The Venture hearing aid is equipped with a microcontroller and a dual-core DSP subsystem, maximizing computing power and minimizing current consumption using an audio processing IC with extremely low power consumption. The device's microphone input features a wide dynamic range, which is key to the device's sound quality.

Wireless audio and data streaming are managed by a separate IC built around Near Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) radios. This technology provides a dense Body Area Network optimized for low power consumption and low latency. NFMI technology offers unique capabilities for hearing aid applications as well as robust wireless earbud applications and sensor networks within and around the body. Both ICs operate at a battery voltage as low as 1V and consume approximately 1mW for typical hearing aid applications.

As a leader in the hearing aid industry boasting innovative hearing assistance solutions, Sonova has long driven innovation in the industry using advanced semiconductor technology and design. Recognized as a trusted supplier in the hearing aid industry, NXP has built a rich portfolio of low-voltage sensors, signal processing, and connectivity solutions. This was precisely why Sonova chose NXP as a partner to jointly build, develop, and supply critical components for its next-generation platform.

With over 360 million people worldwide suffering from hearing impairment, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that hearing impairment is the most common sensory impairment globally. Hearing impairment is not limited to age-related disabilities; the number of young adults and child patients is also steadily increasing. Hearing impairment leads to a decline in communication skills, and if left untreated, it can result in economic and educational disadvantages as well as social isolation.

More than 15% of the global adult population suffers from hearing loss, yet only one in five uses a hearing aid. While hearing aids can be an effective treatment in many cases, penetration remains low at around 20% even in developed countries. Sonova and NXP are addressing the main issues regarding hearing aid use—such as a lack of awareness among the disabled, battery life, ease of use, form factor, sound quality, and price—through a new platform.

Andi Vonlanthen, Vice President of Sonova’s R&D Group, stated, “The venture platform we developed jointly with NXP doubles the processing power and wireless bandwidth of existing solutions while reducing battery consumption by over 30%. This has enabled improvements in the user’s hearing aid experience regarding the operation of complex signal processing algorithms, sound quality, and ease of use.” He added, “One example is our AutoSense operating system, which allows the hearing aid to automatically and seamlessly adapt to changing ambient sound environments, making the user feel very natural.” “Thanks to close cooperation with NXP, we were able to achieve groundbreaking performance by optimizing the platform from the system to the transistor level,” he stated.

Bart De Loore, NXP Vice President and General Manager of the Personal Health Products Group, stated, “When we first launched this program, we faced the difficult challenge of doubling processing power and bandwidth while reducing current consumption and meeting strict form factor constraints. I am proud to have kept our promise with the Sonova team,” adding, “NXP pushed the boundaries of technology to enable smart, secure, and wirelessly connected wearable sensor nodes that are compact. We have demonstrated the benefits of our wireless NFMI technology in demanding medical wearable applications. The underlying technology fit perfectly with the requirements for extremely low power, robust wireless streaming, and sensor signals surrounding the body.”