Highlights

 

  • AUA shares jumped 31.6% after signing a five-year licensing deal with Eastech to enter China’s hearing health market.

  • Products featuring Audeara’s technology will launch in H2 CY2025, targeting millions via leading Chinese e-commerce platforms.

  • China’s hearing loss market is projected to grow to 561 million people by 2034.

 

Audeara Limited (ASX:AUA) saw its share price surge 31.6% to 2.5 cents on Tuesday morning (12 August) after securing a landmark Licensing Agreement with Eastech (Huizhou) Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Taiwan-listed Eastech Holding Limited (TWSE: 5225).

The deal will see Audeara’s proprietary hearing technology integrated into advanced hearing devices under Eastech’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) certification, targeting China’s multi-billion-dollar hearing health market.

Strategic Agreement with Eastech

Under the five-year Licensing Agreement, Audeara will license its technology and provide engineering services to support the design and manufacture of hearing devices for the Chinese market.

The products will be sold under a third-party brand and distributed by a leading Chinese e-commerce hearing aid provider with national reach, leveraging platforms such as Tmall, JD.com, and Pinduoduo — offering potential exposure to millions of consumers.

In parallel, Eastech (Huizhou) has signed a purchase agreement with a third-party buyer for devices incorporating Audeara’s technology, ensuring a direct pathway to commercialisation.

China’s Expanding Hearing Health Opportunity

China is one of the largest and fastest-growing hearing health markets globally. In 2019, 426.5 million people in the country were affected by hearing loss, including over 95 million with moderate to severe impairment.

This number is projected to climb to 561 million by 2034, representing over 40% of the population.

Launch Timeline and Commercial Impact

The initial product launch is targeted for H2 CY2025, marking a major milestone in Audeara’s global expansion strategy.

While the agreement includes royalties per unit sold, there are no minimum purchase obligations. The ultimate financial impact will depend on the commercial success and uptake of the devices in the Chinese market.

Management sees this partnership as the start of a strategic multi-party collaboration, positioning Audeara to capture long-term value in China’s growing medical device sector.

Investors welcomed the announcement, with AUA shares sharply higher in morning trade.