Knowles Releases New Balanced Armatures and MEMS Microphones for OTC Hearing Aids

Knowles Corporation is showcasing its latest solutions optimized for over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids at the CES 2023 show in Las Vegas. The new product releases unveiled ahead of the show offer performance and design flexibility to accelerate the production of hearing health products. Three full-range balanced armature receivers and two updated MEMS microphones will fulfill the rigorous demands of hearing aid design and acoustic performance.

Multiple perspectives to inspire you in the new year. A Market Update on Bone Conduction Transducers, an article on the development of the Taction Transporter haptic transducer, and a valuable article by Hans W. Gierlich explaining an effective approach for testing structure-borne sound applied to in-ear developments. Andrew Bellavia writes about why the FDA’s OTC hearing aid rule could be quickly obsolete, Adam Levenson introduces the new Audio Foundry automotive audio development platform, and René Christensen makes its debut with audioXpress, writing about simulation techniques

To signal World Hearing Day, Yamaha announced a new product in its True Sound lineup, focused on better hearing and hearing health. The new Yamaha TW-E5B True Wireless Earbuds are engineered for a superior listening experience and comfort, with a new Listening Care feature that delivers consistent loudness and intelligent equalization, allowing users to enjoy the same full-range sound even at lower listening volumes. The new TW-E5B earbuds also feature an advanced mic design with Qualcomm cVc for improved calls and Ambient Sound, allowing users to be aware of their surroundings.

Sonova Holding AG, the Swiss hearing care solutions company, has successfully closed the previously announced acquisition of the Consumer Division from Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG, creating a new Consumer Hearing business unit. Sennheiser will now focus exclusively on professional audio solutions, keeping Neumann.Berlin as the only separate brand, while the Sennheiser Group aims to achieve sustainable growth.

A familiar name in in-ear monitors for athletes, musicians, music producers or music enthusiasts, Westone Audio built a strong business with innovative products that have been praised for many years in its market segment. That division is a part of a larger enhance hearing health and communications business. For Texas-based Lucid Audio, the Westone acquisition perfectly complements its strategy in the pro and consumer in-ear monitor business, following the acquisition of Etymotic in 2018.

Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference opened with a series of spectacular announcements, updating all the company's operating systems: iOS 14, iPadOS 14, watchOS 7, and tvOS 14. WWDC20 will be remembered also for the major transition for macOS and the Mac to a completely new processor architecture. This event was full of exciting announcements across all platforms, and the unveiling of a new AirPods firmware update, bringing spatial audio support for AirPods Pro.

The new Noise app, introduced with watchOS 6 for any Apple Watch Series, helps users understand the ambient sound levels in environments such as concerts and sporting events that could negatively impact hearing. As the sound levels change, the app’s decibel meter moves in real time. The watch can send a notification if the decibel level reaches 90 decibels, which can begin to impact hearing after four hours per week of exposure at this level, according to the World Health Organization.