Phonak Hearing Aids

Phonak is a leading innovator among hearing aid manufacturers, producing their first portable hearing device in 1950. For over 70 years, Phonak was a leader in the development of wireless communication, which led to the production of a long line of firsts in the hearing aid technology industry.

A pair of glasses with integrated hearing aids called Visaton Super was their first innovation in 1967, followed by the world’s first BTE (behind-the-ear) hearing aid (Phonette) in 1970. A new type of audio input that became the basis for FM hearing devices was developed by Phonak in 1979.

The first digitally programmed hearing aid with an analogue processor, PICS, was made available in 1992, while the company’s AudioZoom multi-microphone concept came out 1994, and MicroLink, the first tiny FM receiver, was introduced into Phonak devices in 1996.

1999 saw the release of the first digital hearing system with FM receiver and the tiny MLx ear-level FM receiver hearing system came the following year. SmartLink (2003), Phonak’s Bluetooth integration technology, became a crucial element in the development of bionic systems like Binaural VoiceStream Technology that helped to improve sound distinction by up to 45% in noisy environments.

Development of a water-resistant housings in 2008, along with the use of nano-digital technology, made it possible for Phonak to design and manufacture the world’s only extended wear hearing product.