Audeara Secures Five-Year Licensing Agreement to Launch Hearing Tech in China
Audeara Limited has secured a five-year licensing agreement with Eastech (Huizhou) Co., Ltd. to bring its advanced hearing technology to China’s booming medical device market, leveraging major e-commerce platforms for distribution.
- Five-year licensing deal with Eastech (Huizhou) Co., Ltd.
- Audeara’s technology integrated into hearing devices under Eastech’s NMPA certification
- Products to be sold under third-party brand via Tmall, JD.com, and Pinduoduo
- Targeting China’s 426 million-strong hearing loss population, growing to 561 million by 2034
- Royalties per unit sold with no minimum purchase obligations
Strategic Entry into China’s Hearing Health Market
Audeara Limited, an Australian leader in hearing health technology, has taken a significant step in its global expansion by signing a licensing agreement with Eastech (Huizhou) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Taiwan-listed Eastech Holding Limited. This partnership will see Audeara’s proprietary hearing technology incorporated into advanced hearing devices tailored for the Chinese market.
China represents one of the largest and fastest-growing markets for hearing health solutions, with an estimated 426 million people affected by hearing loss as of 2019. This figure is expected to swell to over 560 million by 2034, underscoring the vast potential for innovative hearing devices.
Leveraging Established Regulatory and Distribution Channels
Under the agreement, Eastech will handle the design and manufacture of hearing devices using Audeara’s technology, operating under Eastech’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) certification. This regulatory approval is crucial for market entry and consumer trust in China’s medical device sector.
Distribution will be managed through a third-party brand, with sales conducted via leading Chinese e-commerce platforms including Tmall, JD.com, and Pinduoduo. These platforms boast extensive reach, offering access to millions of potential consumers nationwide and aligning with China’s growing preference for online shopping.
A Partnership Built for Growth and Innovation
The licensing agreement spans an initial five years, with Audeara set to receive royalties on each unit sold. Notably, there are no minimum purchase obligations, meaning financial returns will closely track commercial success and market adoption. This arrangement reflects a cautious yet optimistic approach to penetrating a complex and competitive market.
Audeara’s CEO, Dr James Fielding, highlighted the synergy between technology, regulatory expertise, and consumer access as a foundation for accelerated impact. Meanwhile, Eastech’s General Manager, Calvin Chan, emphasized the shared commitment to innovation and accessibility in hearing health.
This collaboration not only opens a new revenue stream for Audeara but also positions the company within a strategic multi-party ecosystem that could foster further product development and expansion in China’s hearing health sector.
Looking Ahead
The product launch is targeted for the second half of 2025, marking a pivotal milestone in Audeara’s international growth strategy. Success in China could validate the company’s technology on a global scale and attract further partnerships or licensing opportunities in other regions.
Bottom Line?
Audeara’s China licensing deal sets the stage for a high-stakes expansion into the world’s largest hearing health market.
Questions in the middle?
- What are the expected royalty rates and projected sales volumes for the Chinese market?
- How will Audeara and Eastech navigate competition from established local and international hearing device brands?
- Could this partnership lead to further collaborations or product innovations tailored specifically for China?
