Prime Highlights

• Sonova launches its third real-time AI hearing-aid platform.
• Phonak EON aims to improve speech clarity and reduce listening effort.

Key Facts

• Sonova is a Swiss hearing-care technology company.
• EON will expand to major European markets in September.

Background

Swiss hearing-care company Sonova has launched its third hearing-aid platform using real-time artificial intelligence, as it seeks to strengthen its position in the growing hearing-care market and attract new users.

The new Phonak EON platform features a smaller and lighter hearing aid with advanced technology designed to improve speech clarity. Sonova said the platform can make speech twice as understandable while reducing the effort needed to listen in noisy environments.

Sonova was the first company to introduce a hearing aid using real-time AI to separate speech from background noise in 2024. The latest platform builds on that technology as the company looks to encourage existing users to replace older devices and attract first-time customers.

Anders Rosengren, Sonova’s head of research and development, said EON combines a smaller design with improved speech processing. The company expects strong adoption among both replacement and new customers.

Oliver Lux, president of Sonova’s EMEA and Latin America regions, said the platform supports the company’s premium market strategy. Sonova has not announced pricing for the new hearing aid.

The company launched EON in the US in August. It plans to introduce the platform in Australia and major European markets, including Germany, France, Italy and the UK, in September. A wider global rollout will follow.

Sonova also sees strong growth opportunities in Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Under CEO Eric Bernard, the company has placed greater focus on Asia-Pacific, where ageing populations are supporting demand for hearing-care products.

The company expects the new platform to support its medium-term growth plans as competition in the hearing-aid market increases.