Audeara inks licensing deal to bring hearing tech to Middle Kingdom

• Audeara inks licensing deal with Eastech (Huizhou) in major China market expansion
• Products will be sold under a third-party brand and distributed via a leading Chinese e-commerce hearing aid provider
• Product launch targeted for this half to capitalise on China’s significant market opportunity

Special Report: Personalised audio technology provider Audeara has taken a significant step towards expanding into the vast Chinese medical device market by securing a five-year licensing deal with Eastech (Huizhou), a subsidiary of Taiwan-listed Eastech Holding.

Eastech (Huizhou) has also executed an agreement with a third-party purchaser for the medical devices incorporating the tech of Brisbane-based Audeara (ASX:AUA).

The medical devices will be sold under a third-party brand and distributed via a leading Chinese e-ecommerce hearing aid provider with national reach to millions of Chinese consumers.

They are expected to be retailed via leading e-commerce platforms in the country including Tmall, JD.com and Pinduoduo.

Under the terms of the licensing deal Audeara will provide proprietary technology and engineering services to Eastech for use in the design and manufacture of hearing devices.

Products will be developed under Eastech’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) certification.

The product launch is targeted for the coming months, representing a major milestone in Audeara’s global expansion strategy.

Under the deal Audeara will receive royalties per unit sold with no minimum purchase obligations.

Watch: Audeara product offerings and the launch of a major medical device initiative into China.

Major milestone in Middle Kingdom growth

China represents a substantial long-term growth opportunity for Audeara with an estimated 426.5m people affected by hearing loss in 2019, including more than 95m with moderate to severe hearing impairment.

The figure is projected to reach 561m by 2034, representing 40.1% of the population.

Taiwan-listed Eastech is valued at more than $350m, with a strong track record in advanced electronics and medical solutions.

Audeara sees its initial licensing deal with Eastech (Huizhou) as the start of a strategic multi-party collaboration that establishes a strong foundation for future product development and commercial growth in China’s hearing health market.

“This agreement marks a major milestone in Audeara’s global expansion,” CEO and managing director Dr James Fielding said.

“The alignment between Audeara, Eastech and our distribution partner enables us to combine technology, regulatory execution and consumer access in one strategy that will accelerate impact at scale.”

Eastech (Huizhou) general manager Calvin Chan said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to innovation and accessibility in hearing health.

“Eastech is proud to act as the operational and regulatory hub for bringing these solutions to the Chinese market.”

This article was developed in collaboration with Audeara, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.