Audeara Secures Exclusive Distribution Deal with ShokzHear for Customised OpenLearn Small Solution
Personalised hearing technology company Audeara has entered into an exclusive two-year distribution agreement with ShokzHear, the healthcare-focused division of global bone conduction audio technology leader Shokz. This partnership marks a significant step in Audeara’s strategy to scale assistive listening solutions through government-backed education channels.
The deal covers the customised deployment of an exclusive listening solution for the Australian market, to be marketed as the OpenLearn Small by ShokzHear. This initiative aims to address a substantial unmet need in listening and learning for school-aged children experiencing functional listening challenges.
Targeting a Significant Market
It is estimated that up to 600,000 Australian school-aged children experience functional listening challenges, often linked to fluctuating hearing loss. These challenges can significantly impact classroom engagement and long-term educational outcomes, particularly in regional and remote communities where background noise and poor listening conditions are common barriers.
Under the agreement, ShokzHear will customise and manufacture the product based on specifications provided by Audeara, including functionality, sizing, and audio tuning parameters tailored for Australian education settings. The solution is specifically designed for classroom environments, where these challenges are most pronounced.
Audeara expects to place its first product orders later in 2026 following initial customer demand. This move is expected to provide a scalable commercial pathway through fully funded state and national government programs as well as charitable channels.
Strategic Position for Future Growth
This partnership strengthens Audeara’s position alongside a globally recognised leader in open-ear listening technology and may provide a platform for future product and market expansion. It also supports the company’s broader strategy of expanding its global footprint and hearing health platform through collaboration with leading hardware providers, while maintaining a capital-efficient operating model.
Audeara believes that by leveraging institutional procurement pathways and funded programs, it can scale distribution efficiently while keeping customer acquisition costs low. This approach enables the company to translate real-world impact into a commercially sustainable model, supporting broad access and long-term growth.
Solving Meaningful Problems
ShokzHear director Fengyun Liao expressed excitement about collaborating with Audeara to provide customised audio solutions for the Australian market. “Audeara’s local market insight and experience in assistive listening technologies makes them a valuable partner as we adapt our technology platform for new applications,” she said.
Audeara CEO Dr James Fielding highlighted that the deal is fundamentally about helping people access sound in environments where it matters most. “Across Australia, hundreds of thousands of children experience listening challenges during critical years of learning. When speech isn’t clear, engagement drops, confidence is impacted, and opportunities can be lost,” he said.
He added that the deal enables the company to deliver at scale through fully funded programs, with a solution shaped by Audeara’s listening expertise and validated in real-world environments. “Importantly, it demonstrates that solving meaningful problems can also create a scalable and sustainable commercial pathway,” he said.
