What Phonic Ear does

Phonic Ear A/S is a Danish hearing-assistive technology company and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Demant A/S hearing healthcare conglomerate (which also owns Oticon and Bernafon). Founded in 1963 with roots tracing to 1907, the company is headquartered in Smørum, Denmark, and develops three core product lines: (1) Høretekniske hjælpemidler — a broad consumer portfolio of hearing assistive devices including the Signolux wireless alarm system, UNO System 4.0 communication and TV listening solution, Crescendo 60 amplifier, amplified telephones, TV audio streamers (EarisMAX Auracast sender, Flex 5000, Set 860, Earis PR, LA-240 loop amplifier), tinnitus therapy devices, and a portfolio of Oticon/Oticon Medical/Bernafon-compatible accessories (EduMic, ConnectClip, SoundClip-A, TV-A); (2) Sound field lydsystem — the EDU System 4.0 classroom audio system with T20/T10 transmitters, X40 transceiver, S20/S40/A20/A40 speakers, T50 media sender, and R20 neckloop receivers; and (3) Elacin custom-moulded hearing protection across Music, Drive, Active, At Work, Swim, and Relax variants. Core underlying technologies include Auracast Bluetooth LE Audio, induction loop (telespiral) systems, FM-based wireless transmission, and custom ear-impression moulding.

The business operates a single-country, Denmark-only distribution model combining a direct-to-consumer e-commerce channel (order2day.com), a login-protected professional webshop (order2day.dk), a primary retail partnership with Audika's ~50 hearing clinics nationwide, regional distributor Faber Lyd A/S for Northern Jutland sound field installations, and Danish public communication centres (Kommunikationscentre) that provide advice and process municipal subsidies (Sygesikring). Pricing is one-time/perpetual across the hardware catalogue, with accessories and consumables (spare parts, Perfect Dry Lux drying boxes, custom earplug reorders) providing recurring revenue. Customer segments span individuals with hearing loss (primary), Danish schools, elderly care facilities (plejecentre), and industrial/music/motorsport users of hearing protection. The company is privately held, not publicly traded, holds an AA Bisnode credit rating, and is a registered Demant Group subsidiary with no independent funding history.

Name

Phonic Ear

Legal name

Phonic Ear A/S

Website

https://phonicear.dk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1907

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Phonic Ear A/S is a Danish subsidiary of Demant that develops hearing assistive devices, classroom sound field systems (EDU 4.0), and Elacin custom hearing protection, selling to consumers, schools, care homes, and industrial users across Denmark.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Hearing Assistive Devices

NAICS

Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (334310), Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists (621340)

SIC

Household Audio & Video Equipment (3651), Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841)

akta.pro primary industry

Hearing Enhancement / Assistive Listening Audio Devices (CRACANAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Assistive Listening & Classroom Audio (FM/DM, Soundfield) Systems (EDAKAIAE), Microphones, Headsets & Audio Input Devices (HDACAFAH), Headphones & Personal Audio Retail (Earbuds, ANC, DACs) (CRACAEAG)

Keywords

• Hearing assistive devices
• Sound field systems
• Custom hearing protection
• Classroom audio systems
• Wireless hearing technology

Headquarters

HQ city

Petaluma

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Personnel

Revenue model

1. Hearing Assistive Devices Sales: Phonic Ear sells a broad portfolio of hearing assistive devices directly to consumers (via webshop) and through channel partners (Audika, specialist distributors). Products include communication systems (UNO System 4.0), TV listeners, amplified phones, alarm systems (Signolux), wake-up alarms, tinnitus maskers, and accessories. Revenue is generated primarily through one-time product sales, with accessories and spare parts as a secondary revenue stream.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Phonic Ear A/S develops and delivers a broad portfolio of hearing assistive devices and audio distribution systems, organized into three families: (1) Høretekniske hjælpemidler — wireless communication systems (UNO System 4.0), Signolux alarm systems, amplified telephones, TV/music streamers, wake-up alarms, and tinnitus therapy devices for individuals with hearing loss; (2) the EDU System 4.0 sound field audio system distributing teacher and student voices evenly throughout classrooms; and (3) the Elacin sub-brand of custom-moulded hearing protection for music, motorsport, workplace, swimming, and sleep use cases. Products are sold primarily through Audika hearing clinics, the order2day webshops, and Danish public communication centres.

