Etymotic History

Etymotic (meaning: true to the ear) is an engineering-driven research, development and manufacturing company. Etymotic was founded 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). In 1991, the first noise-isolating high-fidelity in-ear earphones, utilizing balanced armature drivers, were introduced. The ER-4, which emerged as a result, served as the foundation for all subsequent in-ear earphones and monitors worldwide.

Thus creating an entire category of consumer electronics, and establishing these earphones as the gold standard for high-definition in-ear listening. The ER-4 earphones are still produced and channel-balanced to within 1 dB, built to the same exacting standards as always.

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.