Hearing innovation for the modern warfighter

Soldier Mod talks to Mark Orton, CEO, FalCom

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Q: Could we start by introducing GN Group and how they began to work within the military sector with their technology?

A: GN Group, a distinguished Danish company with a legacy of over 150 years in audio engineering, has been a pioneer in professional, gaming and medical-grade audio solutions. Our journey into the military sector began through our longstanding relationship with the Department of Veteran Affairs in the United States. Over the years, GN Hearing , the hearing-health division of GN Group, provided large quantities of hearing aids to veterans who had suffered hearing loss due to their service. This deep connection with the military community inspired GN Group to explore how their advanced audio technology could be used not only to restore hearing but also to prevent hearing loss among active military personnel. This led to the inception of a dedicated initiative aimed at developing solutions to protect soldiers from harmful noise while enhancing their situational awareness and communication capabilities.

Q: Given GNs extensive experience and success in providing large amounts of hearing aids to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, how did the idea of proactively developing advanced communication and hearing protection systems for active military personnel come about, and how does this initiative complement the important work being done by GN Hearing?

A: The idea of proactively developing advanced communication and hearing protection systems for active military personnel emerged from GNs deep commitment to supporting those who serve. Over the years, GN Hearing has played a crucial role in restoring hearing for countless veterans through its high-quality hearing aids. This invaluable experience highlighted the significant impact of hearing loss on military personnel and underscored the importance of hearing protection.

Recognizing the potential to leverage our cutting-edge audio technology to prevent hearing loss before it occurs, GN Group initiated a dedicated strategic project. This initiative aimed to develop solutions that not only protect soldiers from harmful noise but also enhance their situational awareness and communication capabilities in the field. The success of this project led to the formation of FalCom in 2018, an independent company within the GN Group dedicated to addressing the unique needs of defense customers.

FalCom's mission is to complement the important work being done by GN Hearing by providing proactive solutions that safeguard the hearing of active military personnel. While GN Hearing continues to focus on restoring hearing for those who have already suffered hearing loss, FalCom aims to prevent such loss from occurring in the first place. Together, these initiatives reflect GN Group's holistic approach to hearing health, ensuring that both preventive and restorative solutions are available to those who protect us.

Q: With the development of this new technology for military use, what led to the decision to establish FalCom as a separate entity?

A: After extensive research, development, and testing, our strategic project successfully resulted in advanced solutions that met the unique needs of military personnel. Recognizing the potential and importance of these innovations, GN Group decided to establish FalCom in 2018 as an independent company and brand within the GN Group. The formation of FalCom allowed for a dedicated focus on the defense sector, enabling the company to tailor its products and services specifically to the needs of military and law enforcement customers. By leveraging GN Group's legacy of audio engineering excellence and substantial financial and technological resources, FalCom quickly became a leader in providing cutting-edge communication and hearing protection systems designed to empower those who protect us.

Q: Can you elaborate on FalCom's global reach and the key partnerships that support its mission?

A: FalCom has rapidly grown into a global leader in its field, serving elite defense and law enforcement units worldwide. FalCom's strategic partnerships with governments and agencies of NATO member states and their allies ensure that our products are used responsibly and in alignment with global security interests. Additionally, FalCom strengthens the European Defense Industrial Base through strategic manufacturing and supply chain choices, partnering with carefully selected partners to ensure quality, security, and compliance with the highest defense standards. This global reach and strategic collaboration highlight FalCom's commitment to providing reliable solutions tailored to diverse operational environments, ensuring that soldiers and law enforcement personnel have the distinct advantage they need to succeed in the field.

For more information please visit:
www.falcom.net