Hear.com Horizon Go IX vs Oticon Zeal

The Hear.com Horizon Go IX is a premium prescription behind-the-ear hearing aid released in 2024, priced at $6,500. In HearAdvisor's lab testing, it earned an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.4/5, ranking #19 among 39 prescription hearing aids tested. Speech performance is a clear strength for the Horizon Go IX. It scores 4.0/5 in speech-in-quiet conditions—0.64 points above the category average—delivering strong audibility in conversational settings. Speech-in-noise performance also exceeds the category average by 0.46 points, though at 2.6/5 the absolute score remains mixed, meaning challenging listening environments may still pose difficulties. Own-voice comfort is the device's most notable weakness, scoring just 1.8/5—a low result that falls 0.90 points below the category average. Users sensitive to how their own voice sounds may find this limiting. Feedback handling scores 4.4/5, which is strong in absolute terms, though slightly below the category average of 4.72/5. Music streaming performance is essentially average at 2.7/5. At this price point, shoppers face stiff competition. Several alternatives in the same premium tier—including the Phonak Sphere Infinio, Oticon Intent, and Widex Allure RIC 440—deliver higher overall scores. Devices like the Rexton Reach R-Li T80 at Costco offer comparable or better sound performance at lower prices. The Horizon Go IX is best suited for users who prioritize speech clarity and have access to this product through hear.com's network, but those flexible on brand should compare alternatives before committing.

The Oticon Zeal is a premium prescription hearing aid in the invisible-in-ear style, carrying an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.7/5 in our lab testing. Priced at $4,798, it ranks #6 among 39 prescription hearing aids tested, placing it in the top 13% of its category. Speech performance is where the Zeal truly excels. Our testing measured an excellent 4.9/5 for speech in quiet—1.48 points above the category average—making it one of the strongest performers for everyday conversations. Speech in noise also scores a solid 3.0/5, sitting 0.93 points above the category average of 2.11/5, indicating reliable performance in moderately challenging listening environments. Music streaming quality registers at a solid 3.3/5, which is 0.54 points above the category average. However, the Zeal shows some limitations in other areas. Own-voice comfort scores a mixed 2.0/5, falling 0.70 points below the category average—something to consider if own-voice naturalness is a priority. Feedback handling measures at 3.3/5, which is solid in absolute terms but sits 1.42 points below the category average of 4.72/5. The Oticon Zeal is best suited for wearers who prioritize exceptional speech clarity and want a discreet, invisible-in-ear form factor. Those especially sensitive to feedback or own-voice effects may want to discuss these trade-offs with their hearing care provider during fitting.