Smarter sound solutions R
eSound is part of the global GN ReSound Group, one of the world’s biggest providers of hearing-aid devices and diagnostic instrumentation products. Established in Denmark in 1943, ReSound has been committed to audio innovation from the outset, which has resulted in many audiology firsts. These include its ‘wide dynamic range compression system’ (WDRC) and digital feedback suppression, (DFS) which was the first system to eliminate howling and sound distortion in headsets. Furthermore, the company developed the world’s first open-standard digital-chip to enhance programming flexibility. Headquartered in Ballerup, Denmark, GN ReSound is present in more than 60 countries worldwide and continues to draw on its broad range of R&D facilities and centres of excellence located around the globe. Today the GN ReSound Group has more than 5,500 employees and its parent company, GN Store Nord, is listed on the Nasdaq Copenhagen Stock Exchange.
Smarter Hearing alliance Recently GN Hearing A/S, the medical device division of the GN Group, and Cochlear Limited of Australia, the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, have signed a landmark agreement to significantly expand their Smart Hearing Alliance collaboration.
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GN ReSound is a global leader in the development of ‘smart’ hearing aids that enhance the lives of those suffering from hearing loss. Since its inception, ReSound has been responsible for a string of ground breaking solutions including its 2.4GHz-hearing technology, rechargeable systems and unified headsets. Philip Yorke reports.
This Smart Hearing Alliance was first established in 2015 in order to develop the most integrated and best-in-class hearing solutions. This special collaboration gives hearing aid and implant recipients access to the latest advances in connectivity and wireless technology. This new technology allows bimodal recipients to achieve seamless connectivity between a Cochlear implant in one ear, and a GN hearing aid the other. The strengthening of this alliance involves joint research projects, extended sharing of new technology and greater commercial collaboration between the two. The vision for this new collaboration includes a focus on fast-moving connectivity and wireless technology, which in turn will help leverage research and investment in the development of both firmwear and software technologies. GN Hearing CFO Marcus Desimoni and Cochlear CEO & President Dig Howitt welcomed the signing of the new agreement. Desimoni said, “This strengthened alliance is an important step forward for millions of people with disabling hearing loss, by making available the most advanced technology more accessible and simplifying the experience with more integrated solutions. This strategic partnership is a very smart and cost-effective way to expand the R&D capacity of both companies in order to reach our goals”.
