Puretone
Puretone is the UK's only remaining independent manufacturer of digital and analogue hearing aids, producing custom-moulded hearing protection, hearing instruments, tinnitus devices, and sub-miniature in-ear communications for audiologists, professional sport, aviation, music, and security customers across 90+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1976
- HeadquartersKent, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Puretone does
Puretone Ltd is a privately held, family-run UK manufacturer and distributor of hearing care products headquartered in Rochester, Kent. Founded in 1976 by Jay Choudhry (OBE 2004) and now led by his son Baz Choudhry, the company operates as the only remaining independent manufacturer of digital and analogue hearing aids in the United Kingdom. Its product portfolio spans four core categories: hearing aids (including the Audifon-manufactured Evolution Series, P Series, Innovation Series, and Legacy Devices), custom-moulded hearing protection (CENS Digital sub-brand — ProFlex DX5, Mino CENS — plus ProtectHear, Sleepzz, Swim Plugs), in-ear communications (NanoComm XPM/XPS mono-stereo headsets, NanoComm GA aviation headset at 4g, IR-series covert earpieces for security and policing), and tinnitus management devices (Sound Oasis systems, Relaxation Therapy Ball). Underpinning the range is proprietary sub-miniature electronics, custom 3D scanning and printing manufacturing, and ISO 13485:2016 medical device quality certification.
The company runs a dual-channel go-to-market: a B2B trade platform (Puretone Professionals / puretone.pro) serving audiologists and hearing aid dispensers with over 1,500 specialist products at exclusive trade pricing, and a direct-to-consumer e-commerce shop (puretone.shop) for retail accessories. Distribution combines a UK specialist retailer network with an international distributor footprint covering 85-90+ countries. Revenue is generated through one-time unit sales of quote-based hearing aids and custom-moulded products, plus standardised accessories at fixed price points. Customer segments span industrial/workplace hearing PPE, sports shooters, musicians, aviation pilots, broadcasting, security and policing, sleep/tinnitus sufferers, and hearing professionals.
Puretone is recognised by the Association of Independent Hearing Healthcare Professionals as the Best Accessories Provider (9 wins since the award began in 2007) and has received the Queen's Award for Export Achievement. The company maintains active participation in EUHA, BAA, BSHAA, and AIHHP conferences. As a privately held, family-owned limited company without external institutional investment, no funding rounds, M&A activity, or disclosed revenue are present in the available data.
Puretone firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Puretone
- Legal name
- Puretone Ltd
- Website
- https://puretone.net
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1976
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Puretone is the UK's only remaining independent manufacturer of digital and analogue hearing aids, producing custom-moulded hearing protection, hearing instruments, tinnitus devices, and sub-miniature in-ear communications for audiologists, professional sport, aviation, music, and security customers across 90+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Puretone industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Hearing Aids and Audiological Devices
- NAICS
- Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (334310)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Eye, Ear & Nasal Care OTC (Eye Drops, Ear Drops/Wax Removal, Saline Sprays) (CRADAMAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Wireless Headphones (Over‑Ear & On‑Ear) (CRACANAB), Studio / Pro Monitoring Headphones & Reference Speakers (CRACANAK), Sports & Fitness Audio (Open‑Ear, Bone Conduction, Neckband) (CRACANAD)
Keywords
Where Puretone is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Kent
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Puretone business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hearing Aids and Devices Sales: Direct sales of proprietary hearing aids ranging from basic analogue to advanced digital systems, tinnitus management devices, and specialty hearing instruments to consumers and through hearing professionals.
- Professional Trade Sales: B2B sales of accessories and audiological equipment to hearing professionals through the Puretone Professionals platform, with exclusive pricing and multi-buy discounts for registered trade customers.
- Custom-Moulded Products: Sales of custom-moulded hearing protection, in-ear monitors, communication earpieces, and specialty devices manufactured from individual ear impressions.
- E-commerce Retail: Direct-to-consumer online sales through the Puretone Shop for hearing accessories, batteries, cleaning products, and various hearing-related products with free UK delivery over £25.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Retail pricing for individual consumers through online shop |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | NanoComm GA Aviation Headset with ProtectHear earpieces |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Trade/Professional pricing through Puretone Professionals |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Sound Oasis Tinnitus Relief Devices |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Hearing Aids (Innovation, Evolution, P Series) |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels10 records
Puretone product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Puretone is the UK's only independent manufacturer of digital and analogue hearing aids, designing and manufacturing custom-moulded hearing protection (CENS Digital earplugs), hearing aids (RIE, BTE, ITC, CIC, body-worn), tinnitus management devices, and ultra-lightweight in-ear communications equipment (NanoComm). The company serves audiologists and hearing professionals through a dedicated B2B trade platform and sells directly to consumers through retail outlets and online shops, exporting to over 85 countries worldwide.
