HIMSA to Release New “Industry Standard” Wireless Hearing Aid Programmer: Noahlink Wireless
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK — The Hearing Instrument Manufacturers’ Software Association (HIMSA), maker of the popular hearing aid programming interface Noah, has announced the upcoming launch of what they are dubbing as the “new wireless programming standard” for programming Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) enabled hearing aids. The new NoahlinkTM Wireless programming device was created with guidance and cooperation…
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An Update on Recent Hearing Device Activity
The U.S. private hearing aid market experienced a marked increase in June, as total hearing aid unit sales grew 13% compared to June, 2015. During that same period of time, the Veteran’s Administration system, which comprises about 20% of the total U.S. market saw their year-over-year unit sales decline 3%. This according to data published…
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Phonak to Offer Industry-First, Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Hearing Aids
Swiss-based hearing aid manufacturer, Phonak, has announced that it will soon be launching a new hearing aid platform Belong, which will include rechargeable lithium-ion technology. The new recharging technology will be included in Phonak’s upcoming Audeo B-R Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) product line. While rechargeable batteries themselves are certainly not new to hearing aids, the use of…
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European Retail Chain Hoping to Fetch €500 Million
ROTTERDAM — AudioNova, one of the largest hearing aid retailers in Europe, is on the auction block, according to recent reports. AudioNova, owned by the investment company HAL Trust, has more than 1300 hearing aid retail stores across 12 countries in Europe, including Germany and France. Amplifon, William Demant, Sonova and Sivantos are reported to be…
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Samsung Hearing Aid Rumors Heat Up: Reports Claim Company Nearing Official Launch
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — After months of silence following reports in April 2015 that consumer electronics titan Samsung was planning to launch its own hearing aid, to coincide with the release of its next flagship Galaxy S7 smartphone, a number of reports surfaced last week that suggest Samsung may be readying its official launch into the hearing…
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Sonova Says Next Generation of Instruments to Use Standard 2.4GHz Connectivity
STAEFA, SWITZERLAND — Major hearing instrument manufacturer Sonova, during its 2015 Investor and Analyst Day at its international headquarters in Switzerland, has confirmed that it will incorporate 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, with a new chip, in its next generation of hearing instruments. The new chip will use the standard protocol, rather than the current 2.4GHz system used in…
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Advanced Bionics Receives FDA Approval for New Cochlear Sound Processors
VALENCIA, CALIFORNIA – Advanced Bionics has announced that FDA approval has been received for two new cochlear implant sound processors, the Naida CI Q30 and Q90 processors. The company also announced that a new version of its SoundWave fitting software, version 2.3, also received approval from the FDA. A member of the Sonova Group since 2010, Advanced…
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Sonova to buy Hansaton, and two hearing aid retailers; also plans cost-cutting steps
STÄFA, SWITZERLAND—Sonova Holding AG, the world’s largest hearing aid manufacturer, announced today (March 2) that it will acquire three German hearing aid companies: Hansaton Akustik GmBH, which is a family-run hearing aid wholesaler, and two retail chains, Vitakustik GmbH and Fiebing Hörtechnik GmbH. The purchase prices were not disclosed. Sonova,…
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William Demant and ReSound reach agreements with major hearing aid retailers
By David H. Kirkwood COPENHAGEN–Two of the hearing aid industry’s Big Six companies–William Demant, parent company of Oticon, and GN ReSound—are taking steps to strengthen their retail distribution channels. Demant announced yesterday (February 17) that it is negotiating to buy a majority interest in Audika Groupe, the largest network of hearing aid centers…
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Bernstein Research is bullish on ReSound; sees it gaining on Sonova and Demant
By David H. Kirkwood LONDON–Bernstein Research, a leading analyst of the hearing aid industry, sees continued growth and higher stock prices in 2015 and beyond for GN Store Nord (GN), parent company of ReSound. However, as the title of its latest report, Hearing Aids: A Review of the Major Sector Trends Going into 2015. Still…
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