What We Learned at Sonova’s Asian Headquarters
Written by Joanna Magee & Kerry Underwood
Recently, Kerry and I travelled to Vietnam to visit Sonova’s Asian headquaters, where we joined hearing professionals and industry leaders to explore the latest developments in hearing healthcare, hearing technology and brain health research.
One key message stood out: better hearing is about more than hearing sounds—it’s about staying connected, confident and engaged in everyday life.
Research presented at the conference showed that advanced hearing technology may help the brain process speech more efficiently, reducing listening effort and mental fatigue. This is particularly important for people who often say, “I can hear people talking, but I struggle to understand what they’re saying.”
We also heard about the growing links between untreated hearing loss, social isolation, listening fatigue and cognitive decline, reinforcing the importance of addressing hearing concerns early.
A highlight of the trip was visiting the laboratories and manufacturing facilities where hearing technology is designed and tested. Seeing the science behind these innovations was a powerful reminder that every advancement aims to make communication easier in the situations that matter most—conversations with family, friends and the wider community.
Experiences like these help us stay at the forefront of hearing care and bring the latest evidence-based knowledge back to our clients in Far North Queensland.