WS Audiology addresses fundamental problems of the hearing industry.
WS Audiology is a global leader in the hearing aid industry with more than 12,500 employees across 45 offices. Through a strong commitment to its “Wonderful Sound for All” purpose, 3.5 million people were equipped with innovative hearing devices in 2022/23. WS Audiology consistently delivers new innovations and world-class quality through three R&D hubs and seven main production sites worldwide.
WS Audiology has recognized the increasing number of people that suffer from hearing loss, the high percentage of untreated cases and the resulting consequences for the individuals and society. WSA have made it their purpose to address these challenges through a strategy based on the following pillars:
- Increase awareness: Support open conversation about hearing health, develop products with an innovative design and form factors which fight the stigma of traditional hearing aids.
- Expand access: Goal of making hearing aids available across the word, even in the most remote areas.
- Tackle affordability: Make hearing aids available through technological and commercial innovations, without solely relying on public reimbursement schemes and insurances.
- Build a wonderful place to work: We encourage the inclusion of people with diverse views, opinions and backgrounds so we can attract the strongest talent.
- Protect the planet: We care about the planet and are moving toward circular business models.
WSA set quantifiable goals for each of these pillars, track their progress and continue to introduce new initiatives. For example, in 2022 the Signia team in China started to use mobile fitting vans to build a network of local distributers in remote areas and raise awareness of end-users. Moreover, the company has entered the over-the-counter(OTC) hearing aid category in the US to further address accessibility and affordability.
"Our strategy is to break down the barriers that people with hearing loss face so that we can deliver wonderful sound for all. Everything we do is about raising awareness, increasing accessibility and tackling affordability so that everyone who needs it can get good hearing care. To be successful, we work hard to ensure that we have highly engaged and passionate employees and that we run a sustainable business that protects the planet for future generations."
Eric Bernard, President and CEO
In addition to their customers, WSA puts a great focus on the well-being of their employees. The company fosters talent through trainings and development programs, targets improvements regarding diversity and inclusion and ensures a collaborative approach through surveys and open conversations.
WSA’s decarbonization targets were approved by the Science Based Targets initiative. In 2022/23, 66% of the electricity at all WSA sites (manufacturing, offices and retail stores) comes from renewable sources, moving towards their goal of reaching 100% renewable electricity by 2025. In addition, WSA commits to reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 50% by 2030 from a 2020 base year and reducing absolute scope 3 GHG emissions 30% by 2030 from a 2021 base year. WSA continues to accelerate the transition to a circular business model and reduce environmental impacts of their products through the whole life cycle.
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