Product overview
Puretone is a UK-based manufacturer and supplier of hearing care products offering a comprehensive portfolio spanning hearing protection, hearing aids, tinnitus management, and in-ear communications. The core product lines include: (1) Hearing Protection under the CENS Digital sub-brand featuring CENS ProFlex DX5 and Mino CENS electronic earplugs for shooters, work, and music; (2) Hearing Aids including the Innovation Series, Evolution Series (manufactured by Audifon), P Series, Specialty Devices, and Legacy Devices (Etune, DAC); (3) Tinnitus Management devices including white noise generators, Sound Oasis tabletop and wearable products, and the Relaxation Therapy Ball; (4) Communication Products under the NanoComm brand (XPM mono, XPS stereo, GA aviation headsets) plus covert earpieces (IR-1D, IR-25 Pro, IR-4D, IR-55D) and presenters' earmoulds; (5) In-Ear Music Products including Micro Monitor MOVE and PRO in-ear monitors for musicians; (6) Ear plugs for swimming, sleeping (Sleepzz), and general use; (7) Audiological equipment and accessories for professionals. Products are distributed through UK retail outlets, trade shops (puretone.pro), and an online retail shop (puretone.shop).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- CENS Digital: Custom-moulded digital earplugs for hearing protection, particularly for sports shooters.
- Micro Monitor
- NanoComm
- ProtectHear
- Sleepzz
- MotoSound
Products and services
- Hearing Protection Products Custom-moulded state-of-the-art digital earplugs and in-ear hearing protection suitable for professional and amateur shooters, musicians, and industrial workers requiring hearing PPE.
- Hearing Aids Wide range of hearing solutions from basic analogue devices through to fully programmable digital systems, including RIE, BTE, custom ITC, CIC, and body-worn models, distributed to consumers via hearing professionals.
- Tinnitus Management Devices In-ear and over-ear white noise generators, desktop/beside calming sound generators, and sound pillows to help suppress tinnitus symptoms and aid sleep.
- In-Ear Communications Custom-moulded digital earplugs and microphones for security, policing, sports professionals, aviation, and broadcast communication.
- CENS Digital Earplugs (CENS ProFlex DX5) Custom-moulded digital earplugs with CENS digital technology for sports shooters, providing hearing protection with clear sound and conversation capability.
- NanoComm GA Aviation Headset Ultra-lightweight aviation headset weighing only 4g with 2.8mm diameter boom microphone and custom-moulded ProtectHear earpieces for pilots.
- NanoComm XPM Headset Ultra-lightweight mono headset with sub-miniature design featuring gooseneck boom microphone for two-way communication.
- NanoComm XPS Headset Ultra-lightweight stereo headset for general communications with enhanced sound isolation and customisation options.
- Mino CENS Electronic Hearing Protection Level dependent electronic earplugs providing 31dB SNR attenuation with CENS digital technology, available in Noir Universal and Universal versions for hearing protection while maintaining conversation capability.
- Covert Inductive Earpieces (IR Series) Miniature digital inductive covert earpieces including IR-1D, IR-25 Pro Custom, IR-4D, and IR-55D models designed for covert security and law enforcement communications.
- Micro Monitor In-Ear Monitors (MOVE and PRO) Custom-made in-ear monitors for musicians available in MOVE and PRO ranges, featuring advanced drivers delivering crisp highs and deep lows with ergonomic design and detachable cables.
- Sleepzz Custom-Fit Sleeping Earplugs Custom-fit sleeping earplugs designed for peaceful sleep, made from soft silicone for perfect fit and comfort.
- Sound Oasis Sleep Sound Therapy Sleep sound therapy devices including Bluetooth speakers, pillow speakers, and tinnitus relief systems using nature sounds.
- Evolution Series Hearing Aids Latest cutting edge hearing technology manufactured by Audifon and distributed by Puretone, launched in 2022 for advanced hearing solutions.
- P Series Hearing Aids Complete and updated product selection of hearing aids designed for all hearing needs from cosmetic solutions to powerful solutions.
- Specialty Hearing Devices Body worn hearing aids, spectacle aids for glasses wearers, and headband bone conduction systems for specialized hearing needs.
- Audiological Equipment and Supplies Professional audiological supplies including otoscopes, video otoscopes, wax removal systems, impression taking materials, and shop display equipment for hearing professionals.
- MotoSound Motorcycle Earpieces Compact custom-made communication earplugs for motorsport, designed to fit under crash helmets for in-helmet audio.
- Swim Plugs and Surf Plugs Custom moulded silicone swim plugs and surf plugs offering water protection for ears during swimming and watersports, with Pro versions including built-in filter.
