What iffland.hören. GmbH & Co. KG does

iffland.hören GmbH & Co. KG is a privately held German hearing aid retailer and audiology service provider founded in 1956 by Kurt Iffland as a craft-based family business and headquartered in Stuttgart. The company operates more than 60 retail branches across Southern Germany (Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria), including 10 branches in Stuttgart, four in Karlsruhe, and locations in Augsburg, Freiburg, Munich, Ulm, Heilbronn, and Offenburg, staffed by trained Hörakustiker (hearing care professionals). It distributes hearing aids from all major manufacturers — Widex, Oticon, Signia, Phonak (Sonova), GN ReSound, Unitron, Cochlear, Advanced Bionics, and Med-El — and operates in-house 3D printing for custom ear molds (Ohrpassstücke), supporting both its core hearing aid business and specialized segments.

The company generates revenue through a mix of one-time hearing aid sales, multi-year Servicekarte PLUS service contracts (covering repairs, batteries, and loss replacement over six years), an Aboservice subscription model that bundles all running costs and hardware refresh, professional services (hearing tests, hearing training, tinnitus consultation, home visits), and accessories. Customer segments span adults with hearing loss (primary), children via specialized Pädakustik audiologists, cochlear implant users through dedicated Cochlea Centren, musicians under the iffland.music sub-brand, and industrial/recreational hearing protection buyers. Distribution combines direct branch retail, home visits (Hausbesuche), online appointment booking, the young.iffland e-commerce site for Jabra Enhance earbuds targeting younger customers, and referrals from ENT doctors and general practitioners. Pricing is partially offset by German statutory and private health insurance subsidies (gesetzliche/private Krankenkassen Festbeträge).

Strategic differentiators include a 70-year operating history, the FUTURE HEARING AWARD 2023 in fitting/adjustment, Kununu Top Company recognition for multiple consecutive years, the proprietary 10-step fitting process and TALIS hearing training program, and social engagement including a humanitarian hearing aid project in Kpalimé, Togo since 2016. The company is structured as a GmbH & Co. KG with Iffland GmbH as the personally liable general partner (Komplementär) and Marc Osswald as authorized managing director; no external funding rounds, institutional investors, or public listing are disclosed.

Name

iffland.hören. GmbH & Co. KG

Legal name

iffland hören GmbH & Co. KG

Website

https://iffland-hoeren.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1956

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

iffland.hören is a privately held, family-owned German hearing aid retailer founded in 1956, operating 60+ branches across Southern Germany. It sells devices from all major manufacturers and provides professional audiology services including fittings, pediatric audiology, cochlear implant aftercare, and tinnitus care.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Hearing Care Retail and Audiology Services

NAICS

Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists (621340)

SIC

Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841)

akta.pro primary industry

Audiology & Hearing Diagnostic Centers (HLAFAKAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Audiology & Hearing Services (ENT-Affiliated) (HLAKAMAI), Otology & Neurotology (Ear/Hearing/Balance) (HLAKAMAC)

Keywords

• Hearing aid retail
• Audiology services
• Hearing care professionals
• Cochlear implant aftercare
• Custom hearing protection

Headquarters

HQ city

Stuttgart

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Hearing Aid Sales: One-time purchase of hearing aids (Hörgeräte) including In-dem-Ohr (ITE) and Hinter-dem-Ohr (BTE) models from various manufacturers. Revenue generated from the sale of devices, with potential health insurance reimbursement support.
2. Aboservice (Subscription): Monthly or annual subscription model for hearing aid usage. All running costs are included in the subscription price. Systems are kept up-to-date with current technology. The company offers a 10% discount on all hearing aids in the Abo model until December 2026 as a 70th anniversary promotion.
3. Servicekarte PLUS: Annual service package (6-year contract) providing free repairs, batteries, tube replacements, microphone covers, cerumen protection systems, and loss replacement for hearing aids. Paid annually in advance.
4. Professional Services: Revenue from professional services including hearing tests, hearing training (Hörtraining), hearing aid maintenance and repairs, home visits, and custom ear mold production.
5. Hearing Aid Accessories and Batteries: Sales of hearing aid accessories including batteries, cleaning products, and connectivity devices for TV, phone, and other audio sources.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

iffland.hören is a hearing care retailer and audiology service provider operating more than 60 specialty branches across Southern Germany. It sells and professionally fits hearing aids from leading manufacturers (Widex, Oticon, Signia, Phonak, GN ReSound, Unitron), and delivers accompanying audiology services such as hearing tests, custom ear-mold fitting via 3D printing, the proprietary TALIS Hörtraining program, pediatric audiology (Pädakustik), cochlear implant aftercare, tinnitus consultation, and custom in-ear monitoring for musicians.

