversation dynamics 1,000 times per second including turntaking and timing, locations of pure noise without speech, and levels of background noise.Conversation Source AnalyzerConversation Source AnalyzerConstantly scouts the acoustic environment to identify number of talkers and their location, precisely analyzing 1,000 times per second.5/5RealTime Conversation EnhancementRealTime Conversation EnhancementProvides uninterrupted engagement in noisy group conversations by seamlessly tracking the locations of all conversation partners and enhancing their speech.5/5
Extended bandwidthExtended bandwidthHearing aid provides amplification at frequencies (pitches) higher than the typical hearing aid.
Yes
12kHz
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.
Yes
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.
Feedback cancellationFeedback cancellationHigh-speed monitoring and control of feedback risk in individual processing channels.
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
No
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.Also covers Wind Noise Reduction
No
Listening ProgramsListening ProgramsNumber of manually accessible listening programs (using push button, remote, app, or other switching method)
4
6
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
No
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
SoundSmoothing™: 3SoundSmoothing™Reduces the sound of clattering cutlery and rustling newspaper, etc.
Own Voice ComfortOwn Voice ComfortAmplification is applied differently to your own voice versus the other voices around you. This allows adequate amplification of people you want to hear and no over-amplification of your own voice.
No
OVP™ 2.0OVP™ 2.0Processes the wearer's own voice independent from ambient sounds, providing improved speech clarity and a natural perception of their own voice as well as background noise.
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
48
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.
No
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.
Yes
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.5 configurationsMoreSound 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.Level 1Sound EnhancerSound EnhancerDynamic gain primarily for speech, given in complex environments.3 configurations
Advanced Focus StreamsAdvanced Focus StreamsAdds up to 3 additional focus streams providing the correct amount of boost for each conversation partner's speech while allowing the wearer to stay connected to their environment.3Augmented Focus™Augmented Focus™Separates the focus sound (speech) from surroundings, creating a clear contrast between the two, which makes it easier to follow conversations.Conversation BoosterConversation BoosterDetermines the optimal balance of speech enhancement & noise reduction to augment speech while preserving the acoustic environment.5/5Dynamic Soundscape Processing 3.0Dynamic Soundscape Processing 3.0Integrates inputs for precise hearing aid optimzation, including (when available): acoustic sensors, motion sensors, OVP 2.0, noise detection, SNR analysis, and RealTime Conversation Enhancement.5/5Speech & Noise ManagementSpeech & Noise ManagementReduces listening effort using sophisticated sound processing.5/5SpeechStabilizerSpeechStabilizerPreserves the natural envelope of speech in any situation, including very
noisy situations, which preserves acoustic cues that are important for speech
understanding.
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.Also covers Handling noise reduction
eWindScreen binauraleWindScreen binauralBinaural processing of the audio signal (using Ultra HD e2e) delivers superb performance in asymmetrical wind environments.
Bottom Line
AI summarizedThe Verdict
Zeal is the pick for buyers whose top priority is disappearing in the ear without sacrificing wireless features — you're paying a steep premium for that combination of size and discretion, and the lab data shows you're not gaining sound quality for it.
Active Pro IX is the stronger value case: it scored higher in HearAdvisor's own lab testing (4.6/5 vs 4.3/5) at a lower price, and its wellness tracking and Signia Assistant add real day-to-day usefulness, provided you're fine with an earbud-style aid that's visible rather than hidden.
Which is right for you?
If budget is a real constraint, Active Pro IX is hard to argue against given it measures at least as well as Zeal while costing substantially less. Zeal only makes sense once discretion becomes a non-negotiable requirement — otherwise you're spending extra for looks rather than performance.
What to ask at your fitting
AI summarizedAsk about earmold options for Zeal
Zeal's tiny size makes it more prone to feedback and gain limits at the edges of its mild-to-severe range, so ask your provider whether a custom earmold (at extra cost) is worth it for your loss.
Try on Active Pro IX in person first
Its earbud-like faceplate is visible in the ear, so handle a demo unit and check the six color options against your preference for a more hidden look.
Discuss real-ear measurement for both
Both devices show real gains from professional tuning in our lab data (Zeal's speech-in-noise jumped to 2.9/5, Active Pro IX's to 3.0/5), so confirm your clinic performs REM rather than relying on first-fit settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
AI summarizedThey're close: Active Pro IX measured 3.0/5 and Zeal measured 2.9/5 in HearAdvisor's tuned-fit lab testing, both well above the site-wide average. Neither pulls ahead enough to be a deciding factor on its own.
No. Active Pro IX has no physical buttons or tap controls, so adjustments go through the Signia app or an optional remote, while Zeal offers tap controls for volume, programs, calls, and its tinnitus program.
Zeal is far more discreet — it's a nearly invisible completely-in-canal style — while Active Pro IX has a visible earbud-like faceplate, offered in six colors, that sits more openly in the ear.