The functionality of a smartwatch combined with the features of a hearing aid—Sonion brings both together in components and solutions for hearing aids. In addition to high-quality microacoustic solutions for hearables, the Danish company designs and develops technologies for hearing systems with a mission: to help people listen to one another, their bodies, their surroundings, and the world.
Bringing innovative ideas to life for the hearing aid industry is part of the company’s philosophy. One example of this is BiometRIC™, a hearing aid component that enables continuous, real-time medical monitoring within the ear canal. Designed as a Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) device, this component is capable of measuring the wearer’s biometric data to, among other things, detect cardiovascular diseases at an early stage. In the future, users will be able to access this real-time measurement data and analyses via an app. Modern frameworks, such as React.Native, also enable future support for Android.
Kees van Dashorst
Senior Product Marketing Manager @ Sonion
First joint steps
Initially, Sonion used the PUMA turnkey solution for Android to test the functionality. The problem: “We wanted our own iOS app that would be tailored precisely to our needs and our company,” says Kees van Dashorst, Senior Product Marketing Manager for Hearing Health at Sonion.
Specifically, a high-quality health app with personalized features and privacy policies was intended to complement Sonion’s portfolio. “So I looked for a company that develops medical apps for iOS and handles the data provided in the same way as the Android version.”
At MEDICA 2019, Kees van Dashorst reached out to experts in software solution development—including BAYOOMED. He was impressed not only by BAYOOMED’s on-site exhibition but also by its team. “It quickly became clear to me that BAYOOMED has extensive expertise in developing medical apps. Their references also demonstrated this,” says Kees van Dashorst. “BAYOOMED was a perfect fit for the profile Sonion was looking for in an app development partner.” In the pitch, BAYOOMED prevailed over two other companies, and the project began.
Start for the development of the Simba health app
The concept for the new app, its intended features, requirements, and design were quickly outlined. Nevertheless, the implementation took some time. “During the project, we had to set new priorities, which unfortunately caused us to fall behind schedule,” says Kees van Dashorst. With a new project management plan, the BAYOOMED team finally resumed development. “Simba is our first in-house app—and hardware is actually Sonion’s DNA. But through this joint project with BAYOOMED, Sonion has been able to gain a lot of experience with software,” he says.
Above all, the short, straightforward lines of communication continue to shape our collaborative partnership to this day. “The BAYOOMED team is a great help with its openness and expertise. We discuss solutions, and they also implement special requirements,” says the Senior Product Marketing Manager at Sonion. “The productive discussions always help me personally as well.”
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.”