Product overview

iffland.hören operates as a hearing aid retail and audiology service company with over 60 branches across southern Germany. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio centered on hearing aids from major manufacturers (Widex, Oticon, Signia, Phonak, GN ReSound), supported by professional services including hearing testing, TALIS Hörtraining (proprietary hearing training), pediatric audiology (Pädakustik), tinnitus consultation, cochlea implant aftercare, and audio therapy. The company provides specialized in-ear solutions including custom In-Ear Monitoring for musicians, Atelier premium custom hearing systems, and Lyric invisible hearing aids. Service offerings include the Servicekarte PLUS (6-year comprehensive service contract), Aboservice (subscription model with inclusive costs), and home visit services. The company also serves younger demographics through young.iffland.de, offering Jabra Enhance hearing improvement earbuds. Digital products include a hearing test app and online appointment booking.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• iffland.music. Specialized hearing solutions and services for musicians and music enthusiasts, including in-ear monitoring, custom sleeves, and hearing protection for musicians
• iffland.music
• young.iffland
• TALIS Hörtraining

Products and services

• Hörgeräte (Hearing Aids) Wide range of professionally fitted hearing aids from leading manufacturers (Widex, Oticon, Signia, Phonak, GN ReSound, Unitron) available in behind-the-ear (HdO) and in-the-ear (IdO) styles for adults with hearing loss.
• Hörtest (Hearing Test) Free professional hearing assessment performed by trained Hörakustiker in any of the 60+ branches, with an online/app-based hearing self-test variant. Used as the entry point to identify hearing loss and recommend suitable hearing systems.
• TALIS Hörtraining (Hearing Training) Proprietary structured hearing training program developed by iffland.hören to help customers gradually adapt to new hearing systems without stress. Delivered by hearing care professionals.
• Pädakustik (Pediatric Audiology) Specialized hearing care for children from infants to age 18, delivered by specially trained pediatric audiologists (Pädakustiker) in a child-friendly environment at select branches (Stuttgart Mitte, Karlsruhe-Rüppurr, Ulm Mitte, Offenburg).
• Cochlea Centren (Cochlear Implant Aftercare) Specialized aftercare centers for cochlear implant recipients, providing CI mapping, ongoing adjustments, accessories, and rehabilitation support in partnership with Cochlear across branches including Stuttgart Mitte, Augsburg, Karlsruhe Mitte, Ulm Mitte, and Offenburg.
• Tinnitus-Beratung (Tinnitus Consultation) Comprehensive tinnitus analysis and consultation to identify therapy approaches for individuals experiencing tinnitus, delivered by hearing care professionals.
• Servicekarte PLUS Comprehensive multi-year service contract (6-year term) covering free repairs, batteries, tube replacements, microphone covers, cerumen protection systems, and loss replacement for hearing aids. Paid annually in advance.
• Aboservice (Subscription Service) Subscription model allowing customers to use hearing technology with all ongoing costs (maintenance, batteries, updates) included in monthly or annual billing. Systems are kept up to date with current technology.
• Gehörschutz (Custom Hearing Protection) Custom-fitted hearing protection products for professional occupational use in noisy environments and for recreational activities such as concerts and motorsports.
• In-Ear-Monitoring Custom in-ear monitoring systems for musicians under the iffland.music sub-brand, including Sport In-Ears, Custom Sleeves, and professional audio solutions for live performance and hearing protection.
• Atelier-Hörsysteme Premium custom in-ear hearing systems featuring elegant materials, diverse color palettes, and advanced technical features for customers seeking a customized aesthetic.
• Lyric Hörgeräte Invisible, extended-wear Lyric hearing aids placed deep in the ear canal by specially trained specialists at designated Lyric-Partner branches (Stuttgart Mitte, Karlsruhe Mitte).
• 3-D-Druck (3D Printing) In-house 3D printing service for producing individualized ear molds (Ohrpassstücke) and custom in-ear devices for optimal fit and comfort.
• Zubehör (Hearing Aid Accessories) Range of hearing aid accessories including phone, TV, radio, stereo and alarm clock connectivity solutions, cleaning products, and batteries for hearing aid users.
• Audiotherapie (Audio Therapy) Audiotherapy services for comprehensive hearing health treatment, including therapy-based approaches for hearing-related conditions.
• Hausbesuche (Home Visits) Home visit service delivering hearing consultations, fittings, and aftercare directly at the customer's home for those unable to visit a branch.
• Hörtest-App (Hearing Test App) Mobile application for hearing self-testing using smartphone technology, complemented by online appointment booking introduced in 2025.
• Infopaket (Info Package) Free information package by post including brochures about hearing and a complimentary hearing aid sample, used as a top-of-funnel acquisition tool.
• Jabra Enhance Compact 3-in-1 hearing improvement earbuds for conversations, music, and calls with Bluetooth 5.2, up to 12 hours battery life, IP52 rating, and Adaptive/Focus/Surround listening modes. Priced at 799 EUR per pair. Sold through the young.iffland sub-brand targeting younger demographics with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

Quantifiable outcome

• Free hearing tests available in all 60+ branches without appointment
• +2 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and minor.

