PMCI - October 2017

ETYMOTIC
Etymotic Research, Inc. is an engineering-driven research,
development and manufacturing company. The name “Etymotic”
(pronounced “et-im-oh-tik.”) means “true to the ear.” Mead
Killion, Ph.D. founded Etymotic Research in 1983 to design
products that accurately assess hearing, improve the lives of
those with hearing loss, protect hearing, and enhance the
listening experience of all users.
With deep roots in acoustic research and the hearing aid
industry, Etymotic invented insert earphones in 1984. Etymotic’s
original earphone design used balanced armature receivers,
which established these speakers as the gold standard for
high definition in-ear earphones. The first versions were used
for diagnostic testing and precision auditory research (ER-1, 2,
3). Etymotic produced the first noise-isolating high-fidelity inear
earphone, the ER-4 (1991), which became the basis of all
subsequent in-ear earphones and in-ear monitors worldwide,
and created an entire category of consumer electronics. The ER-4
earphones are still produced and channel-balanced to within 1 dB
in Etymotic’s labs in the US.
The early 1980s represented a new electronic age which
saw the introduction of numerous technical devices to assist
consumers in telephone communication and increase their access
to and appreciation of music. Products such as personal portable
radio/cassette players, FAX machines, cell phones and compact
disc technologies were introduced. This time frame was also a
period of advancement of in-ear technologies and greater public
acceptance of hearing aids. On September 7, 1983, during a routine
press conference, the news media observed that President Reagan
was wearing a hearing aid in his right ear, which proved to be a
priceless endorsement of hearing aids and helped boost sales to
record levels. In fact, in 1983, U.S. hearing aid sales surpassed the
one million mark for the first time in history.
This atmosphere of innovative technology set the stage for
the establishment of a new company that would focus on the
design of high-fidelity products that measure, improve and protect
hearing. Armed with two and one-half degrees in mathematics,
a PhD in audiology, and more than 20 years of experience in
electronic component manufacturing, Mead Killion took the giant
step forward to initiate his own commercial enterprise during the
summer of 1983. On the introduction of a mutual friend, Mead
was joined by Ed DeVilbiss, who brought a high level of sales and
business acumen, both of which were invaluable to the success
of the company.
The success of Etymotic Research is nothing short of
remarkable. Etymotic Research developed insert earphones for
audiometry and auditory brainstem response testing; otoacoustic
emissions screening and diagnostic devices; directional and array
microphones; a real-ear probe microphone for research; K-AMP
and Digi-K hearing aid circuitry; Companion Mics; Musicians
Earplugs; non-custom high-fidelity passive and electronic
earplugs; personal noise dosimeters; a sound level meter and
a direct-to-consumer personal sound amplifier. Along the way,
Etymotic created an entirely new consumer electronics category:
Noise-isolating, high-fidelity in-ear earphones.
Never losing sight of its mission, Etymotic Research has
expanded from audiology-based products to innovative devices
for the high-growth consumer electronics and telephony markets.
Etymotic has almost 70 employees and many consultants and
colleagues who contribute to research and product development.
Etymotic is rich in relationships with passionate people from all
over the globe. This amazing group shares a common goal: To
make the world a better place.
ETYMOTIC
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