Akustica signs MEMS hearing aid deal

Jan. 14, 2003 — Akustica Inc. said it has signed a deal to develop acoustic MEMS technology for a major manufacturer of advanced hearing instruments.

The Pittsburgh-based maker of MEMS-based microphones and speakers said it will collaborate on a prototype system for next-generation hearing aid products made by GN ReSound. The Danish firm, a subsidiary of GN Great Nordic, sells devices under several brand names, including Danavox, Beltone, Philips and Viennatone.

GN ReSound said that in addition to offering lower costs and higher reliability than current technology, Akustica’s AkuSound Capture Chips and Sound Reproduction Chips would help create a more intelligent hearing aid. An Akustica official declined to discuss commercialization plans, but the company said in a written statement it was confident the technology would become GN ReSound’s preferred choice in future products.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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