• WidexcoreTechnology or IntegrationLong-standing partnership with Widex as a Premium Partner. iffland.hören offers Widex hearing systems including the WIDEX MOMENT series, recognized for natural sound quality. The partnership includes exclusive trial periods and access to latest Widex technologies.
• SigniacoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with Signia, offering modern hearing systems that combine design and function. Signia is known for innovative hearing solutions including the Styletto and Silk models.
• Phonak (Sonova Group)coreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with Phonak, part of the Sonova Group, providing hearing systems including the Audéo Paradise and other models known for excellent hearing performance.
• GN ReSoundcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with GN ReSound offering a variety of hearing solutions including trendsetting earbud systems, classic behind-the-ear devices, and nearly invisible in-the-ear models.
• OticoncoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with Oticon providing hearing systems from the Danish manufacturer known for BrainHearing technology and focus on speech understanding.
• CochlearstrategicTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with Cochlear for cochlear implant aftercare services. iffland.hören operates Cochlea Nachsorge Centren (cochlear implant aftercare centers) across multiple branches, providing specialized support for CI users.
• Freiburger Institut für Musikermedizin (FIM)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on the 'Miteinander Hören' (Hearing Together) initiative to better understand music listening with hearing systems. ifland.hören supports research and collects data from musicians and music enthusiasts.
• EUHA (Europäische Union der Hörakustiker e.V.)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive membership and participation in EUHA, the European Association of Hearing Aid Professionals. Company participates in annual EUHA congresses and contributes to industry knowledge sharing.
• BIHA (Bundesinnung der Hörakustiker)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerMembership in the German Federal Guild of Hearing Aid Acoustics, representing professional interests and ensuring adherence to industry standards.
• Togo Hearing Aid Project (Togofreunde)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHumanitarian partnership since 2016 with Togofreunde from Jockrim supporting hearing aid provision and fitting for people in Togo, West Africa. iffland.hören audiologists travel to Kpalimé for hearing assessments and hearing aid fitting.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Amplifon: Amplifon is the world's largest hearing care retail group, operating multi-brand stores across Germany. It competes with iffland.hören in the same product category but at significantly larger scale and broader geographic coverage.
• GN Hearing (ReSound / Jabra): GN owns ReSound (a hearing aid brand iffland.hören retails) and Jabra (whose Jabra Enhance earbuds iffland.hören sells via young.iffland). It is both supplier and an emerging OTC competitor in the same product category.
• Sonova AG: Sonova is the parent of Phonak and owner of retail chains including Geers. It is both a key supplier partner of iffland.hören and a vertically integrated competitor via its own retail network.
• Demant: Demant owns Oticon, Bernafon, and audibene/hear.com, making it a key supplier partner and a vertically integrated retail/online competitor of iffland.hören via its audibene platform and direct retail interests.
• Fielmann Hörgeräte: Fielmann, Germany's dominant optical retailer, has expanded into hearing aids via in-store Hörcenter. It competes for the same customers but is a broad incumbent whose hearing offering is one segment of a much larger optical business.

Direct peers

• KIND Hörgeräte: KIND is Germany's largest hearing aid retail chain with several hundred branches nationwide. It is the most direct competitor to iffland.hören, running the same multi-brand retail and audiology service model across Germany.
• Hörgeräte Batenberg: Hörgeräte Batenberg is a regional German hearing aid retail chain with multiple branches offering multi-brand fittings, hearing tests, and aftercare. It is a smaller-scale but directly comparable retail audiology peer to iffland.hören.
• Geers Hörgeräte (Sonova Retail): Geers is one of Germany's largest hearing aid retail chains and is owned by Sonova, the Phonak parent. It is a direct competitor running a similar multi-brand retail audiology model with national branch coverage.

Regional players

• Neuroth Hörakustik: Neuroth is a large Austrian-headquartered hearing aid retailer with branches across the DACH region including parts of Southern Germany. It operates the same retail audiology model as iffland.hören, partly overlapping in geography.

Emerging players

• audibene / hear.com (Demant): audibene (rebranded as hear.com) is a digital-first hearing aid platform operating in Germany, owned by Demant. It overlaps with iffland.hören on the consumer-facing hearing aid purchase journey but leads with an online/DTC motion rather than a branch-heavy model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCEdTkLEy9H6Ha5xAxAYtytw
• Facebookfacebook.com/ifflandhoeren
• Instagraminstagram.com/iffland.hoeren
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ifflandh%C3%B6ren

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

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 iffland.hören. GmbH & Co. KG