Embrace Hearing vs ZOUNDS

Embrace Hearing is a US-based hearing aid provider founded in 2011 and headquartered in New Jersey. They offer a direct-to-consumer service model that focuses on affordability, convenience, and professional-grade care. Embrace sells German-manufactured hearing aids that are custom-programmed by licensed audiologists using either an online hearing test or an uploaded audiogram. Their selection includes receiver-in-canal (RIC), completely-in-canal (CIC), and behind-the-ear (BTE) models with features like rechargeable batteries, Telecoil support, BiCROS compatibility, and Bluetooth streaming. Customers benefit from transparent pricing, remote adjustments, free shipping, and a 45-day home trial. Embrace has earned strong praise for its product quality, user-friendly setup, and overall value. However, some customers have reported issues such as Android streaming limitations, lack of app-based controls, and occasional delays in support responses. The company is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau and currently holds an F rating due to a few unresolved complaints. Embrace Hearing offers a simplified path to hearing care for those seeking clinical-level service without in-office visits.

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.