NSDSK

What NSDSK does

NSDSK (Nederlandse Stichting voor het Dove en Slechthorende Kind) is a Dutch non-profit foundation (Stichting) founded in 1953 and headquartered in Amsterdam, providing specialized audiological and speech-language care. Its primary focus is the early identification and treatment of hearing loss and language developmental disorders (TOS) in young children aged 0-4, while also serving older children and adults with hearing complaints, tinnitus, and hyperacusis through its Audiologisch Centrum Holland Noord (ACHN). It is the national knowledge center for neonatal hearing screening (VOG) and operates the CANG administrative system, a web-based platform required by all JGZ organizations nationally to monitor the neonatal screening process.

The organization operates three diagnostic centers (ACHN in Alkmaar, STAN in Landsmeer, STAP in Amsterdam Southeast) supported by a network of treatment groups: De Ster (TOS, ages 2-4, with 20+ locations), De Knipoog (deaf/hard-of-hearing, ages 1.5-4), De Zon (phonological disorders, ages 3+), and Fonopoli (intensive multidisciplinary diagnostic-treatment, ages 4-8). It also runs Ambulant Teams providing home-based support. Its core technology stack includes the proprietary CANG administrative system, the Hoor & Kijk mobile app for parent-child communication, evidence-based practice (EBP) methodology with a dedicated Research & Development department, and the Deelkracht multi-year research consortium (since 2019). It is FENAC- and ISO 9001-accredited, CRKBO-registered, and the only nationally recognized trainer for clinical physics audiologists (with VU Medisch Centrum) and GZ-psychologists (with De Bascule) in this specialization.

NSDSK generates revenue primarily through reimbursable healthcare services under the Dutch Zorgverzekeringswet (ZVW), with annual contracts covering 2026 held with all major Dutch health insurers (Zilveren Kruis/Achmea, VGZ, CZ, Menzis, DSW, a.s.r., Zorg en Zekerheid, ONVZ, Caresq/Eucare, Salland). Supplementary revenue streams include passing patient rates for uninsured patients, professional training through the NSDSK Academie (CRKBO-registered, VAT-exempt), and the Deelkracht research program. All healthcare services are accessed via referral from GPs, ENT specialists, pediatricians, youth doctors, or StAr-registered audiologists; from May 2025 all referrals to ACHN/STAN/STAP are processed digitally via ZorgDomein. The organization operates as a single legal entity with 51-100 employees across North-West Netherlands, with no parent company, subsidiaries, or external investment.

Name

NSDSK

Legal name

Nederlandse Stichting voor het Dove en Slechthorende Kind

Website

https://nsdsk.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1953

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

NSDSK is a Dutch non-profit foundation (founded 1953, Amsterdam) providing specialized audiological and speech-language care for deaf/hard-of-hearing children and children with language developmental disorders (TOS) across North-West Netherlands, operating as the national knowledge center for neonatal hearing screening (VOG/CANG).

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pediatric Audiological and Speech-Language Healthcare Services

NAICS

Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists (621340), Educational Support Services (611710), Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (54172)

SIC

Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090), Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Speech & Language Therapy (Early Intervention) (EDACAFAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Assistive Technology & AAC for Young Children (EDACAFAL), Developmental Screening & Assessment (0–5) (EDACAFAA)

Keywords

• Audiological healthcare services
• Speech-language diagnostics
• Neonatal hearing screening
• Early intervention therapy
• Hearing rehabilitation services

