Estron Accelerates Time to Market with Advanced Cable and Connector Solutions

Estron, the Danish manufacturer of high-quality wire, cable, and miniaturized connector solutions, showcased the company's newest solutions for hearing aids and audiology at the recent EUHA 2023 congress in Nuremberg, Germany. Making its debut was es-Hear, a complete off-the-shelf plug cable and RIC (Receiver-in-Canal) solution using a plug-and-play micro connection. And Estron showcased its latest multipole micro connector that supports its patent pending 8 conductor solution.
67th Inter­na­tional Congress of Hearing Aid Acousti­cians (EUHA stands for European Union of Hearing Aid Acousticians) is Europe's leading conference and exhibition for the hearing aid and audiology industry. As a key supplier of the finest and most durable miniature connections, ranging from litz wires to connector and cable solutions, Estron presented the company's newest developments for this sector, aiming to deliver advanced solutions for the latest product developments, and meet the need from manufacturers to reduce time-to-market.

Making its market debut is a new complete off-the-shelf plug cable and RIC (Receiver-in-Canal) solution for the hearing aid industry, that Estron named es-Hear. This innovative plug-and-play micro connection, the company says, is set to transform the world of hearable solutions, offering a seamless and efficient way to connect from socket to ear tip. "

As a development and manufacturing house, Estron has supplied customized solutions for years. However, es-Hear represents a significant milestone as the first complete standard solution provided by Estron," CEO Peter Lyhne Uhrenholt states. "It makes me proud that we, as a development house and manufacturer, can offer a complete solution like the es-Hear. It is a milestone for Estron. It emphasizes the level of expertise and process quality we have worked up throughout three decades and underlines our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the hearable industry."

Recognized in multiple markets, including the in-ear monitor (IEM) segment where the company sells its popular T2 Connector System, Estron has established itself as a pioneer in providing small and durable wires and connector solutions to the hearing aid market. The company's track record in the sector boasts millions of custom cable-based RIC connectors, all made possible through the unique es-Linum cables, developed by Estron.

es-Linum is a unique high-tech cable, thin, strong, and almost invisible. Ideal for applications within hearing, medical, OTC, audio, communication and similar, the cable is made from ESW - silver-plated copper wire and strengthening fibers. It is extruded with formable Pebax - and has an OD of Ø0.9 mm. As opposed to a tube, es-Linum is not hollow. No sound waves will pass through, and thus acoustical feedback is reduced. Moreover, no sweat, moisture or ear wax can enter the inside of the jacket. The cable is tested and approved for cochlear use.
 
es-Hear takes this legacy to new heights, offering a complete off-the-shelf solution for hearables, OTC hearing, communication devices, and more. Changes in the hearing market, such as new demands for OTC hearing, have provided new opportunities for Estron and the es-Hear solution meets those emerging demands. With a focus on standard components and rapid development, es-Hear is prepared to accelerate projects, making it an ideal choice for startups and established companies alike. "We have introduced a new front-end innovation approach which has strengthened the work on more complete solutions. Previously, Estron primarily worked with incremental innovation, but with the need for speed in today's competitive landscape and new fields such as OTC hearing, we have stepped up, and the es-Hear is the first outcome of our new approach," adds Chief Technologist Carit Laursen.

The es-Hear solution is receiver-independent, making more flexible and ideal to adjust to the needs of new projects, where Estron can offer support and collaboration. As a plug & play solution the robust and reliable Estron RIC miniature connector is available off-the-shelf, while still allowing room for customization. The construction is made with IP-68 protection to withstand real-life challenges, and complemented with UV resistant and fiber-reinforced es-Linum Ø0.9mm cable.

New Multipole Micro Connector
Meanwhile, Estron continues to promote its latest, patent pending 8 conductor solution, still gathering market response. Estron has traditionally developed and supplied standard and custom micro plugs and cable solutions with up to 6 conductors. With the new patent pending generic Estron Multipole Micro Connector, the company now offers a cable-based plug-socket connector system designed for manufacturers who require several features in a miniature design. With up to 8 conductors, the connector allows design inclusion in the application of microphones, sensors, signal separation, etc. Unique features of this Multipole Micro Connector design include the use of high reliability ø0.9mm cable with up to 8 conductors (up to 12 also in the works). To contribute to the longest possible product lifetime, the micro connector is designed with focus on multiple insertions and minimal wear on the socket, being also a sealed system (IP68 2m water). Combined with a strong tactility perception and a user-friendly size, the connector system contributes to the best possible end-user experience: Ease of use in everyday applications, reliable transmission, and long durability.
www.estron.dk