The European Patent Office (EPO) in Munich announced today that Danish hearing aid producer Widex is in the race for the European Inventor Award 2012. Widex is nominated for its breakthrough technology CAMISHA - a sophisticated method of manufacturing individual hearing aid shells, earmoulds and ear-pieces.
15 finalists have been selected from over two hundred candidates and Widex is one of only three to be nominated in the 'Industry' category for its unique CAMISHA technology.
CAMISHA - A GROUND-BREAKING PATENT
CAMISHA stands for Computer Aided Manufacturing of Individual Shells for Hearing Aids. It uses laser technology to make an impression of the hearing aid user's ear canal and turns this data into a 3D computer model. This is then used as a basis for the manufacturing of individual shells and earmoulds that fit the user's ear canal exactly.
CAMISHA has greatly improved the comfort of In-the-canal hearing aids, and allowed for shells that are not only smaller and more discreet, but fit the shape of the ear better. Moreover, it has made the manufacturing process far more easy and precise.
"In the past, the manufacturing process was very cumbersome," explains Jan Tøpholm, CEO of Widex. "Our CAMISHA technology has become the dominant way of making shells and earmoulds."
This Widex patented technology is licensed to all major hearing aid manufacturers and ear labs, and has revolutionized the manufacturing of shells and earmoulds across the entire industry.
TECHNOLOGICAL LEADERSHIP
Widex has been at the forefront of hearing aid technology for more than five decades, and is known for technological advances such as the first digital In-the-ear hearing aid and ground-breaking wireless technology WidexLink. The nomination for the European Inventor Award once again reinforces the innovative capacities of the company, which holds more than 150 patents worldwide.
"The hearing aid industry is a competitive, high-tech branch that requires you are constantly able to maintain and strengthen your expertise in innovation", says Jan Tøpholm. "I am very proud of this honour;it illustrates the way our ability to innovate cements our technological leadership. CAMISHA technology has revolutionised the way we produce In-the-ear hearing aids and has made a huge difference for hearing aid users the world over."
Launched in 2006, the European Inventor Award (EIA) is granted annually by the EPO to outstanding inventors for their contribution to technological, social and economic progress and is presented in five categories: Industry, Research, SMEs, Non-European Countries and Lifetime Achievement.
The winners of the 2012 EIA will be announced during an award ceremony in Copenhagen on June 14.
Read more at www.epo.org
ABOUT WIDEX:
Widex is a family owned company founded in Denmark in 1956. Today, it is the world's sixth largest manufacturer of hearing aids. Widex hearing aids are sold in more than 100 countries around the world, and the company employs 3,000 people worldwide. For more information about Widex, visit www.widexpro.com
