Cochlear JV making new noise in hearing technology

Bionic ear pioneer Cochlear has formed a joint venture, Cochlear Acoustics, with Swiss hearing aid company Phonak Group to develop new technology combining implant technology with acoustic capabilities.

"The idea is that both Phonak and Cochlear have technology know-how in the field of hearing systems," said Markus Haller, CEO of Cochlear Acoustics. The new company will be based in Switzerland.

The two companies have worked together in the past, in particular combining the use of Phonak's remote microphone transmission systems with Cochlear's implants. But the venture aims to break new ground and develop implantable acoustical hearing aid systems, according to Haller.

"It's not a hybrid, it's really something different that draws from the two technologies," he said. "We have decided to focus on developing devices for patients where normal acoustic hearing aids do not provide value and cochlear implants are not suitable. We're looking for people inadequately or not properly treated with existing products."

Haller said the development of the new technology was in its infancy and would take several years to reach the market. In addition to the IP brought by each of the companies, a portfolio of patents acquired from German company Implex will be put to work, he said.

The joint venture is 75 per cent owned by Cochlear and 25 per cent by Phonak, with all funding coming from the parent companies.