Sony OTC Hearing Aids Loom Via Partnership With WS Audiology
Sony is partnering with WS Audiology Denmark to develop and supply over-the-counter self-fitting hearing aids, beginning in the U.S., the companies said Tuesday. They will combine their respective technological and medical expertise to create products “that will shape this new…
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field,” the companies said. Sony will bring audio and product miniaturization capabilities, its brand and its consumer sales and service infrastructure; WSA brings its hearing aid technology and distribution in the professional channel, they said. Their goal is to bring to market OTC hearing aids that can be used “naturally and comfortably,” for purchase “more easily and by all people,” and with easy-to-use personalization features, they said. The collaboration comes nearly a month after the FDA published its final rule, effective Oct. 17, establishing a category of OTC hearing aids for consumers with mild to moderate hearing loss for purchase at a pharmacy or online without the need for a visit to an audiologist (see 2208170033). Details of the first product, including price, will be released closer to the yet-to-be-announced launch, said Sony and WSA.