The World of Bernafon www.bernafon.com
2 Welcome to the World of Bernafon
3 Your hearing Our passion Hearing and understanding are basic human needs. Hearing problems and the resulting potential social consequences represent a challenge for society. We believe in a world in which people with restricted hearing can communicate again without limitation thanks to advanced technology. In a world of constant technological advancement, Bernafon has always been at the forefront of hearing system technology and a leader in setting new standards. The result is better hearing and understanding in every situation. We are passionate about developing and marketing quality hearing systems that enable the user to enjoy authentic and stimulating hearing experiences. Our long-term tradition of collaboration with customers, partners and employees all over the world forms the basis of a strong company, sustained growth and continued business success. Today, the Bernafon global network includes over 400 employees who are committed to our pioneering spirit. The corporate headquarters with development, marketing and sales are located in Bern, Switzerland, the production and logistics centers reside in Thisted, Denmark, and Mierzyn, Poland. Sales companies and distributors in more than 70 countries represent Bernafon around the world. We all aim to continuously grow in sales and market share building upon our international partnerships, presence and reputation.
4 Hundreds of thousands of hearing-impaired people rely on Bernafon products Designed for a better life When the ability to hear is compromised, the sounds of life begin to fade. For most people this is a gradual and very individual process. Worldwide, approximately 500 million people in all age groups have a significant hearing loss. In other words, about 10% of the world s population could hear and communicate better with the help of a hearing system. It is predicted that the number of hearing-impaired people in developed countries will increase by almost 50% over the next 20 years due to the dramatic growth in the older population and the increased exposure to excessive noise in today s world. Our technology is focused to meet individual hearing needs and preferences to enable the user to enjoy authentic hearing experiences and speech understanding in every listening situation. Bernafon s hearing instruments are capable of seamlessly adapting to the listening environments at home, at work, in social and in recreational situations. Our products improve the user s quality of life and create stimulating and natural hearing experiences.
Our products improve quality of life and create stimulating and natural hearing experiences. 5
6 Excellence in Service Partners in success Our long-term and fair collaboration with different business partners and employees makes us strong: Sales companies and distribution partners market Bernafon s highly renowned products around the globe. They also take an active role in consultation and training. This forms an integral part of Bernafon s commitment to transferring knowledge to the hearing care professional and benefits of our products to the end user. Service locations worldwide provide quick repairs, help desks and support no matter where our customers are located. Hearing care professionals form the bridge from the manufacturer to the hearing system user. They examine and analyze the individual s hearing ability and fit the most appropriate hearing system to the hearing loss. With stringent new professional requirements, today s hearing care professionals are highly qualified rehabilita- tion specialists. Modern hearing systems are extremely complex, requiring the specialized technological and audiological knowledge of the hearing care professional in managing the communication requirements of each individual. The individual needs of our business partners are a high priority for Bernafon. Our mission is to facilitate customer satisfaction and business expansion by providing intensive cooperation and support.
Unique service and personal contact form the basis of our partnership. 7
8 Tangible user benefits Swiss engineered technology From the first hearing instrument developed in Switzerland in 1946 by Hans Gfeller Junior for his father Hans Gfeller, then head of the company, Bernafon has had a unique passion for the development of quality hearing solutions. Bernafon introduced the world s first digitally programmable hearing instrument in 1988. The introduction of this revolutionary hearing system was a quantum leap, and with it, Bernafon made a lasting mark on the hearing instrument industry. Bernafon also introduced a unique approach to signal processing with the world s first Channel Free hearing systems in 2002. Today, digital signal processing, improved miniaturization and creative and innovative programming have resulted in increasingly complex systems with expanded customer benefits. Bernafon hearing systems are offered in a full array of styles, colors and options and can easily be operated with optional remote controls and linked to other communication devices via Bluetooth technology. Bernafon hearing instruments can be worn almost invisibly, in or behind-the-ear, or proudly displayed in fashionable and colorful ways.
We develop quality products in Switzerland, benefitting from many years of experience. 9
10 1946 A G-Series portable hearing instrument. 1958 First behindthe-ear instrument (H-Series). 1963 1972 1982 The T-Series was the first to be produced in a Monobloc fashion. 1986 Hearing instruments could for the first time be programmed digitally with PHOX. 1988 A1 2-Pack, the first serialized portable hearing instrument. An S-Series behind-the-ear hearing instrument. Charisma, Bernafon s first in-the-ear instrument.
