Case Study: Sonova achieves faster product development for hearing aids and implants with MathWorks' MATLAB and Simulink

Sonova Shortens Product Development Time for Hearing Aids and Implants with Model-Based Design

Sonova, a global maker of hearing aids and cochlear implants, faced the challenge of rapidly turning signal‑processing ideas into audible, real‑time prototypes so audiologists and engineers could evaluate perceived sound quality and then verify and package implementations for reuse. To meet this need Sonova adopted MathWorks’ Model‑Based Design using MATLAB and Simulink (with Simulink Coder and Simulink Real‑Time) as a shared engineering language and prototyping workflow.

Using MathWorks tools, Sonova models algorithms in Simulink, auto‑generates C with Simulink Coder, and runs real‑time tests via Simulink Real‑Time, enabling minutes‑fast prototype iterations and rigorous verification before porting optimized code to its DSP platform. The MathWorks‑based approach delivered measurable gains: prototypes updated in minutes rather than days, roughly 80% reuse of software libraries across products, and improved software quality, shortening development time for new hearing instruments and implants.

Sonova

Raoul Glatt

Digital Signal Processing Software Manager