Panasonic Announces Entry Into U.S. Hearing Care Market

SAN DIEGO, April 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Panasonic will today announce, at the Audiology NOW! 2010 Conference being held in this city, that it will enter the Hearing Care business in the U.S. market.  The Conference, which is focused on hearing instruments and technologies to support audiologists and their patients, is the largest gathering of audiologists in the world.  The company will make the announcement on site at its booth #2920 in the San Diego Convention Center.  

"As a leader in audio and video products for more than three quarters of a century, and a long history in hearing products in the Japanese market, Panasonic is well positioned to participate in the convergence of audio products and hearing aids," said Yoshi Yuasa, Corporate Senior Vice President of Panasonic Corporation of North America. We believe that Panasonic hearing instruments have the potential to help audiologists provide more desirable solutions to their patients while helping to build Panasonic's reputation for other types of healthcare solutions as well."  

"With the recent development of its own proprietary digital sound processing devices and algorithms, sleekly styled products coupled with the powerful consumer brand's strength, I think Panasonic is in a strong position as we launch local operations in this country," said industry leader Delain D. Wright, who was recently appointed Director of Sales for Panasonic Corporation of North America's Healthcare Group.  

Panasonic is committed to work with the industry to expand the evolving market in hearing care.  The company plans to collaborate with audiologists and hearing professionals to better serve people with the need for better hearing.  

"Incorporating Panasonic's understanding of the consumer will be a central part of the products and services that we offer, going forward," explained Mr. Wright.  Panasonic's commitment to understanding the needs of audiologists and patients and partnering with the industry will enable us to be successful in this people-focused business."  

About Panasonic

Based in Secaucus, NJ, Panasonic Corporation of North America provides a broad line of digital and other electronics products for consumer, business and industrial use. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC), and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company's Eco Ideas programs. Information about Panasonic and its products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

About Panasonic's Healthcare Group

Panasonic Corporation of North America's newly formed Healthcare Group brings together Panasonic's expertise in a wide range of health and medical device technologies, including hearing care.

SOURCE Panasonic