Semtech and Sonova Partner Up to Create Hearing Aid for Better IoT Connectivity

Radio system intended for use in Sonova’s hearing aids.

Hearables

Technology

Consumer

Image: Semtech

Semiconductor maker Semtech and innovative hearing care solutions provider Sonova Holding AG announced they jointly developed advanced radio system intended for use in Sonova’s hearing aids. This ultra-small integrated circuit (IC) is a main component for a new generation of hearing aids, enabling support for multiple radio protocols in the 2.4GHz band, as well as effective operation on very low power.

“This chip allows Sonova to move in a new direction with our hearing aids,” said Marc Secall, Director Research & Development Wireless at Sonova, said in a press release. “The breakthrough radio technology and power management are the game changers for hearing aids. It allows them to support a number of applications that have previously not been possible in a hearing aid, all at low power consumption and low supply voltage. Possible applications span from connectivity to any Bluetooth® enabled audio device (e.g. a smartphone or television) to full duplex audio streaming between hearing aids and connectivity to wireless microphones.”

Jean-Paul Bardyn, Vice President of Research and Development of Semtech’s Wireless and Sensing Products Group said his company continues to create flexible and reliable solutions for the best radio frequency connectivity at the lowest power and 0.8V supply voltage. “Sonova has long been a leader for hearing devices. By implementing Semtech’s technology and enabling access to the Cloud, we believe that these devices will enrich the IoT-connected solutions which Semtech is serving with LoRa Technologt,” he said.

Stafa, Switzerland-based Sonova is the leading provider of innovative hearing care solutions. The group operates through its core business brands Phonak, Unitron, Hansaton, Advanced Bionics, and AudioNova.

Semtech Corporation is a California-based leading supplier of high-performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and advanced algorithms for high-end consumer, enterprise computing, communications, and industrial equipment.