Staefa, Switzerland – 21 June 2017 – Phonak, the leading global provider of hearing instruments and wireless communication solutions, is celebrating 70 years of life-changing innovations with an Open Door Day on June 24 at Sonova’s global headquarters in Staefa, Switzerland. The company is commemorating its seven decades of technological breakthroughs for people with hearing loss by honoring its dedicated employees and thanking its valued customers.
“Since 1947, Phonak has helped bring together the most talented groups of people to break down the barriers of hearing loss in people’s lives,” said Thomas Lang, Senior Vice President of Phonak Marketing. “We are not only celebrating seven decades of major breakthroughs in hearing innovation but also 70 years of dedication toward a brighter future — a future made possible by our employees’ unique spirit and commitment as well as our customers’ trust in us. Together, they help fulfill our vision to create a world where all people enjoy the delight of hearing and where ‘Life is On’ for everyone.”
A proud history of changing lives
For 70 years, Phonak has helped pioneer the world’s most innovative hearing solutions while achieving countless milestones. The company introduced its first portable hearing aid in 1950 and the world’s then most powerful behind-the-ear (BTE) device in 1978. Phonak revolutionized people’s hearing aid experience in 1994 with AudioZoom, the breakthrough multi-directional microphone technology that improves understanding in background noise. And in 1999, it unveiled Claro, the company’s first fully-digital hearing aid with revolutionary signal processing technology.
By the new millennium, Phonak continued to lead the market in technological innovation and audiological expertise. In 2007, the company collaborated with the University of Melbourne to develop SoundRecover, the first frequency compression technology. By 2010, the Phonak Lyric was introduced as the world’s first and only 100% invisible hearing aid, worn 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Last year, the company launched Audéo B-R, a lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aid which offers 24 hours* of hearing with one simple charge. These pioneering innovations have been part of Phonak’s legacy of developing highly-advanced hearing solutions that enable people to thrive socially and emotionally. They also serve as the foundation upon which Phonak will continue to build future generations of hearing technology over the next 70 years.
January 12, 1994 - Phonak goes public; Hans-Ueli Rihs, Andy Rihs and Beda Diethelm on the way to the Swiss Stock Exchange.
A day to celebrate — 70 years in the making
On Saturday, June 24, Phonak will proudly celebrate its 70-year history at the Sonova Open Door Day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Sonova’s global headquarters in Staefa, Switzerland. The event is expected to draw in approximately 8,000 people and will feature a self-guided tour of the building including labs, Research & Development and a separate tour of the production facility. Among the highlights of the day will be Phonak’s “Walk of Fame,” a visual experience that showcases Phonak’s innovations from 1947 to present.
It was in 1947 when Zurich-based AG für Elektroakustik, the company that would later become Phonak, was first formed. Eighteen years later, Ernst Rihs acquired a majority shareholding in the company and renamed it Phonak AG. Rihs was soon joined by his two sons, Hans-Ueli and Andy Rihs, who along with Beda Diethelm became equal shareholders.
To honor these humble beginnings and prepare for a brighter tomorrow, a special microsite has been created: www.70.phonak.com. On the site, visitors can join in the 70-year celebration by thanking someone special using the Phonak card creator. Creating a card is as simple as uploading a photo (or choosing a predefined card design), customizing a message, and sending. Phonak also invites guests to take a look at its history page detailing the company’s milestones and innovations since 1947.
* Expected results when fully charged, and up to 80 minutes wireless streaming time. Please refer to www.phonakpro.com/evidence.
