Etymotic

Etymotic (meaning: true to the ear) is an engineering-driven research, development and manufacturing company. Mead Killion, Ph.D. founded Etymotic along with Edwin DeVilbiss, MBA. in 1983 to design research instruments that accurately detect and assess hearing loss. 

With deep roots in acoustic research and the hearing aid industry, Etymotic invented insert earphones in 1984. The first versions were used for diagnostic testing and precision auditory research (ER-1, 2, 3). Etymotic engineer, Steve Iseberg, produced the first noise-isolating high-fidelity in-ear earphone using balanced armature drivers, the ER-4 (1991), which became the basis of all subsequent in-ear earphones and in-ear monitors worldwide. Thus creating an entire category of consumer electronics, and established these speakers as the gold standard for high definition in-ear earphones. The ER-4 earphones are still produced and channel-balanced to within 1 dB in Etymotic’s labs in the US.

Innovation, education and hearing preservation are central to Etymotic’s mission. Etymotic’s products are used by university researchers, hearing practitioners, hearing-impaired consumers, professional and amateur musicians, and others who demand superior sound quality. 

In 2018, Etymotic was acquired by Lucid Audio, effectively joining forces between two companies focused on innovating the best hearing solutions available. Lucid Audio has allowed for continued research and development to maintain the quality of our products. There are a variety of different brands under the Lucid Audio family with a single vision of furthering hearing healthcare advancements and developing quality consumer listening products.