Headquarters

HQ city

Amsterdam

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Healthcare services under Zorgverzekeringswet (ZVW): NSDSK's core revenue comes from healthcare services funded through the Dutch mandatory health insurance system (Zorgverzekeringswet). The audiologisch centrum declares total costs of procedures (investigations and (telephone) conversations, including preparation and reporting time) over a defined period to the health insurer. Pricing depends on the category (Audiologisch Product) corresponding to the amount of care. For Fonopoli treatment, care is reimbursed under ZVW without deductible and without co-payment. Children under 18 are exempt from the mandatory excess.
2. Passantentarieven (Passing Patient Rates): For uninsured patients or those with foreign insurance, NSDSK charges passing patient rates for treatments. These tariff details are published separately.
3. NSDSK Academie - Training and Courses: NSDSK offers specialist training, e-learnings, and education for professionals through the NSDSK Academie. Programs focus on care for deaf/hard-of-hearing young children and children with language developmental disorders. The organization is CRKBO registered, meaning training programs are exempt from BTW (VAT). Also offers in-company custom programs.
4. Deelkracht Research Program: NSDSK participates in the multi-year Deelkracht research program (since 2019) with other expertise organizations and stakeholder groups, contributing to scientific research outcomes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

NSDSK is a Dutch non-profit foundation operating audiological and speech-language healthcare services, with a primary focus on early identification and intervention for children aged 0-4 years with hearing loss or language developmental disorders (TOS). The organization delivers diagnostics, treatment programs, neonatal hearing screening coordination, professional training, and adult audiological care through three diagnostic centers (ACHN, STAN, STAP) and a network of 20+ treatment group locations across North-West Netherlands. Revenue is generated primarily through Dutch mandatory health insurance reimbursements (ZVW) for clinical services, with additional revenue from professional training programs and research collaborations.

Product overview

NSDSK (Nederlandse Stichting voor het Dove en Slechthorende Kind) is a Dutch healthcare organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of audiological and speech-language services. The organization operates as a unified platform comprising three main diagnostic centers (ACHN, STAN, STAP) supported by multiple treatment groups (de Ster, de Knipoog, de Zon) and the Fonopoli intensive program. Core offerings include neonatal hearing screening (VOG/CANG system), diagnostic hearing and speech-language assessments, tinnitus treatment, and early intervention programs for children with hearing loss or language developmental disorders (TOS). Additional services include the NSDSK Academie for professional education, a PGO data access system, and the Hoor & Kijk mobile app. The organization serves clients across North-West Netherlands through 22+ treatment locations and provides national coordination for neonatal hearing screening through its CANG software platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ACHN (Audiologisch Centrum Holland Noord): Audiological center providing hearing and speech-language diagnostics, advice, and treatment for children and adults with hearing complaints or speech and language problems.
• STAN (Spraaktaalcentrum Amsterdam Noord)
• STAP (Spraaktaalcentrum Amsterdamse Poort)
• De Ster
• De Knipoog
• De Zon
• Fonopoli

