Technology Update SessionSession 1C This study presents the development and evaluation of Oticon Zeal™, an in-the-ear hearing aid that incorporates rechargeability, advanced wireless connectivity, second-generation artificial intelligence (AI) sound processing, and flexible fitting options, including same-day dome fittings and custom earmolds. The device was assessed through both laboratory-based technical measurements and a comparative clinical field trial.Technical performance was evaluated using a high-frequency head and torso simulator to measure the Speech Intelligibility Index (SII) in quiet conditions, comparing Oticon Zeal with two premium Oticon devices: a miniRITE (Oticon Intent™) and a CIC (Oticon Own SI™). Additional analyses included output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) enhancement in noise and attenuation of sudden sounds, benchmarking Oticon Zeal against three leading commercially available CIC-style hearing aids. The clinical component involved a two-week, crossover field trial with 14 experienced hearing aid users with diverse hearing loss profiles. Participants compared Oticon Zeal to Oticon Own 1 CIC in everyday listening environments. Outcome measures included the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12-C), post-trial preference ratings, and qualitative interviews.Results indicated that, in quiet, Oticon Zeal provided SII values comparable to the reference devices across mild to moderately severe (N2-N4) hearing losses, suggesting equivalent access to speech cues. In noise, Oticon Zeal achieved up to 6 dB SNR enhancement at typical SNRs and outperformed the three comparator CIC devices in default settings. For sudden sound attenuation, Oticon Zeal demonstrated significantly greater attenuation than comparator devices in default and maximum settings, and the SuddenSound Stabilizer showed a flexible attenuation range comparable to its implementation in miniRITE devices. Clinically, SSQ12-C ratings favored Oticon Zeal across speech understanding, sound quality, and spatial hearing domains, with statistically significant advantages over the reference CIC device. Overall, 85% of participants expressed a preference for Oticon Zeal, citing improved speech clarity, reliable connectivity, and rechargeability.In summary, Oticon Zeal matched the audibility performance of other premium Oticon devices, exceeded competitor CIC devices in speech clarity and sudden sound management, and was preferred by users in real-world conditions. These findings support the device as a discreet, full-featured in-the-ear solution for individuals seeking advanced hearing aid technology.
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