Product overview

Phonic Ear is a Danish company (Phonic Ear A/S) owned by Demant A/S, with over 100 years of experience in hearing and audio technology. Its product portfolio consists of three main categories: (1) Høretekniske hjælpemidler — hearing assistive technology including the Signolux alarm system, UNO system 4.0 (X40 Transceiver + T50 Transmitter), Crescendo 60, amplified telephones (Beafon ML10LTE, PowerTel 196, Swissvoice Xtra 1110/2355, BigTel 48 Plus, AmpliPOWER 40), TV solutions (EarisMAX Auracast sender, Flex 5000, Set 860, Earis PR, LA-240), mobile phone accessories (Easy LE Adapter, Signolux smartphone sensor, iBell2), wake-up alarms (Shake:up, Wake'n'Shake Vintage/Curve, Voyager, Star, Signolux vækkeur), tinnitus therapy (Sound Oasis S-680-02), and Oticon/Bernafon/Oticon Medical accessories (EduMic, ConnectClip, ConnectLine TV Adapter, SoundClip-A, TV-A, Perfect Dry Lux); (2) Sound field lydsystem — the EDU System 4.0 for classrooms comprising T20 Transmitter (teacher mic), T10 Transmitter (student mic), X40 Transceiver (personal mic), S20/S40 and A20/A40 Speakers, T50 Transmitter (media sender), and R20 Neckloop; and (3) Høreværn / Elacin ørepropper — custom-made hearing protection under the Elacin sub-brand including Elacin Music, Drive, Active, At Work, Swim, and Relax. The products are distributed through Audika stores, private retailers, the order2day.com webshop, and public communication centres in Denmark.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Elacin: Hearing protection and earplugs brand including Music, Drive, Active, At Work, Swim, and Relax product lines.

Products and services

• EDU System 4.0 — Sound Field Audio System A flexible sound field audio system for classrooms that distributes the teacher's voice evenly throughout the room, ensuring students in the back row hear as well as those in the front, while reducing teacher voice strain and supporting students with hearing loss.
• UNO System 4.0 — Wireless Communication and TV Solution A wireless communication system and TV solution for people with hearing loss, consisting of X40 Transceiver (wireless microphone) and T50 Transmitter (TV media sender), enabling clearer conversations in noisy environments and direct TV audio streaming to hearing aids via Auracast.
• Signolux Alarm System A modular wireless alarm system for people with hearing loss, consisting of senders (doorbell button, direct sender, acoustic sender, smoke alarm detector, sound monitor) and receivers (beacon, light receiver, light+sound receiver, wireless vibrator, alarm clock/receiver, smartphone gateway) that alert users to doorbells, phone calls, smoke alarms, and personal calls via visual, auditory, and vibrational signals.
• Linkx Wireless Communication System (Care Facility) A wireless communication system for care staff and group settings, featuring a transmitter with clip or headset microphone worn by the speaker and multiple receivers (single-ear headphone or neckloop) distributed to listeners, enabling people with hearing loss to participate in group activities, cultural events, and tours.
• Elacin Custom Hearing Protection / Earplugs Custom-made hearing protection and earplugs under the Elacin sub-brand with variants for multiple use cases: Elacin Music (musicians, DJs, concert venues), Elacin Drive (motorcyclists, motorsport), Elacin Active (DIY, gardeners, hunters), Elacin At Work (industrial environments), Elacin Swim (water sports, children with ear tubes), and Elacin Relax (sleep, concentration). Made from soft materials custom-fitted to each individual's ear impressions for comfort and effective noise reduction while preserving speech intelligibility.
• Amplified Telephones A range of amplified telephones designed for people with hearing loss, including Beafon ML10LTE (SIM-card desk phone with SOS bracelet), PowerTel 196 (with telecoil, caller ID, call blocking), Swissvoice Xtra 1110 (with telecoil and boost), Swissvoice Xtra 2355 (cordless with answering machine), BigTel 48 Plus (large buttons, +40 dB boost), and AmpliPOWER 40 (extra-strong amplification with telecoil).
• TV and Music Streaming Solutions A range of wireless TV and music audio solutions for people with hearing loss, including EarisMAX Bluetooth Auracast sender (streaming from non-Bluetooth sources), Flex 5000 (wireless TV/radio/music amplifier), Set 860 (wireless TV listening system with stetoclip for non-hearing-aid users), Earis PR (TV and music amplifier with neckloop and conversation microphone), and LA-240 telespiral amplifier (telecoil loop for hearing aid users).
• Wake-up Alarms and Vibrating Alarm Clocks A range of alarm clocks for people with hearing loss who remove hearing aids at night, including Shake:up (Bluetooth pillow vibrator with HT-Connect app), Wake'n'Shake Vintage (classic analogue with vibration, sound, light), Wake'n'Shake Curve (vibrating alarm with light/sound), Voyager (compact portable travel alarm), Star (vibrating alarm with pillow vibrator), TravelTim (compact travel vibrating alarm), and Signolux alarm clock/receiver.
• Sound Oasis S-680-02 Tinnitus Sound Therapy Device A sound therapy device for people with tinnitus, sleep problems, stress, or those needing relaxation or noise masking. Delivers professional-quality sound with 23 sounds on a micro SD card including nature sounds and 13 frequency-specific sounds for tinnitus relief.
• Crescendo 60 — Personal Communication Amplifier A user-friendly communication amplifier with telecoil for people who need extra amplification during conversations and social gatherings. Features adjustable volume and tone, with built-in telecoil for listening to loop systems. Comes with headphones.
• Mobile Phone Accessories (Easy LE Adapter, iBell2, Signolux Smartphone Sensor) A suite of accessories for mobile phone use by people with hearing loss: Easy LE Adapter (Bluetooth LE Audio adapter connecting Android devices and computers to hearing aids; produced by Minami Acoustics Limited), iBell2 (mobile phone sensor detecting vibrations and activating flashing light alerts), and Signolux smartphone sensor (detects smartphone rings, SMS, and alarms via screen vibrations and routes through Signolux receivers).
• Oticon, Oticon Medical and Bernafon Accessories Accessories from Phonic Ear's Demant Group sister companies distributed through Phonic Ear's Danish channels: EduMic (wireless partner microphone for Oticon and Bernafon hearing aids and Oticon Medical bone-anchored systems), Oticon ConnectClip (wireless headset for phone calls and music), Oticon ConnectLine TV Adapter (TV audio streaming), Bernafon SoundClip-A (wireless headset and partner microphone for Bernafon hearing aids), Bernafon TV-A TV Adapter, and Perfect Dry Lux UV drying box for hearing aids.

