Semtech Creates Circuit for Radio-Enabled Hearing Aid

Semtech Corp. has partnered with Swiss hearing aid manufacturer Sonova Holding AG on a new device that uses the company’s long-range, low-power technology. Semtech, in Camarillo, has worked with Sonova on an ultra-small integrated circuit that can connect to the Internet of Things. Applications for the radio system include connectivity to wireless microphones and Bluetooth-enabled audio devices, such as smartphones or televisions, and audio streaming between hearing aids. Jean-Paul Bardyn, vice president of research and development of Semtech’s wireless and sensing products group, said the new circuit represents how Semtech continues to create reliable products for challenging applications associated with radio frequency connectivity at the lowest power. “Sonova has long been a leader for hearing devices,” Bardyn said in a statement. “By implementing Semtech’s technology and enabling access to the Cloud, we believe that these devices will enrich the IoT-connected solutions which Semtech is serving with (long-range, low-power) technology.” Shares of Semtech (SMTC) closed up $1.16, or more than 2.1 percent, to $55.58 on the Nasdaq.