Sony to Bring OTC Hearing Aid, In Partnership with WSA—Health Tech Available for All

Sony announced its partnership with WS Audiology (WSA) for its soon release of over-the-counter hearing aids which aims to integrate tech into health wearables for its availability for all. The company's goal is to deliver on health tech wearables for the hearing impaired community, alongside the US FDA's plans to make hearing aids available without a prescription.

Sony, WSA to Bring OTC Hearing Aids

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The EarGo 6 hearing aid, which features a "mask mode" to help those with hearing loss communicate with people wearing face masks, is displayed next to a more conventional larger device during ShowStoppers on the sidelines of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) on January 5, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. - The CES tech show threw open its doors Wednesday in Las Vegas despite surging Covid-19 cases in the United States, as one of the world's largest trade fairs tried to get back to business. Despite some obvious gaps on the showfloor -- after high-profile companies like Amazon and Google cancelled over climbing virus risk -- crowds of badge-wearing tech entrepreneurs, reporters and aficionados poured through venues. PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images

Sony released new information on their latest ventures, now focusing on health care and technology together with WS Audiology. The pair would center on creating and manufacturing a new over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid which will be available in most pharmacies and other stores, without the need for a prescription.

According to the release, there are many efforts from Sony toward hearing aids, and one device is already in development from the two companies efforts. WS Audiology is a known hearing aid manufacturer which has already brought its releases to the world, helping the hearing impaired pickup sounds present in public or through conversations.

FDA wants OTC Hearing Aids

In August, the US Food and Drug Administration paved the way to giving users more access to hearing aids, making them available over-the-counter, without the need for a prescription from physicians. It is a significant win for those needing a hearing aid without the need to go to the doctor for the prescription, having it available at any time.

With this, Sony will be able to tap a new market to help those in need, with soon releases of products that center on its availability.

Sony and its Wearables

Sony is famous for its tech wearables available for all, and most of these devices focus on a new audio experience that will center on the many kinds of music and streaming needs of the public. One example would be its latest wireless Bluetooth in-ear earphones, the Sony WF-1000XM4 which is the latest there is to its earbuds lineup.

Another product from the Japanese tech manufacturer's audio listening needs is the Sony WH-1000XM5, the next flagship wireless Bluetooth headphones featuring the over-the-ear setup. It also brings noise cancellation, and it provides a sleek new design which will make it seem less hefty whenever users wear it over their heads.

Sony's PlayStation also has a take on wearables, focusing on the VR device from the company, the PSVR 2.

Tapping into the health tech market is a massive step for Sony's future releases, especially with a device that will focus on helping users hear and perceive sounds present in the world. OTC hearing aids are a massive focus now, especially as there are plans to make them more available to the public to help in their hearing and perception of audio.

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Written by Isaiah Richard

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