Page 1 USER GUIDE Airlink 2.; Page 2 Airlink 2 is intended to enable a fitter to wirelessly adjust settings of wireless hearing instruments. The primary function of Airlink 2 is to transfer signals from a PC used for fitting to a ReSound, Beltone or Interton wireless hearing instrument without causing errors in programming or unintended loud noise in the ear of hearing instrument user in. Interim Report Q3 2020. GN Audio +72%, GN Hearing -11%, GN +29% organic growth and EBITA at DKK 795 million.
*Full streaming compatibility with Android devices requires minimum Android v10 and Bluetooth 5.0 and that functionality has been enabled by the phone manufacturer and service carrier. Although ReSound strives to achieve seamless device compatibilities, ReSound cannot guarantee full compatibility with all Android devices.
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK — Major hearing aid manufacturer GN Hearing (GN ReSound), announced this past week in its Q2 Interim Report, to the surprise of many industry insiders, that it has lost its contract with Costco as the supplier of its Kirkland Signature-branded hearing aids. The company, which has managed to continue increasing its market share across the industry in recent years, has produced the past two generations of Kirkland-branded aids for Costco, and was expected by many in the industry to have its contract renewed by the retailer.
As a result, the company is expected to face significant challenges next year with its Costco business particularly, but is hoping to offset the losses through continued organic growth in other sectors, including the independent and VA markets, as well as in Europe, where GN has continued to make gains.
Costco, which has put increased emphasis on selling its own-branded devices, is currently the largest retailer of hearing aids in the US.
Costco Contract Has Benefited ReSound
Gn Resound Hearing Aids
Having the contract with Costco has been one of the key drivers to the company’s success in recent years, considering the major retailer’s hearing aid division has continued to grow at a rate close to 20% for the past several years. In a February 2015 Reuters article, Jyske Markets predicted a 6% drop in hearing aid sales for the company if GN lost the supply agreement contract.
Industry sources tell us the most likely supplier for the next generation Kirkland hearing aids is Sivantos, which currently has a presence in Costco under their Rexton label.
[Sivantos was officially announced as the supplier to Costco for the KS 7.0 at $1,699/pair, in late 2016]
Drivers Gn Resound Assessment
Demant Looks to Cut Hearing Aid Production Costs
William Demant announced that it is looking to employ cost cutting measures through 2018, in order to improve efficiency and profits. This summer, the company closed its production facility in Minnesota and moved many of these operations to its facility in Somerset, New Jersey. Furthermore, it was announced that production at its new site in Mexico will be expanded.
“We consider cost-efficient and strong operations and R&D setups to be among the key drivers of future profit growth”
Drivers Gn Resound Assist
While the company said it will keep its headquarters in Denmark, the factory in Denmark will be closing by the end of 2018, which will result in the loss of 200 jobs. Additionally, Research & Development operations that are currently located in Switzerland, could possibly be shifting to Denmark and Poland as the company seeks to further streamline its operations.
The operational moves implemented through 2018 are expected to cost approximately $75 million, but the company is confident the measures will enhance its future competitiveness and increase profits in the increasingly competitive hearing aid industry landscape.