Premium Hearing Aid "Oticon Zeal" Wins Red Dot Design Award 2026

Oticon, the flagship hearing aid brand of Demant with over 120 years of history (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President: Toru Saito), announced that its all-in-ear premium hearing aid, "Oticon Zeal," has received the Red Dot Design Award 2026 in the product design category. The Red Dot Design Award is one of the world's three most prestigious design awards.

The Red Dot Design Award evaluates products based on criteria such as user-centric design, usability, and innovation, and the "Zeal" was recognized for embodying these elements.

This award symbolizes Oticon's long-standing commitment to innovation and reinforces the belief that exceptional design plays a critical role in helping people confidently take the first step toward "better hearing."

■ About the Award-Winning Product

"Zeal" was developed with the concept of harmonizing "invisibility" and "fully-featured functionality," aiming to eliminate the trade-off between size, performance, and functionality. Through its advanced and refined design, it blends naturally into daily life while delivering the performance required of a premium hearing aid.

Furthermore, in addition to superior sound quality, it supports seamless connectivity, including Auracast™ broadcast capabilities, opening new possibilities such as access to audio and announcements in public spaces. It features a rechargeable battery suitable for all-day use and rapid charging capabilities, supporting modern lifestyles with both convenience and reliability—all packed into a discreet in-the-ear design.

Additionally, the design considers both hearing aid users and hearing care professionals, contributing to lowering the barriers to hearing aid adoption and fostering more positive consultations and dialogues.

■ Comments from Toru Saito, President of Oticon Hearing Aids

"I am very pleased that 'Oticon Zeal' has received the Red Dot Design Award. For about seven years, Oticon has been working to create a new category of hearing aids that transcends traditional frameworks. I believe this product has the potential to be a 'game changer' that presents new value for hearing aids. By integrating proven technologies into a discreet in-the-ear design, we have achieved a product that balances 'invisibility' with 'high-functionality,' such as AI technology and digital device connectivity, addressing traditional challenges. Through 'Zeal,' we hope to reduce the stigma associated with hearing aids and lower the hurdle for adoption for more people. I hope this will contribute to improving hearing aid usage rates in Japan, enhancing people's quality of life, and promoting healthy longevity."

■ About the "Red Dot Design Award"

The Red Dot Design Award is an internationally prestigious design competition organized by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Germany, held annually since 1955. It is one of the world's top three design awards. Global design experts judge entries based on innovation, functionality, ergonomics, ecology, and durability.

■ About Oticon

Founded in 1904 in Denmark, Oticon is a leading hearing aid manufacturer representing Demant. Guided by the mission "Life-changing technology," it promotes product development based on the proprietary "BrainHearing™" philosophy, which considers hearing from the brain.

■ About Demant Group

Demant is a world-leading hearing healthcare group providing innovative technology, solutions, and expertise in areas including hearing care, hearing aids, and diagnostic equipment and services. Headquartered in Denmark, the group employs over 26,000 people and operates in 130 countries, and is listed on the NASDAQ Copenhagen stock exchange.