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Comarch and WS Audiology: Creating Bluetooth Hearing Aids That Change Lives

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Comarch and WS Audiology: Creating Bluetooth Hearing Aids That Change Lives

The history of hearing aids goes back as far as the 17th century when the first ear trumpet was invented. Since then, hearing devices have come a long way and revolutionized healthcare, the medicine industry, and, most importantly, the lives of millions of people around the world. Now, they’re emerging in the new era with Bluetooth wireless technology – and Comarch with WS Audiology is here to support it.


Development of Bluetooth hearing aids


Bluetooth hearing aids are small sound-amplifying devices that allow users to connect to other wireless accessories. They were first launched in 2005 when Starkey Laboratories introduced their ELI device. Since then, new Bluetooth hearing aids specifications and tools have emerged, leading to more compact and convenient designs. As a global leader in the hearing aid industry, WS Audiology is one of the companies contributing to this change. In 2021, WSA began working on a project to create a new generation of hearing aid devices supporting Bluetooth protocol connectivity. With the help of Comarch, which includes support in high-quality firmware with the use of C++ and Python, as well as providing a test framework for Bluetooth modules, WSA was able to meet its goals and is now on the way to becoming the top hearing aids producer on the market.


How does Comarch contribute to the new generation of hearing aids?


To create this project, WS Audiology needed a team of highly-qualified engineers with deep Bluetooth connectivity expertise. Thanks to our vast experience in embedded software development and healthcare solutions, Comarch was able to help. The first step was to build a testing platform as the basis for the further development and verification process. Then, we developed the device’s low-level drivers in C++ and implemented Bluetooth module support for the audio stream services. We have also provided the test framework to ensure usability and support the further implementation of planned features. Overall, Comarch has provided WSA with a team of 11 specialists who have been in continuous and close cooperation with the organization. Together with WSA, we are shaping the future of modern health solutions that help people from around the globe.


What are the benefits of Bluetooth in hearing aids?


WSA’s developments in Bluetooth hearing aids are hugely improving the everyday lives of many people worldwide. How exactly does this technology make their struggles easier?
Here are the main benefits of hearing aid devices with Bluetooth connectivity:

  • They allow a personalized listening experience.
  • They ensure very high sound quality.
  • They enable mobile connectivity – you can connect them to TV, laptops, and smartphones to listen to your favorite shows or music.
  • They let you control internal settings remotely with a dedicated secure mobile app.


About WS Audiology


WS Audiology is a private manufacturer of hearing aids operating in Denmark and Germany. The company develops, sells, and distributes state-of-the-art hearing devices and solutions under brands such as Signia, Widex, Rexton, Audio Service, Vibe, and more. WSA has gained many accolades for its innovative designs and groundbreaking technologies. The company sells around 5.5 million units of hearing aid devices each year.