Products and services

• Audiologisch Centrum Holland Noord (ACHN) Audiological diagnostic and treatment center providing hearing tests for children and adults, speech-language research, tinnitus treatment, hyperacusis treatment, hearing aid advice and fitting, and hearing rehabilitation in North Holland. Services require referral from GPs, medical specialists (ENT, pediatrician), youth doctors, or StAr-registered audiologists.
• Spraaktaalcentrum Amsterdam Noord (STAN) Speech-language research center in Landsmeer (Amsterdam North) conducting speech-language diagnostics for (young) children. Houses De Ster, De Zon, and Fonopoli treatment groups.
• Spraaktaalcentrum Amsterdamse Poort (STAP) Innovative speech-language center in Amsterdam Southeast collaborating with primary care speech therapists and the Logopedie (Speech Therapy) program at Hogeschool Utrecht. Houses speech-language diagnostics, De Knipoog, De Ster, and De Zon treatment groups.
• Behandelgroep de Ster (TOS Treatment Groups) Treatment groups for children aged 2-4 years with language developmental disorders (TOS), with sessions held across 20+ locations in North-West Netherlands (Alkmaar, Alphen a/d Rijn, multiple Amsterdam locations, Haarlem, Heemskerk, Heerhugowaard, Hilversum, Hoofddorp, Landsmeer, Leiden, Purmerend, Schagen, Zwaag).
• Behandelgroep de Knipoog (Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Treatment Groups) Treatment groups for deaf and hard-of-hearing children aged 1.5-4 years, operating at multiple locations including Alkmaar, Amsterdam Zuid (Lutmastraat), Amsterdam Zuidoost (Hofgeest), and Haarlem.
• Behandelgroep de Zon (Phonological Disorders Treatment Groups) Treatment groups for children from age 3 with phonological speech disorders (difficulty being understood), providing intensive individual speech therapy (2x/week) and group treatment in Hoofddorp and Landsmeer.
• Fonopoli Short-duration multidisciplinary diagnostic and treatment program for children aged 4-8 years with severe phonological and/or speech-motor problems. 10-12 week intensive trajectory resulting in tailored treatment plans transferred to treating speech therapists, with 2-3 month follow-up. Operates in Landsmeer (Mondays) and Alkmaar (Wednesdays). Requires ZG referral from audiologisch centrum.
• Vroegtijdige Onderkenning Gehoorstoornissen (VOG) - Neonatal Hearing Screening Department supporting youth healthcare (JGZ) services with newborn hearing screening (neonatale gehoorscreening), operating as the national knowledge center for neonatal hearing screening. All babies receive hearing screening within 6 weeks of birth, performed at home or at the consultation bureau alongside the heel prick test.
• CANG (Centraal Administratiesysteem Neonatale Gehoorscreening) Web-based administrative system managed by NSDSK that supports the neonatal hearing screening process, used by regional coordinators to monitor the screening process. Required license for all JGZ organizations.
• Neonatal Hearing Screening Training & Authorization National training center for Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) screeners, Automatic Auditory Brainstem Response (A-ABR) screeners, and regional coordinators for neonatal hearing screening. NSDSK is the only such training center nationally.
• NSDSK Academie Educational academy offering specialist training, e-learnings, workshops, lectures, courses, and in-company custom programs for professionals working with deaf/hard-of-hearing children and children with TOS. CRKBO registered (VAT-exempt). Includes recognized training for clinical physics audiologists (with VU Medisch Centrum) and GZ-psychologists (with De Bascule).
• Vroegbehandeling (Early Intervention Program) Early intervention program for deaf or hard-of-hearing children from approximately 3 months to 6 years, including home-based treatment, parent courses, and group treatment, focused on the child, parents, and immediate environment.
• Ambulant Team (Home-based Treatment) Mobile support teams providing home-based and childcare-setting treatment for children aged 2-4 years with TOS or D/SH. Supports parents, childcare staff, and others in stimulating language and overall development. Operating regions: Alkmaar, Amsterdam-Noord, Amsterdam-Zuid, and Kennemerland.
• Tinnitus Treatment Program (ACHN) Tinnitus treatment program based on brain retraining, including information sessions, psychosocial counseling, and a 12-week cognitive behavioral therapy group treatment. Based on the treatment developed by Adelante Zorggroep and adapted by NSDSK.
• Hulpmiddelen-spreekuur (Equipment Consultation) Consultation service for hearing aid users and non-users, offering independent advice on television solutions, alerting systems, telephony solutions, and FM equipment.
• Oudercursussen TOS (Parent Courses) Parent courses for children with language developmental disorders, including 'Praten doe je met zijn tweeën' (Talking is a two-way thing) and 'Nederlands ondersteund met gebaren' (Dutch supported with signs), consisting of six weekly sessions.
• Persoonlijke Gezondheidsomgeving (PGO) Support Support for clients to access their health data through PGO (Personal Health Environment) apps such as Quli, with MedMij-compliant data exchange enabling clients to retrieve correspondence and medical letters.
• Hoor & Kijk App Mobile application developed by NSDSK to help parents communicate with their deaf or hard-of-hearing child, recommended during early intervention home visits.

