The history of Beltone

Beltone was founded on the act of helping a friend to enjoy life more. So begins the story of Beltone, when founder Sam Posen made a hearing aid for a friend. This was in the 1930’s and we are still busy adding new chapters to the story.

Beltone was founded by Sam Posen on the act of helping a friend to enjoy life more.

1930s

Sam Posen makes first hearing aid in order to help a friend enjoy life more.

1940

The Beltone company is officially formed in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The Model H hearing aid is introduced.

1942

Start of the exclusive distribution network business model.

1945

Harmony, the world’s smallest hearing aid, is introduced.

1958

The first behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid, Minuet, is introduced.

1961

The first in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid comes to market. Beltone is now represented in 38 countries.

1990s

Introduction of digital hearing aids.

Industry leader in small completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids.

1997

Beltone is sold to J.W. Childs.

1999

Philips Hearing Technologies is acquired by Beltone.

2000

Beltone is sold to GN Store Nord and continues as an independent brand within the corporate frames of GN.

2004

Launch of EDGE leading the industry into open fitting hearing aids.

2007

Beltone launches Beltone Marq, the world's smallest Receiver-In-Ear hearing instrument at the time.

2009

Beltone Touch introduces Microphone-in-Concha (MIC) technology, setting new standards for natural amplification, wind-noise reduction and minimal size.

2010

Beltone introduces Beltone True, featuring the world's smallest Receiver-in-the-ear and the industry's first 2.4 GHz wireless technology for its Direct Line of wireless hearing instrument accessories.

2013

Beltone expands on it's industry-leading hearing aid wireless connectivity by introducing Beltone First, a revolutionary Made for iPhone® hearing aid.

2014

Beltone launches Beltone Boost, the first super power hearing aid Made for iPhone®. Beltone First receives prestigious 2014 Red Dot Award for Product Design.

2015

Beltone celebrates its 75th anniversary by introducing Beltone Legend, the most comprehensive and personalized hearing aid product line on the market.

Beltone releases the first app that controls hearing aid settings from Apple Watch, the HearPlus app for Apple Watch.

Beltone introduces Beltone Ally hearing aids, the first basic full family solution to use industry leading 2.4 GHz direct wireless technology and advanced sound processing features.

2017

Beltone introduces Beltone Trust hearing aids, which give unmatched ability to hear speech in noisy situations and the most options to connect to the users' favorite devices.

Plus, Beltone introduces new remote fine-tuning capabilities, allowing users to stay in touch with their hearing care professional, receive hearing care and apply new settings wherever they are via the cloud without having to schedule and travel for an appointment.