Annual Report 2010/11 - Sonova

and a global distribution network ensure that people around
the world will hear and communicate better every day.
Technology leader thanks to platform concept
Sonova has become an innovation leader and is one of the
biggest drivers in the fast-paced evolution of state-of-the-art
hearing technology. Research and development is a key
source of strength for the Sonova Group. R&D expenditures
totaling CHF 108 million in the financial year 2010/11
enable the company to stay one step ahead of the market
and to continue setting new standards in areas such as
miniaturization, wireless technologies, and sound quality.
Thanks to a platform concept that is unique in the industry,
Sonova is able to quickly transform technological innovations
into a complete product portfolio under a number
of brands, thus leveraging synergies and achieving economies
of scale. Every two to four years, Sonova introduces a
new platform that forms the basis for new products launched
every six to nine months.
This modular principle, which was introduced in 2002, comprises
four key components: the processor, the algorithms,
the mechanical design, and the fitting software. The heart
of the product is the processor, which is identical in all
models based on a given platform. The algorithms form the
basis for different functions. Mechanical components such
as speakers, microphones, and housings are combinable and
are installed in multiple models. The fitting software, which
can be used for all models on a given platform, makes it
possible to fine-tune the hearing instruments to meet the
end customer’s individual needs.
HEARING CARE SOLUTIONS
Type of hearing loss:
sensorineural
mixed
conductive
• Behind-The-Ear hearing instruments (BTE)
• FM systems
Custom In-The-Ear hearing
instruments (ITE)
• Hearing protection
• Wireless communication systems
• Earphones
SONOVA GROUP
Middle ear implants
Cochlear implants
Invisible extended-wear hearing instruments
Sonova has launched three platform generations to date.
The PALIO and CORE platforms set new standards in microchip
technology in 2004 and 2007. With the launch of the
Spice platform in the fall of 2010, Sonova combined the
highest performance hybrid in the industry with an elegant
product design and innovative fitting software, underscoring
its technology leadership once again.
High-tech manufacturing
The new Sonova technology and manufacturing center in
Stäfa, Switzerland, was officially opened in October 2010.
With this project, worth more than CHF 40 million, the Sonova
Group is investing in Switzerland as a business location
and in the top quality of its products. A significant portion of
Sonova’s total manufacturing is handled in Stäfa, with a
focus on high-tech components for hearing systems; 90% of
hearing solutions manufactured in Stäfa are exported around
Hearing instruments
Cochlear implants
Degree of hearing loss: mild moderate (40 to 70 dB) severe (70 to 90 dB) profound
DACS
Bone anchored hearing systems
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