11 Over 60 years of quality hearing solutions Quality based on experience Bernafon develops intelligent and attractive products with passion and efficiency. Our products and services are the result of the total commitment made by Bernafon s employees towards the development of quality hearing systems in Switzerland, and the benefits gained from many years of experience and expertise in the hearing instrument industry. Since 1995, Bernafon has enjoyed a solid position as an independent business unit within the William Demant Holding (www.demant.com), whose core business has always been hearing instruments. Audioflex, the first remote-controlled hearing system. Symbio, the world s first ChannelFree digital hearing system providing natural sound experiences. Brite, the trendsetting and awardwinning lifestyle hearing system with receiver-in-the ear technology. 60 th anniversary of Bernafon hearing systems. 1996 1999 2002 2005 2006 2009 Vérité, wireless technology for binaural coordination and wireless connectivity to Bluetooth -compatible communication devices. Smile, a fully digital hearing system equipped for the first time with multi-microphone technology. Swissear and the innovative Spira Flex sound tube system mark the beginning of cosmetic and fashionable hearing solutions. With its Lifestyle Profile in Oasis software, Icos is the first hearing system in the market incorporating client s needs and preferences into the fitting. We develop intelligent and attractive products and services with passion and efficiency.
12 For our customers worldwide Combined competence in production and logistics Bernafon hearing systems are manufactured in two production facilities in the William Demant Holding. These production sites are located in Thisted, Denmark, and Mierzyn, Poland. Their core competence is based on long experience and production know-how which forms a part of the success of Bernafon hearing systems. The production and logistics center in Thisted is used for the worldwide distribution of our hearing instruments and accessories. A computer-controlled storage system provides precise control of our inventory of production parts and materials, to facilitate rapid worldwide delivery. Despite rapid technological developments and production procedures becoming more automated, there is still a need for highly qualified staff to provide the precise handcraftsmanship required to achieve Bernafon s high standard of quality. Reliability and respect are qualities on which partners, customers and staff can constantly build.
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14 Interdisciplinary and International Teamwork Together for better hearing The Swiss roots of our brand and products mean a lot to us. They give shape not only to our messages but mainly to our behaviour. They give us a firm foundation on which to build. We are open-minded and have our fingers on the pulse around the globe. Worldwide specialists work together efficiently and effectively for Bernafon. They bring together knowledge, expertise and experience from a variety of disciplines such as software design, electronic system design, clinical and technical audiology, hardware design, system verification and support, quality control, manufacturing, logistics, marketing, sales and management for the benefit of the hearing care professional, distributor, and end user. Bernafon s success relies on coordinated input from all team members and respect for everyone s input. Reliability and respect are qualities on which partners, customers and staff can constantly build. These Swiss values are the basis on which our international teams develop and distribute high-quality hearing systems. In many areas, Bernafon collaborates with renowned research centers around the world. It is through this collaboration that we can quickly apply the latest research findings to our hearing systems, and examine the client benefits through field and product trials.
Welcome to the World of Bernafon Bernafon is a reliable company with a brand our customers can trust. We are committed to Bernafon and our support is based on common values that obligate us. These values are ingrained in us and their essence is expressed in the promise made by every Bernafon employee: Your hearing Our passion
At Bernafon, we are passionate about developing quality hearing systems that enable our customers to enjoy authentic hearing experiences. Since 1946, Bernafon has been at the forefront of hearing system technology. Thanks to Swiss Engineering and precision technology, Bernafon has pioneered many market firsts including the first digitally programmable hearing instrument and our proprietary ChannelFree signal processing. Today, Bernafon representatives and employees in more than 70 countries fulfil our vision to help people with impaired hearing to communicate without limitation. Bernafon AG Morgenstrasse 131 3018 Bern Switzerland Phone +41 31 998 15 15 Fax +41 31 998 15 90 www.bernafon.com Bernafon UK Cadzow Industrial Estate Off Low Waters Road Hamilton ML3 7QE Scotland Phone +44 1698 285 968 Fax +44 1698 421 456 www.bernafon.co.uk Bernafon Australia Pty. Ltd. 12/97 Castlemaine Street Milton QLD 4064 Australia Freecall 1800 809 111 Phone +61 7 3250 0300 Fax +61 7 3250 0372 www.bernafon.com.au Bernafon New Zealand Ltd. Level 1, Building F 27-29 William Pickering Drive Albany, Auckland 0632 New Zealand Free Call 0800 442 257 Phone +64 9 920 42 40 Fax +64 9 920 42 43 www.bernafon.co.nz Amsterdam - Auckland - Berlin - Bern - Brisbane - Copenhagen - Gdan sk - Glasgow - New Jersey - Paris - Rome - Stockholm - Tokyo - Toronto 04.09/BAG/961-86-310-00/subject to change www.bernafon.com