The world’s leader in hearing aid instrument transducers achieves
major milestone with the development of the world’s smallest hearing aid
microphone
ITASCA, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul. 22, 2014--
Knowles Corporation (NYSE: KN) achieved a major milestone in the hearing
health industry by shipping its two millionth MEMS
(Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) microphone for hearing instruments.
Knowles is the world’s largest supplier of MEMS microphone technology
for electronics and the first company to successfully develop
MEMS microphones for hearing instruments.
The hearing health industry started to adopt MEMS microphones in 2010,
and as the industry’s most advanced supplier, Knowles surpassed the one
million mark for distribution in November 2013. The company reached the
two million milestone four times faster due to the company’s dedication
to continuous advancement and increased customer demand.
The development of the MQM MEMS microphone series, the world’s smallest
and most production-friendly hearing instrument microphone, aided this
volume milestone. The engineers at Knowles developed the MQM series to
provide best-in-class acoustic performance for users, including a high
signal-to-noise ratio and unmatched environmental robustness. The small
size positions it as an attractive design for manufacturers and the
ability to be surface mounted simplifies the hearing aid assembly
process.
“Achieving this milestone in the hearing health category reflects the
growing demand for solutions with superior performance and easy
manufacturing integration,” said Gordon Walker, Knowles’ Co-President of
Specialty Components. “Our commitment to the industry makes us the only
company with mature, highly customizable, and market-proven MEMS
manufacturing processes focused on the hearing instrument space.”
Knowles’ patented technology, which is used in the majority of hearing
health products on the market, has enabled technology leaps in hearing
health innovation over the past 60 years. Starkey Hearing Technologies
was the first manufacturer to adopt Knowles’ MEMS technology for hearing
aids and continues to use it in several of their premium products.
Knowles is also the producer of MEMS microphones in the GN ReSound LiNX™
and Beltone First™, the world’s first Made for iPhone® hearing aid. The
MEMS microphone’s size enables GN ReSound to develop the smallest
hearing instrument on the market with the best sound experience1.
“Knowles continues to innovate and enhance MEMS technology to produce
the highest-quality sound performance for hearing aid users,” said Brian
Crannell, Senior Director of Marketing & Business Development, Specialty
Components. “Our engineering expertise and rigorous testing allows us to
consistently deliver microphones with the best performance in the world
and most manufacturing flexibility.”
Product Details
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Product: MQM series
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Measurements: 3.35 x 2.50 x 0.96 mm
Product Features
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Smallest MEMS microphone for hearing instruments
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Low vibration sensitivity
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Unmatched environmental stability
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Reflow soldering compatible
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Zero-height PCB mount or traditional tubed options
Technical Data
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Sensitivity: -58.5kHz
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Directional: Omni-directional
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Peak frequency: 14000
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Equivalent Input Noise (dBA): 26
1. Lisa SJolander, Au.D., Jennifer Groth, M.A. (2014). Independent
Study Identifies Surround Sound by ReSound as Top-Rated. ReSound
North America, ReSound Government Services, ReSound Canada.
About Knowles Corporation
Knowles Corporation (NYSE: KN) is a market leader and global supplier of
advanced micro-acoustic solutions and specialty components serving the
mobile communications, consumer electronics, medical technology,
military, aerospace and industrial markets. Knowles has a leading
position in micro-electro-mechanical systems microphones, speakers and
receivers which are used in smartphones, tablets and mobile handsets.
Knowles is also a leading manufacturer of transducers used in hearing
aids and other medical devices and has a strong position in oscillators
(timing devices) and capacitor components which enable various types of
communication. Knowles’ focus on the customer, combined with unique
technology, rigorous testing and global scale, helps to deliver
innovative solutions and consistently dependable and precise products.
Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, Knowles has more
than 10,000 employees in 36 locations around the world. For more
information, visit www.knowles.com.
Source: Knowles Corporation
Media
Melissa York
Knowles Communications
630-238-5242
Melissa.York@Knowles.com
or
Investors
Mike
Knapp
Knowles Investor Relations
630-238-5236
Mike.Knapp@Knowles.com