Quantifiable outcome

• Sound field systems distribute the teacher's voice evenly throughout the classroom, so students in the back row hear as well as those in the front row.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Demant A/ScoreOthersPhonic Ear A/S is a Danish-owned company and wholly owned subsidiary of Demant A/S, one of the world's leading hearing healthcare groups. Demant includes Oticon A/S and Bernafon, two of the world's leading hearing aid companies. Being part of the Demant Group provides Phonic Ear with over 100 years of hearing and audio expertise, shared R&D capabilities, and a global supply chain.
• Oticon A/ScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOticon A/S is a sister company within the Demant Group. Phonic Ear's product portfolio includes Oticon accessories (ConnectClip, ConnectLine TV Adapter, EduMic) and Bernafon accessories (SoundClip-A, TV-A), which are distributed through Phonic Ear's Danish sales channels alongside its own products. The companies share technology (e.g., Auracast, Bluetooth LE Audio) and distribution infrastructure within the Demant ecosystem.
• BernafoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBernafon is a sister company within the Demant Group. Phonic Ear distributes Bernafon accessories including SoundClip-A and TV-A through its Danish retail and webshop channels, complementing its own hearing assistive device portfolio.
• AudikacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAudika is the primary retail chain distributor for Phonic Ear hearing assistive devices across Denmark. Audika operates approximately 50 hearing clinic locations nationwide covering Funen, Jutland, Zealand, and the islands. The partnership enables in-person advice, demonstrations, and fitting services for Phonic Ear products.
• Faber Lyd A/SminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFaber Lyd A/S is an authorised distributor for Phonic Ear's EDU System 4.0 sound field products in the Northern Jutland region of Denmark. Located at Grøndalsvej 8, 8832 Skals, Faber Lyd handles sales and support for sound field installations in schools across Nordjylland.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• FrontRow: Provider of classroom audio and sound field systems for K-12 education. FrontRow's teacher microphone, student pass-around, and classroom speaker solutions directly compete with Phonic Ear's EDU System 4.0 in the school sound field market.
• Ampetronic: UK-based specialist in hearing loop (induction loop) and assistive listening technology. Ampetronic's teleloop amplifiers and counter loops are directly comparable to Phonic Ear's LA-240 teleslyngeforstærker and telespiral systems.
• Lightspeed Technologies: US manufacturer of classroom audio systems, sound field amplification, and assistive listening devices for schools. Lightspeed's Redcat and other teacher-mic systems directly overlap with Phonic Ear's EDU 4.0 product family in addressing classroom speech intelligibility.
• Bellman & Symfon: Swedish developer of assistive listening devices, alarm systems, and communication solutions for people with hearing loss. Bellman & Symfon's product range (visit alerting, TV listeners, personal amplifiers) directly overlaps with Phonic Ear's hearing assistive portfolio and serves the same end-customer segment.
• Williams Sound: US-based specialist in assistive listening, hearing loop, and FM/DM systems for venues, schools, and houses of worship. Williams Sound's product portfolio in personal listeners, sound field systems, and tour-guide systems directly parallels Phonic Ear's assistive listening and education product lines.
• Comfort Audio: Swedish manufacturer of digital wireless communication systems and hearing assistive technology for people with hearing loss. Comfort Audio's portfolio of personal listeners, conference microphones, and loop systems competes head-to-head with Phonic Ear's UNO and EDU product lines.

Broad incumbents

• Sonova (Phonak): Global hearing aid conglomerate whose Phonak brand includes Roger wireless microphones and FM/DM systems used in classrooms. Phonak is a broader incumbent with significant overlap in assistive listening and classroom audio, but operates at much larger scale than Phonic Ear.
• Oticon: Sister company within the Demant Group and one of the world's largest hearing aid manufacturers. Oticon's ConnectClip and TV Adapter accessories are distributed by Phonic Ear, but Oticon itself is a broader hearing aid incumbent with potential for assistive functionality integration.
• GN Hearing (ReSound): Hearing aid manufacturer (ReSound, Jabra) within GN Group, with wireless accessories and TV streamers that overlap with Phonic Ear's hearing assistive accessory portfolio. A broader incumbent whose hearing aids increasingly absorb assistive functionality.
• Sennheiser (Sonova consumer division): Premium audio and headphone manufacturer with significant overlap in TV listening, wireless headphones, and audio streaming devices — categories where Phonic Ear competes with Set 860, Flex 5000, and Earis products.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/phonicear

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Phonic Ear