Hear.com vs ZOUNDS

Founded in 2012 in Berlin by Dr. Marco Vietor and Paul Crusius under the name Audibene, hear.com expanded to North America in 2015 and now operates from its dual headquarters in Miami and Berlin. As a part of WS Audiology, the company reaches customers in over ten countries and works with more than 2,000 licensed hearing care providers. Their product lineup includes discreet ITE and BTE hearing aids equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable batteries, smart sound technology, and moisture-resistant designs rated IP67 or IP68. All models support iOS and Android through a dedicated app, allowing users to adjust settings, switch hearing programs, stream audio, and check battery life directly from their phones. Customer experience is built around convenience and confidence. hear.com offers a 45-day risk-free trial supported by personal coaching through their Hearing Success Program. Users can choose between in-person fittings with local specialists or remote sessions via tele-audiology. Plans are subscription-based, with Mid-Level, Advanced, and Premium models averaging $139, $169, and $199 per month, respectively. These packages include fittings, adjustments, the app, and ongoing support.

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.