“We deliver the wireless technologies that are critical to Sonova’s success,” Laurent Saada, the Managing Director of Sonova Communications (see photo), proudly explains. In April 2021, the global leader in hearing care solutions opened one of the first carbon-neutral offices in Switzerland. Thanks to its pioneering climate-responsive architectural design, the high-tech complex offers indoor thermal comfort with almost no help from heating and ventilation systems. The new premises are the centerpiece of the Swiss group’s ambitious sustainability strategy and have become a benchmark for experts. According to Saada, they are “also a plus point when recruiting talent.”

The firm, which was founded in 1992 in the canton of Fribourg, specializes in the development of wireless technologies. Management chose the Murten site some 30 years ago because it is “surrounded by the pool of talent produced by the nearby universities of applied sciences and EPFL.” The director adds, “We are in the fortunate position of having four generations of expertise to draw on. Indeed, a certain section of the workforce has been with us from our early days.” Some 150 employees, three-quarters of whom are engineers, work in the bright, modern premises. “Our site functions primarily as a research and development center.”

Revolutionizing hearing care

One of Sonova’s most popular products was designed in Murten. ‘Roger On’ – a name that is as clever and impactful as the company’s corporate culture – has won six international awards since its launch in 2021. “It’s a wireless microphone that significantly enhances the performance of hearing aids in environments with a lot of ambient noise.” This lightweight, compact device which acts like a ‘third ear’ can be used in any kind of setting, whether professional, educational or social. For hearing-impaired kids, Roger On helps improve their learning experience by cutting through the incidental noise in the classroom. All in all, “It’s a fantastic tool for social inclusion,” and is increasingly popular with hearing care professionals all over the world who are recommending Roger On to their customers, especially those with hearing aids and cochlear implants.

It is in this inspiring and congenial environment that Sonova Communications engineers are working on the assistive hearing technologies of the future. The next ‘Made in Morat’ game changer will be unveiled shortly, “Our teams have designed a new-generation chip that could potentially revolutionize our industry,” Laurent Saada confides.