Quantifiable outcome

• Colleagues rate NSDSK 8.3 for good employership and 9.2 for doing meaningful work, earning 'Beste Werkgever 2022-2023'
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Deelkracht ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Since 2019, NSDSK collaborates with other expertise organizations and organizations representing the target group in the multi-year Deelkracht research program. The program focuses on evidence-based improvements in early detection, diagnostics, and guidance for children with hearing or language problems. Patients and practitioners play an important role in the research.
• VU Medisch Centrum (VU University Medical Center)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNSDSK is a recognized trainer for clinical physics audiologists together with the VU Medisch Centrum. This is a national training accreditation for the audiology profession.
• De BasculeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNSDSK is a recognized trainer for GZ-psychologists (gezondheidszorgpsycholoog) together with De Bascule, an academic center for child and youth psychiatry.
• Hogeschool Utrecht (HU)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe STAP (Spraaktaalcentrum Amsterdamse Poort) is an innovative speech-language center where collaboration takes place with first-line speech therapists and the Logopedie opleiding (Speech Therapy program) of Hogeschool Utrecht.
• Amsterdam UMCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNSDSK offers internships for audiology trainees as part of the training to become a clinical physics audiologist. Enrollment for these internships goes through Amsterdam UMC.
• Adelante ZorggroepminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe tinnitus treatment of ACHN is based on the treatment developed by Adelante Zorggroep (revalidationatiecentrum Adelante). Scientific research has shown that the treatment works for many people. NSDSK adapted this treatment model for its own program.
• Audiologists, ENT Specialists, Pediatricians, Youth Healthcare (JGZ), and SchoolscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerACHN collaborates with doctors, hospitals, audiologists, speech therapists, schools and other organizations from the region. When needed, ACHN can refer patients to these care providers. ACHN provides independent advice and checks hearing aids but does not supply them — audiologists are the suppliers.
• ZorgDomeincoreTechnology or IntegrationAs of May 2025, all referrals to ACHN/STAN/STAP are processed digitally through ZorgDomein. ZorgDomein charges no fees to referrers and provides the digital infrastructure for referral management.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Others

• MED-EL: Hearing implant solutions provider serving similar end-user population (deaf/HoH children); supplier/ecosystem relationship to NSDSK's clinical services rather than direct competitor.

Emerging players

• Bartiméus: Dutch organization supporting people with visual impairment and often dual sensory disabilities; comparable non-profit foundation model and pediatric diagnostic/rehabilitation services.
• Adelante Zorggroep: Dutch rehabilitation organization whose tinnitus treatment protocol was adapted by NSDSK's ACHN; comparable audiological rehabilitation specialty and Dutch healthcare system presence.

Broad incumbents

• Sonova (Phonak): Global hearing aid and cochlear implant manufacturer whose products NSDSK fits and advises on; comparable focus on hearing rehabilitation but at hardware/device scale.
• Amsterdam UMC (VUmc): Academic medical center that co-trains clinical physics audiologists with NSDSK and hosts audiology internships; broader clinical portfolio but overlapping specialty training pipeline.
• Cochlear Limited: Global cochlear implant manufacturer whose devices NSDSK supports in rehabilitation; adjacent in hearing care value chain with different business model.

Direct peers

• Koninklijke Kentalis: Largest Dutch organization supporting deaf, hard-of-hearing, and people with language developmental disorders; runs diagnostic centers, treatment, and education across multiple regions. Directly comparable services, customer base, and ZVW funding model to NSDSK.
• GGMD (Stichting GGMD voor Doven en Slechthorenden): Dutch foundation offering social services, care, and support to deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals across the Netherlands. Comparable non-profit foundation structure and target population.
• Auris: Dutch audiological care and special education organization providing diagnostics, treatment, and schooling for deaf/HoH children and those with language disorders. Comparable scope and Dutch regional service model.
• Pento: Group of Dutch audiological centers providing hearing and speech-language diagnostics and rehabilitation; operates under comparable ZVW reimbursement framework.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/nsdsk_actueel
• Facebookfacebook.com/NSDSK
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nsdsk

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 records

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 NSDSK