Oticon Intent vs. Oticon Zeal: Which AI-Powered Hearing Aid Is Right for You?

If you’ve been researching best AI hearing aids, you’ve likely seen Oticon Intent everywhere. Now Oticon Zeal is entering the conversation—because it brings rare “premium-level” tech into a nearly invisible in-ear design.

Here’s the short version:

  • Both are built on Oticon’s Sirius platform and use DNN 2.0 (second-generation deep neural network) sound processing.
  • The biggest difference is the form factor:
    • Intent = RIC (receiver-in-the-ear) style
    • Zeal = NXT in-the-ear category device designed for discretion

If you’re new to Zeal, these primers may help first:

What they share: Sirius + DNN 2.0 AI sound processing

Sirius platform (shared foundation)

Oticon describes Sirius as a platform built for hearing aids and explicitly notes it includes an embedded second-generation DNN for noise suppression and clarity.

DNN 2.0 (shared AI approach)

Oticon’s own technical literature for Intent details DNN 2.0 as part of the Intent technology stack, supporting listening—especially in noise.
Zeal’s launch materials also position it as having advanced AI sound processing in a discreet design.

What this means in real life: both devices aim to help your brain sort speech from noise more effectively than “basic amplification,” especially in restaurants, meetings, and group settings.

The core difference: form factor (and what that changes)

Oticon Intent: RIC (receiver-in-the-ear)

RIC styles typically offer:

  • easier physical handling (larger controls/battery form factor options)
  • flexible receiver power options
  • more room for features/sensors

Intent is also positioned around sensor-driven BrainHearing support (including movement/conversation/environment inputs).

Oticon Zeal: NXT in-the-ear (ultra-discreet)

Zeal’s core advantage is discretion—a category built to remove the “people will notice” barrier while still offering premium features.

Quick comparison (how most patients decide)

Choose Intent if you want:

  • maximum flexibility in a RIC style (fit options, handling, power configurations)
  • a platform positioned around sensor-driven personalization (4D sensor tech messaging)

Choose Zeal if you want:

  • the most discreet look possible without giving up modern connectivity/features
  • an in-ear design engineered for durability + moisture resistance (encapsulation/IP68)

FAQs

Are both “AI hearing aids”?

Yes—both are positioned around Sirius + DNN 2.0 sound processing.

Is Zeal basically “Intent tech in an invisible device”?

At a high level, they share the core platform/AI processing approach, but they’re optimized for different wear styles and use cases (RIC flexibility vs. NXT discretion).

Which is better in noise?

Both are designed for speech-in-noise support. The “better” choice depends on your hearing loss, ear anatomy, coupling, and verification (REM)—not just the chip.

CTA

Curious whether Intent or Zeal is the best match for your lifestyle—and your ears?
Visit California Hearing Center in San Mateo, CA for a comprehensive hearing evaluation and personalized fitting recommendations.

Contact: https://calhearing.com/contact/
Call: 650-342-9449