Quantifiable outcome
- 31dB SNR attenuation with Mino CENS electronic earplugs
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Puretone
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Puretone technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature6 records
Puretone partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- AudifoncoreAudifon manufactures the Evolution Series hearing aids which Puretone distributes. This is a key manufacturing and distribution partnership for Puretone's advanced hearing instrument range.
- Lloyd's RegistercoreQuality assurance certification partner providing ISO 13485:2016 certification for medical device quality management systems.
- Tinnitus UKcoreCorporate membership supporting tinnitus awareness, patient education, and advocacy. Puretone refers customers to Tinnitus UK for information and support.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves1 record
Expansion highlights5 records
Puretone competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Sonova (Phonak, Unitron): Sonova is the world's largest hearing aid company, owning Phonak and Unitron. It competes directly with Puretone's hearing aid lines across audiologist channels globally but operates at vastly greater scale with broader portfolio and R&D.
- Demant (Oticon): Demant owns Oticon, Bernafon, Sonic, and Philips Hearing, competing across all hearing aid tiers. Comparable to Puretone as a hearing aid manufacturer serving hearing professionals, though with much broader portfolio and global reach.
- GN Hearing (ReSound, Beltone): GN Hearing markets ReSound and Beltone hearing aids and Jabra consumer audio. Directly comparable to Puretone in the hearing aid category with overlap in professional dispensing channels and complementary in-ear audio products.
- WS Audiology (Widex, Signia): WS Audiology was formed from the merger of Widex and Sivantos (Signia) and is among the largest hearing aid manufacturers globally. Directly comparable to Puretone's hearing aid business and competes in the same UK and European professional dispensing channels.
- Starkey Hearing Technologies: Starkey is a US-headquartered hearing aid innovator (largest American-owned in the category), with comparable focus on custom-moulded and digital hearing aids as Puretone, but at much larger scale with global retail and professional channels.
- 3M PELTOR: 3M PELTOR is a global leader in hearing protection and communication headsets for industrial, aviation, and military markets. Directly comparable to Puretone's CENS hearing protection and NanoComm communication lines, but with vastly larger scale and broader product range.
Direct peers
- Audifon: Audifon is a German hearing aid manufacturer that OEMs Puretone's Evolution Series and also sells directly in many of the same European markets. It is both Puretone's manufacturing partner and a direct competitor in advanced digital hearing aids.
- Etymotic Research: Etymotic makes high-fidelity earplugs and in-ear monitors for musicians and audiophiles. Comparable to Puretone's Micro Monitor IEMs and custom hearing protection, serving overlapping professional music and hearing conservation segments.
- Sensaphonics: Sensaphonics specializes in custom-moulded in-ear monitors and hearing protection for professional musicians and audio engineers. Closely comparable to Puretone's Micro Monitor and ProtectHear products in terms of customization, customer base, and use case focus.
- ACS Custom (Advance Communication Solutions): ACS Custom is a UK manufacturer of custom-moulded in-ear monitors, hearing protection, and communications earpieces. Directly comparable niche competitor to Puretone's Micro Monitor, NanoComm, and ProtectHear lines in the UK pro audio and broadcast markets.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Puretone social profiles
Digital presencePuretone compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Puretone financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Puretone leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Puretone funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Puretone M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Puretone
What does Puretone do?
Puretone is the UK's only independent manufacturer of digital and analogue hearing aids, designing and manufacturing custom-moulded hearing protection (CENS Digital earplugs), hearing aids (RIE, BTE, ITC, CIC, body-worn), tinnitus management devices, and ultra-lightweight in-ear communications equipment (NanoComm). The company serves audiologists and hearing professionals through a dedicated B2B trade platform and sells directly to consumers through retail outlets and online shops, exporting to over 85 countries worldwide.
Is Puretone a public or private company?
Puretone is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Puretone founded?
Puretone was founded in 1976. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Puretone based?
Puretone is headquartered in Kent, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Puretone make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Hearing Aids and Devices Sales are the primary driver. The others are professional Trade Sales, custom-Moulded Products and E-commerce Retail.
Who are Puretone's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Sonova (Phonak, Unitron), Demant (Oticon), GN Hearing (ReSound, Beltone), WS Audiology (Widex, Signia), Starkey Hearing Technologies and 3M PELTOR. Direct peers are Audifon, Etymotic Research, Sensaphonics and ACS Custom (Advance Communication Solutions).
Does Puretone have an API?
No public API is recorded for Puretone.
What industry is Puretone in?
Puretone's product category is Hearing Aids and Audiological Devices. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRADAMAG, Eye, Ear & Nasal Care OTC (Eye Drops, Ear Drops/Wax Removal, Saline Sprays), with a secondary code of CRACANAB, Wireless Headphones (Over‑Ear & On‑Ear). Its NAICS code is 334310.