ZEISS Invests in Hearing Contact Lens Technology Startup
ZEISS Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of the ZEISS Group, has announced its latest addition to its ever-growing investment portfolio with the acquisition of a stake in Vibrosonic, a cutting-edge high-tech startup headquartered in Mannheim, Germany. Vibrosonic, founded in 2016, specialises in pioneering hearing solutions powered by their patented Hearing Contact Lens® technology.
Vibrosonic's groundbreaking technology offers a revolutionary approach to addressing hearing impairments, providing superior sound quality while enabling individuals with hearing loss to lead their daily lives without constraints. The heart of this innovation lies in the world's first MEMS-based loudspeaker, ingeniously positioned directly on the eardrum - all without the need for invasive surgery. This method allows for the uninterrupted transmission of sound to the middle and inner ear, delivering a broader spectrum of sound. This, in turn, enhances voice recognition and music perception without the need to obstruct the ear canal.
The flagship product, Vibrosonic alpha, is the first hearing solution based on the Hearing Contact Lens technology. It received regulatory approval in 2021 and is currently undergoing rigorous clinical testing. Preliminary results and user feedback have indicated that Vibrosonic® alpha is on track to introduce the audiological advantages of the Hearing Contact Lens® through a fully certified hearing system.
Gerrit Schulte, Head of ZEISS Ventures, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "While there have been significant advancements in hearing aid technology, we believe that Vibrosonic's approach is truly unique. It promises not only superior audio quality for hearing-impaired patients but also the potential to significantly enhance user-friendliness and long-term comfort, aspects that are often overlooked, particularly for the elderly."
Dr. Dominik Kaltenbacher, Founder and CEO of Vibrosonic, shared his vision for the future, saying, "Our technology has made significant strides in recent years and has already gained regulatory approval for the commercialization of our first-generation product, Vibrosonic alpha. Ongoing developments, technical enhancements, and miniaturization will propel our hearing systems to the next level in the years ahead. We are delighted that ZEISS Ventures is backing our mission, not only with funding but, more importantly, with their profound medical and industrial expertise."
The partnership between ZEISS Ventures and Vibrosonic marks a significant step forward in the world of hearing solutions, promising better sound quality, ease of use, and comfort for individuals with hearing impairments. With this collaboration, both companies are poised to make a lasting impact on the field of audiology.
