GN Store Nord A/S
Company Announcement

GN Store Nord invests in innovative ear scanner technology within the hearing aid industry

Copenhagen, 2012-11-14 14:34 CET -- Today, GN Store Nord has entered into an agreement with 3DM Systems, a US based company, which has succeeded in developing a truly innovative and unique ear scanner technology. The technology is at an advanced stage, as documented by user tests, and ready to be implemented in a final device. With the agreement, GN Store Nord has acquired the exclusive, perpetual and global rights to manufacture and sell the technology in the hearing aid industry. The investment is made as a part of GN Store Nord’s exploratory research projects aiming at discovering potential new business opportunities.

The new ear scanner technology will enable a precise electronic three dimensional impression of the ear. The scan is conducted within a few minutes by the dispenser and can immediately be emailed to the relevant hearing aid manufacturer or ear mold lab. The solution is a significant improvement of the current practice in the industry with obvious benefits for end users, dispensers and manufacturers.

Today’s most common solution entails a silicone impression of the patient’s ear followed by physical shipment to the manufacturer or ear mold lab that scans the impression in a table-top scanner. The 3DM technology will allow the dispenser to obtain a precise image of the ear – from deep in the ear canal to the outer ear. Accurate measurement of the ear canal offers end users benefits due to superior fit and quality of the final hearing aid while at the same time avoiding discomfort from the silicone impression. For the dispenser, the new technology reduces remakes and returns and saves considerable overall fitting, shipping and order handling time.

Lars Viksmoen, member of the Executive Management in GN Store Nord and CEO of GN ReSound, says: “This new breakthrough technology will offer an important innovation of the hearing solutions provided by GN. The investment underlines GN’s commitment to provide unique and innovative solutions with real user benefits to the market. Replacing silicone impressions with three dimensional scanning is an old dream in the hearing care industry. With this new technology the dream is about to come true. The benefits of the ear scanning will be offered to all dispensers as well as all hearing aid and ear mold manufacturers for the benefit of hearing impaired people around the world.” 

The initial acquisition price amounts to USD 12 million with potential additional performance based fees once the product is launched. The investment does not impact the financial guidance for 2012.

For further information, please contact:

Michael Bjergby

Director - IR, Communications, CSR & Treasury

GN Store Nord A/S

Tel: +45 45 75 02 92