A Year of Progress and Partnership
2 Nov 2023
In the dynamic landscape of hearing care, WSA embarked on a significant journey by entering the over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid category. The decision to enter this arena was driven by a deep commitment to address three key strategic challenges: Hearing aid awareness, accessibility and affordability.
The introduction of the OTC hearing aid category has garnered significant media attention while helping to shine a spotlight on the critical issue of hearing healthcare.
The inherent accessibility of OTC hearing aids alleviates the need for some consumers to travel long distances to reach hearing healthcare professionals. Affordability, a key factor in widening access, has been a cornerstone of our approach as OTC hearing aids can be offered at a more accessible price point.
The strategic partnership with Sony Corporation has played a pivotal role in shaping our journey over the past year. This collaboration has synergized WSA’s technological capabilities with Sony’s extensive brand reach and expertise in consumer retail channels.
Through this union, we have embarked on a shared mission to revolutionize the OTC hearing aid market in the United States. Our partnership leverages Sony’s unparalleled audio and miniaturization technologies, coupled with WSA’s century-long legacy of hearing aid innovation and distribution power in the professional channel.
As we reflect a year after our entrance into OTC in the US, we are pleased that our efforts have clearly brought Wonderful Sound to many Americans who might not otherwise have sought hearing solutions.
Most encouraging is the demographic shift in our customer base, with the average age of buyers significantly lower than the industry norm. This success is a testament to our commitment to breaking down barriers and making exceptional hearing experiences available to a wider audience.