SYDNEY, Australia, and COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Cochlear and GN have announced the renewal and expansion of their long-standing research and development (R&D) partnership through the Smart Hearing Alliance. Originally established in 2015, the collaboration is being enhanced to further strengthen joint efforts in developing integrated hearing solutions for users of cochlear implants and hearing aids.
The expanded agreement will focus on joint R&D initiatives, technology sharing, and closer collaboration to bring new solutions to market. This effort aims to improve connectivity between hearing devices and consumer technologies such as smartphones, PCs, and other handheld devices. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 72 million people globally could benefit from a hearing device, whether a cochlear implant, hearing aid, or a bimodal solution combining both.
Recent data shows that 95% of people who were no longer benefiting from hearing aids reported improved satisfaction after switching to a smart bimodal hearing solution developed by Cochlear and GN.
From left: Peter Karlstromer, CEO of GN Group and Dig Howitt, CEO and President of Cochlear, at Sydney Harbour after signing the contract to expand the Smart Hearing Alliance and the R&D corporation between the two companies
Focus on AI, Deep Neural Networks, and Connectivity
The partnership will leverage both companies’ R&D capabilities to develop technologies based on artificial intelligence (AI) and Deep Neural Networks (DNN), with the goal of improving integration and user experience. GN’s approach to AI models natural sound processing in the brain to enhance voice clarity in complex listening environments.
“We have a proven track record of collaborating successfully with Cochlear. Expanding this partnership allows us to innovate more than we otherwise could individually. This will benefit millions with hearing loss globally, making advanced technology more accessible through integrated solutions”
–Christoph Schmid, Chief R&D Officer at GN
Jan Janssen, Chief Technology Officer at Cochlear, added, “By expanding our collaboration with GN, we can accelerate the delivery of the latest in AI and Deep Neural Networks, as well as connectivity and wireless technology to our implant recipients, providing superior performance for bimodal users.”
Ongoing Development of Bimodal Solutions
As part of the partnership’s recent work, the Smart Hearing Alliance introduced bimodal control in the Nucleus® Smart App, allowing users to manage both a compatible ReSound™ hearing aid and Cochlear Sound Processor in a single app.
The Smart Hearing Alliance continues to deliver bimodal solutions that connect Cochlear Nucleus implants, wireless accessories, and ReSound hearing aids.
About Cochlear Limited
People have always been Cochlear’s inspiration, ever since Professor Graeme Clark set out to create the first multi-channel cochlear implant after seeing his father struggle with hearing loss. Since 1981, Cochlear has helped more than 700,000 people in more than 180 countries, helping people of all ages around the world to hear. As the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, Cochlear connects people with life’s opportunities, and welcomes them to the world’s largest hearing implant community.
Cochlear has a global workforce of more than 5,000 people, with a passion for progress, who strive to meet the needs of people living with hearing loss. The company continually innovates to anticipate future needs, investing more than AUD$3 billion to date in research and development to push the boundaries of technology and help more people hear.
About GN
GN brings people closer through our leading intelligent hearing, audio, video, and gaming solutions. Inspired by people and driven by innovation, we deliver technologies that enhance the senses of hearing and sight. We help people with hearing loss overcome real-life challenges, improve communication and collaboration for businesses, and provide great experiences for audio and gaming enthusiasts.
GN was founded more than 150 years ago with a vision to connect the world. Today, inspired by our strong heritage, GN touches more lives than ever with our unique expertise and the broadest portfolio of products and services in our history – bringing people closer to what is important to them. Founded in 1869, GN Group employs more than 7,000 people.
References:
- World Report on Hearing. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. ISBN: 978-92-4-002048-1. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240020481
- Buchman CA, Herzog JA, McJunkin JL, et al. Assessment of Speech Understanding After Cochlear Implantation in Adult Hearing Aid Users: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Published online August 27, 2020. doi:10.1001/jamaoto.2020.1584
*Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always follow the directions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.
**For compatibility information and devices visit www.cochlear.com/compatibility and www.resound.com/compatibility
***Cochlear, Hear now. And always, Nucleus, and the elliptical logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the Cochlear group of companies.
Source: GN, Cochlear
