In today’s global economy, many of the products and services we rely on come from various parts of the world. With shifting economic and political landscapes, Canadians are increasingly interested in knowing where their goods originate—including hearing aids.
Understanding the origins of hearing aids can help you make informed decisions when choosing the right device. Let’s take a closer look at the major hearing aid manufacturers and where they produce their devices.
Unitron (Canada)
- Founded in 1964 in Newfoundland and later relocated to Kitchener, Ontario.
- A proud Canadian company, Unitron operates as part of the global Sonova Group.
- While benefiting from an international manufacturing network, Unitron maintains a strong production presence in Canada.
Phonak (Switzerland)
- Established in 1947, Phonak is headquartered in Stäfa, Switzerland.
- Part of the Sonova Group, Phonak has a vast global presence, serving customers in over 100 countries.
Oticon (Denmark)
- Founded in 1904 by Hans Demant in Denmark.
- Operates under the Demant Group, with primary manufacturing and research facilities in Smørum, Denmark.
ReSound (Denmark)
- Originated as Danavox in 1943, later merging with ReSound Corporation in 1996.
- A key player in the GN Group, headquartered in Ballerup, Denmark.
Starkey (United States)
- Started in 1967 by William Austin, Starkey remains an American-owned company.
- Headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, with a strong global distribution network.
Widex (Denmark)
- Founded in 1956 and later merged with Sivantos in 2019 to form WS Audiology.
- Research and manufacturing facilities are spread across Denmark, Germany, India, and Singapore.
Signia (Formerly Siemens) (Germany/Singapore)
- Siemens introduced its first hearing aid in 1913.
- Rebranded as Sivantos in 2015 and later merged with Widex to form WS Audiology.
- Headquarters and production facilities are located in Singapore, Denmark, Germany, and India.
Why Does This Matter?
Knowing where your hearing aids are made helps you understand the brand’s research, development, and manufacturing priorities. Some companies maintain strong local production, while others rely on global networks to bring innovation and quality to their devices.
When choosing a hearing aid, consider not only its origin but also its technology, fit, and features to ensure it best suits your needs. If you have any questions, Broadmead Hearing Clinics would be happy to help you find the right solution!
