Innovation
We are the innovation and technology leader
Innovation is central to Sonova’s strategy—and adoption is how we measure success. We focus on making hearing care easier to start, easier to live with, and more relevant to people’s lives from the beginning of their hearing journey.
By combining audiological expertise with real-world insights, we address practical challenges—how people connect, hear in conversations, how devices feel throughout the day, and how easy they are to use. This ensures our technology translates into solutions that fit naturally into daily life.
Our innovation approach is supported by sustained investment in research and a broad patent portfolio. A strong collaboration across hearing aids and cochlear implants helps to accelerate development and unlock synergies across our portfolio.
Our solutions are validated both in clinical studies and through everyday use—by hearing care professionals and users worldwide.
Backed by scientific research and audiological expertise
Interview with Anders Rosengren, Chief Research & Development Officer
What sets Sonova apart as a technology leader — particularly in shaping the future of AI in hearing care?
What truly sets Sonova apart is our end-to-end control of the technology stack. We combine deep audiological research with our own AI chips, software, our training pipeline and real-world data–all purpose-built for hearing care. This integration allows us to translate advanced technology into real, meaningful benefits for users, from the very first moment they wear our solutions.
How does audiological research shape the design and performance of our products?
Our products are grounded in decades of audiological research and supported by robust clinical evidence. This ensures measurable outcomes such as better speech understanding, reduced listening effort, and meaningful improvements in quality of life. Ultimately, this enables people to communicate more confidently, stay socially engaged, and move through daily life with greater ease.
How do we identify what hearing care users need next, and how does this guide Sonovaʼs next innovation chapter?
We start by listening—closely and continuously—to both users and hearing care professionals. Their feedback, combined with real world usage data and scientific insights, help us understand what truly drives adoption and long-term satisfaction. This is shaping our next chapter of innovation: more intelligent and personalized AI, appealing product design, and seamless digital experiences that make hearing care easier to adopt to and easier to live with.
Training our AI on real-world sounds
“Innovation only matters if people use it. By combining audiological research with real-world insights, we develop solutions that people choose to wear and rely on every day.”
Anders Rosengren, Chief Research & Development Officer
Designing for adoption
Design and form factor plays a central role in whether people choose and use hearing solutions.
At Sonova, we are expanding beyond traditional form factors for hearing aids to address lifestyle and healthy-aging needs. By combining consumer-focused design with advanced technological performance, we develop solutions that integrate more easily into everyday life.
Phonak Virto™ R Infinio is a good example. It combines a discreet in-the-ear design with strong speech understanding and ease of use—helping drive adoption and expand the category.
Making hearing care more accessible
Many people are hesitant to start their hearing care journey. We help remove barriers by offering simple, accessible ways to take the first step.
From online hearing tests and remote support to tools designed for real-world use, people can engage with hearing care on their own terms. At the same time, in-store experiences such as in our “World of Hearing” allow them to explore solutions in realistic listening environments and receive personalized guidance.
By connecting digital and in-person touchpoints, we create a more seamless experience that helps more people access the hearing care they need.
Honors & Awards
Europe’s Top Innovative Companies
Top Innovative Companies Switzerland
iF Design Award: Phonak Virto R Infinio
Red Dot Award 2026 for product design: Phonak Virto R Infinio
Footnotes
1Based on FY 2025/26 results
2 Ranked #1 among SMI companies in the Bilanz/PME/Statista innovation ranking 2025; Sonova later moved to the SMIM following index changes in September 2025.
3Fortune & Statista (2025). Europe’s Most Innovative Companies 2025 ranking.
4Lives improved defined as active users in FY25/26
