The future in your ear: health app for Sonion

The functionality of a smartwatch combined with the features of a hearing aid – Sonion unites both in components and solutions for hearing aids. In addition to high-quality micro-acoustic solutions for hearables, the Danish company designs and develops technologies for hearing systems with their mission: Helping people listen to each other, to their bodies, to their environment and to the world.

Realising innovative ideas for the hearing industry is part of the company’s philosophy. For example, the BiometRIC™, the component of a hearing aid, which enables continuous medical real-time monitoring in the ear canal. The component, which is designed as an Receiver in Canal (RIC), is able to measure biometric data of wearers in order to detect, among others, cardiovascular disorders at an early stage. Users can use an app to access this real-time measurement data and evaluations in the future. Modern frameworks, like React.Native, also enable operation by Android perspectively.

Kees van Dashorst

Senior Product Marketing Manager @ Sonion

First steps together

Initially, Sonion used the turnkey solution PUMA for Android to test the functionality. The problem: “We wanted our own app for iOS, one that exactly matched our requirements and our company,” reports Kees van Dashorst, Senior Product Marketing Manager for Hearing Health at Sonion.

Specifically, a high-quality health app with individual functions and data protection guidelines was to complement Sonion’s portfolio. “So I looked for a company that develops medical apps for iOS and handles provided data in the same way as the Android version.”

At MEDICA 2019, Kees van Dashorst contacted experts for the development of software solutions – including BAYOOMED. Not only the presentation as an exhibitor on site, but also the BAYOOMED team convinced him. “It was quickly clear to me that BAYOOMED is very well versed in the development of medical apps. The references further proved this,” says Kees van Dashorst. “BAYOOMED fitted exactly the profile Sonion was looking for in app development.” In the pitch, BAYOOMED prevailed over two other companies and the project began.

Start for the development of the Simba Health App

The idea of the new app, the desired functionalities, requirements and the design were quickly sketched out. Nevertheless, the realisation took some time. “During the project, we had to set new priorities, which unfortunately had put us behind schedule,” says Kees van Dashorst. With a new project management plan, the BAYOOMED team finally continued developing. “Simba is our first own app – and actually hardware is Sonion’s DNA.” But in the joint project with BAYOOMED, Sonion was able to gain a lot of experience in software, he says.

Above all, the short, uncomplicated communication channels characterise the partnership collaboration to this day. “The BAYOOMED team is a great help with its openness and expertise. We discuss solutions and they also realise special requirements of ours,” says the Senior Product Marketing Manager at Sonion. “In this, the good discussions always helps me personally.”

Release of BiometRIC™ and Health App Simba is imminent

With the innovative RIC hearing aid as well as the individualised software solution, Sonion continues to position itself as a leader in the development and manufacture of components as well as solutions for hearing systems. “With Simba, we are launching a completely new product for Sonion. This will be an exciting phase – and BAYOOMED has provided us with wonderful support.”

Kees van Dashorst

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