Westone Audio
ActiveOverview
Westone is a manufacturer of custom earpieces primarily for the hearing healthcare market, including hearing aids, along with hearing protection, custom communications earpieces, and in-ear monitors for musicians and audiophiles. Its core business focuses on custom-fit products for medical, industrial, military, and recreational applications, with a secondary line in professional audio via Westone Audio. The company holds historical significance for inventing the first in-ear musicians' monitor and producing early products for brands like Shure and Ultimate Ears.
History
Westone Laboratories was founded in 1959 by Ron Morgan Sr. in Divide, Colorado. It pioneered the first in-ear musicians' monitor and manufactured early models for Shure (E1, E5) and co-developed Ultimate Ears products. The company relocated to Colorado Springs and was acquired by HealthEdge Investment Partners in 2017, with its music division sold to Lucid Audio in 2020.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Hearing Aid Earpieces | Medical-grade custom molds for hearing aids | $100 - $500 |
| Hearing Protection | Custom-fit plugs for industrial, military, recreation | $150 - $400 |
| Custom Communications Earpieces | Two-way radio and surveillance applications | $200 - $600 |
| Westone Audio Custom IEMs | Professional musicians' custom in-ear monitors | $500 - $1,800 |
| Westone Audio Universal IEMs | Consumer and pro universal-fit earphones | $150 - $600 |
| AM Pro X Series | Advanced monitoring for audiophiles and musicians | $800 - $1,500 |
Manufacturing
Products are manufactured in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. Custom earpieces are hand-finished using high-quality materials. The company produces millions of units in-house with a focus on precision molding.
Notable Products
- ES Series Custom Earpieces - Custom hearing aid molds used in audiology clinics worldwide.
- TrueFit Platform - Technology for precise custom earpiece fitting in hearing healthcare.
- Pro X Series IEMs - Custom in-ear monitors for professional stage use.
- AM Pro X Series - High-end universal monitors with multiple drivers for accurate sound.
- Mach Series - Hearing protection for musicians and hunters.
Reputation
Westone is respected in hearing healthcare for reliable custom earpieces and clinical supplies, with strong trust among audiologists. In pro audio, its IEMs are valued for comfort and sound accuracy by musicians, though some enthusiasts note competition from newer brands in driver technology. Criticisms include higher pricing for custom products compared to universal alternatives.