Connect Hearing vs ZOUNDS

Connect Hearing was founded in 2011 and is based in Aurora, Illinois. They operate under the Sonova Group, a global leader in hearing healthcare. With clinics across the U.S., they focus on providing prescription hearing aids from Phonak and Unitron, along with hands-on support and personalized fittings from licensed specialists. Their hearing aids include features like Bluetooth streaming, app control, rechargeability, waterproof options, and tinnitus support. Select models also offer health tracking through the myPhonak app. Customers can try out devices during a risk-free trial period and get remote or in-person adjustments depending on their location. Connect Hearing works with most insurance plans and offers financing through CareCredit. Customer reviews are mixed. Many praise the sound quality, streaming features, and comfort, while others raise concerns about upselling and price transparency. Still, the availability of professional care, device variety, and strong tech features make Connect Hearing a notable option for those seeking long-term hearing solutions.

Zounds Hearing was founded in Chandler, Arizona, by Sam Thomasson. Backed by Acoustic Technologies Inc., Zounds developed its own semiconductor chips and low-power algorithms to deliver high-quality sound while keeping devices affordable. Their hearing aids were built for people with mild to severe hearing loss and came with features like intuitive noise cancellation, feedback suppression, and customizable listening modes. Each device included a 30-day free trial and a three-year protection plan. Customers could test a model at home and return it for a full refund if it didn’t meet their needs. Pricing for most models ranged from $499 to $999 per aid, with premium models like the Vizara priced at $1,499. Financing options were also available. Zounds maintained a hands-on customer experience, offering free hearing tests at their centers and personalized consultations to match users with the right device. Though the company is no longer in business, they were known for delivering strong value, comfort, and clarity to users across various lifestyles.