COPENHAGEN, Denmark and SYDNEY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GN ReSound, the leader in Smart Hearing™ aids, and Cochlear Limited (ASX:COH), the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, today announced a strategic alliance to develop the world’s smartest bimodal hearing solutions. This innovative collaboration will improve the hearing outcomes for more people of all ages with moderate to profound hearing loss. It will simplify the management of hearing solutions for hearing health professionals.
Cochlear and GN ReSound have had a successful history of collaborating on technology and product development, which started in 2011. The collaboration has brought to market the implantable hearing industry’s first bimodal solution using True Wireless™. With GN ReSound’s leading 2.4 GHz wireless technology, recipients of Nucleus® 6 and Baha® 5 implants can stream sound directly to their ears without wires or bulky neck-worn components.
To develop and commercialise the world’s smartest bimodal solutions, the Smart Hearing Alliance will significantly expand the existing collaboration. It will extend the market reach and offerings of both organisations, and leverage our technology leading positions in implantable hearing, hearing aids and wireless solutions.
The Smart Hearing Alliance will deliver bimodal solutions connecting Baha® bone conduction implants, Nucleus® cochlear implants, wireless accessories, Beltone and GN ReSound Smart Hearing™ aids, the first Made for iPhone hearing aids. Smart bimodal solutions will improve hearing outcomes and experiences, and simplify recipient management for hearing health professionals.
“This greatly expanded partnership makes incredible strides in bringing natural, effortless hearing to more consumers with the most severe types of hearing loss. We are thrilled to have the opportunity not only to strengthen our joint development, but also commercialise the smartest bimodal hearing solutions”, said GN ReSound CEO Anders Hedegaard and Cochlear CEO Chris Smith.
Mr Hedegaard said: “GN ReSound is committed to advancing what is possible for people with hearing loss. This collaborative offering will help us change the lives of so many more people.”
Mr Smith said: “This is a big step forward for our customers and professionals. The majority of cochlear implant recipients are bimodal users, so simplifying the management and improving the performance of their hearing solutions will be a huge benefit.”
The GN ReSound hearing aids used in these bimodal fittings will include the ReSound and Beltone brands. The Smart Hearing Alliance will be implemented by countries from early 2016.
About GN ReSound
GN ReSound is a leading international developer and manufacturer of advanced and innovative hearing healthcare solutions. The company offers a full range of hearing aids, accessories and diagnostic instruments under the ReSound, Beltone, Interton, and Otometrics brand names. GN ReSound’s revolutionary wireless technology allows wearers to personalize their hearing like never before. With its unique sound processing designed to mimic the natural ear, GN ReSound is making life sound better. ReSound’s revolutionary hearing aid technology is available through a global network of hearing care professionals. Consumers can find more information about ReSound’s portfolio of Smart Hearing aids on www.resound.com.
About Cochlear Limited
As the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, Cochlear is dedicated to bringing the gift of sound to people with moderate to profound hearing loss. Products include hearing solutions for cochlear, bone conduction and acoustic implants. We have helped over 400,000 people of all ages live full and active lives by reconnecting them with family, friends and community. We give our recipients the best lifelong hearing experience and access to innovative future technologies. For our professional partners, we offer the industry's largest clinical, research and support networks. That’s why more people choose Cochlear than any other hearing implant company.
