This year, Audeara turns 10.
We’re marking the moment by reflecting on the people, partnerships and turning points that brought us here — and sharing a few highlights from the journey so far.
The Early Years (2015–2018)
Back when personalised sound was just a side idea.
The original plan? Hearing tests for GPs. But somewhere between pitch nights, prototypes and a trip to Shenzhen, we pivoted toward music, entertainment and sound that actually fits. A Kickstarter, a few bold decisions, and we were off.
2015 – Audeara Begins
Audeara is officially registered as a company. The team joins the UQ Ventures ilab Accelerator, pitches their early concept, and secures initial investment.
2016 – The Leap (and the Lineup)
Dr James Fielding steps away from hospital life to become CEO, and Alex Afflick joins as CTO — turning a big idea into a working product.
2016 – First trip to Shenzhen
The team heads to Shenzhen, China to build our first prototype — a rough, early version of something that might just work.
2017 – Kickstarter kicks off
At the launch party, people pledged $100,064 — smashing our $100K goal on day one. With 44 days still to go, we knew we were onto something.
2017 – 60 headphones sold in 10 minutes
One radio interview. Ten minutes. Sixty sales. The moment we knew this thing had legs.
2018 – First orders ship worldwide
Audeara A-01 Headphones are shipped to over 60 countries. Our first global moment — and a glimpse of just how far this idea could go.
2018 – NDIS registered
We became a registered NDIS provider, making it easier for people living with disability to access Audeara products through the scheme. Another step toward more inclusive listening.
2018 – Attune backs us early
Attune Hearing became our first customer in the audiology industry. A big early milestone — and our first step into the hearing health space.
2018 – A Sound Idea Takes Shape
Alex and Ian trial our first ever hearing protection concept headphones, designed for musicians who want to protect their ears without compromising on sound. It was early days, but the idea planted a seed.
Finding Our Frequency (2019–2020)
The moment we found our focus.
After facing growing pains and global team challenges, the company resets its strategy. From Alex’s apartment, the new focus becomes clear: work closely with audiology clinics to bring personalised listening into hearing health.
2019 – Hearing Australia comes on board
We signed a supply agreement with Hearing Australia, one of the country’s largest providers of hearing services. A major moment that helped shape where we were heading next.
2019 – Dialling it in
With a few strong partnerships already in place, we hit pause and took stock. The clinic space was where things were working, so we trimmed the distractions and doubled down on what was actually getting results.
2019 – Supporting Veterans through DVA
Audeara is officially registered with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, helping retired military access personalised listening through audiology clinics.
2020 – Everyone’s working from home
Like the rest of the world, we adapted. With changes to government hearing programs, people could access our products without visiting a clinic. We trained audiology teams to deliver care remotely — keeping things flexible and accessible.
Certified and Amplified (2021–2022)
Officially on the map.
We listed on the ASX, partnered with the biggest names in hearing health, and picked up a few shiny awards along the way. Our products rolled out across the country, and suddenly Audeara wasn’t just a good idea — it was the real deal.
2021 – Audeara lists on the ASX
We officially became a publicly listed company on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: AUA). A big moment — and a signal that we were here to stay. Learn more.
2021 – Amplifon Australia joins the party
We signed a supply deal with one of the biggest names in hearing care. More clinics, more people, more personalised sound.
2021 – Hearing Technology Innovator Award
Recognition for the work we’d been quietly doing for years: creating smart, personalised listening solutions that actually make a difference.
2022 – Global deal with Amplifon
After proving ourselves in clinics across Australia, we signed a global partnership with Amplifon — opening the door to international markets and new possibilities.
2022 – Zildjian comes to the table
We kicked off a partnership with Avedis Zildjian — founded in 1623 and still leading the way in percussion. Their 400 years of musical legacy, our audio know-how. A collaboration built to make noise (the good kind).
2022 – Taking over the clinic room
We expanded across Australia, partnering with more major clinics like Connect Hearing — plus a bunch of brilliant independents. Suddenly, people who used to leave empty-handed were walking out with something that worked for them.
2022 – Two trophies and a big night out
Audeara took home Outstanding Small Business, and Dr James Fielding was named Young Business Person of the Year at the Lord Mayor’s Business Awards. Not a bad haul for one Friday night.
Turning Up the Volume (2023–2024)
Bigger reach, broader impact.
We expanded into new regions, formed new partnerships, and launched AUA Technology — opening the door for others to build with our expertise. From hearing health to pro audio, Audeara was no longer just a product. It was a platform.
2023 – AUA Technology goes live
We launched AUA Technology — giving other companies access to our expertise in audio, engineering and manufacturing. New partnerships, new potential, same personalised sound ethos.
2023 – Europe, here we come
We established our EU entity and secured our first European purchase order through Amplifon. A big step into a bigger market — with plenty more to come.
2023 – Clinico joins the chat
Clinico Inc., Taiwan’s largest audiology chain, came knocking — looking to co-develop a pair of earbuds for their market. A new partnership, a new product, and a big step into Asia.
2024 – Perfect Tune™ hits the right note
Zildjian placed their first purchase order for the Alchem-E Perfect Tune™ headphones — developed in partnership with AUA Technology. Proving we’re just as good at building for others as we are for ourselves.
2024 – Buds and broadcast audio
We launched the Audeara Buds alongside Australia’s first Auracast-enabled venue at the Normanby Hotel — powered by our Auracast™ Transceiver and Lapel Mic. A big step forward for accessible, shared listening.
2024 – Queensland Export Awards win
Hard work, big ideas, and a great team — all recognised with the International Health Award at the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards. Proud to be taking Brisbane-based tech to the global stage.
2024 – Recognition from Taiwan
Audeara received the Queensland–Taiwan Business Excellence Award at the ANZCham Awards — recognising our growing partnership with Clinico Inc. and the impact we’re making in the region.
Our Next Chapter? Sounds Good. (2025 and Beyond)
Ten years in — and we’re just getting started.
Audeara products are now sold in over 1,500 clinics across Australia, and 10 countries around the world (find your local stockist). They support everyday listening, enhance clinical care, and help more people experience sound in a way that’s made to fit. As we move into our second decade, that impact continues to grow.
Already this year, we’ve supported inclusive listening experiences at World Hearing Day events with the University of Queensland and Macquarie University, using Auracast™ to demonstrate the power of shared audio in real-world settings. In Taiwan, we launched the Clinico Sound Buds, co-designed with the largest audiology chain in the region. We’ve also begun developing licensed hearing aid technology in partnership with Eastech, taking our approach to personalised sound into an entirely new category.
As we step into our second decade, our mission remains clear: to create personalised sound that helps people feel connected. Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or just tuned in — thanks for being part of the journey.
Here’s to what’s next. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
