Summary:
Westone Laboratories has returned to family ownership through its acquisition by TLS Sound Labs, signaling a renewed focus on quality, craftsmanship, and customer care rooted in the company’s founding values.

Key Takeaways:

  • Return to roots: The acquisition restores Westone’s family-owned status, emphasizing its original values of service, innovation, and The Golden Rule.
  • Customer benefits: The company promises faster turnaround times, improved quality, new pricing options, and more personalized service.
  • Long-term vision: TLS Sound Labs aims to build stability and trust by blending Westone’s heritage with modern innovation in hearing healthcare.

Westone Laboratories, a name known for custom hearing solutions and professional audio innovation, has announced its return to family ownership. TLS Sound Labs has acquired Westone Laboratories, marking what the company is calling a new chapter rooted in the company’s original values of quality, service, and care.

Company History

Founded in 1959 by Ron and Mickey Morgan at their kitchen table in Divide, Colorado, Westone grew from humble beginnings into a company well known in the industry. According to the company, the Morgans’ commitment to innovation and their guiding principle — The Golden Rule — produced breakthroughs ranging from BTE tubing to custom hearing protection to professional audio innovations for musicians.

In the years since the Morgans sold the business, Westone endured multiple ownership changes and industry challenges, compounded by the impact of COVID-19. Yet through it all, the employees — the heart of the company — reportedly never lost faith in the vision that started more than six decades ago.

Looking to the Future

“Today, Westone Laboratories is once again family owned,” says Justin Stack, CEO and founder of TLS Sound Labs. “Our future success will rest on the same foundation that made Westone legendary: our employees, whose dedication, craftsmanship, and care drive everything we do.”

For customers and partners across the hearing healthcare industry, the company says this new chapter means:

  • Faster turnarounds: The goal is 5 days in and out with no additional charge
  • More pricing options: Introduction of a Business Partner Program discount (BPP)
  • Higher quality: Attention to detail and efficiency in processes to improve results
  • Better customer service: Personalized care rooted in family values
  • Stability and trust: A long-term vision grounded in stewardship, not short-term gains

Stack adds, “With TLS Sound Labs’ leadership and the dedication of Westone’s employees, we are committed to honoring our heritage while setting new standards for innovation, quality, and service in hearing healthcare.”

About TLS Sound Labs and Westone Laboratories

TLS Sound Labs, based in Santa Cruz, California, is a family-owned lab that specializes in custom earmolds, hearing protection, audio products, and specialty adapters for aviation and law enforcement. For years, TLS has partnered with hospitals, audiologists, and hearing care professionals nationwide to deliver products that protect people’s hearing, enhance performance, and allow them to enjoy the finer details in life.

Now joined with Westone Laboratories, known for its custom manufacturing for over 60 years, the two companies offer a comprehensive portfolio of custom-made products, ranging from highly specialized military grade products to swim plugs that allow sound to pass through, but not water. 

To learn more, visit www.tlssoundlabs.com and www.westone.com. 

Featured image: TLS and Westone