An accomplished leader with nearly 20 years of experience in the hearing aid industry, Metzdorff has specific expertise in international business development and sales management.
Prior to his appointment as president of Phonak US, Metzdorff served in various capacities at Sonova since 2004, most recently as president of Unitron, managing its global business. He also successfully served as managing director for Phonak UK.
Previously holding leadership positions as general manager for GN ReSound Canada and regional manager of Asia for the Hearing Instruments Division of Philips Electronics, Metzdorff brings significant experience in the hearing aid industry. Originally from Denmark, Metzdorff graduated with a bachelor of commerce (Economics) degree from Copenhagen Business School.
“We are convinced that with his great track record of successfully driving business for other Sonova Group Companies and deep knowledge of the global hearing market, Jan is the ideal person to effectively drive our Phonak business in the United States to the next level,” said Claude Diversi, GVP Hearing Instruments Wholesale of Sonova, in a recent announcement.
For additional details about this news and related changes to Sonova’s management board, see the September 1, 2016 onine article in Hearing Review.
Phonak, headquartered near Zurich, Switzerland, is a member of the Sonova Group. The company was born in 1947 from a passion and dedication to take on the most difficult hearing challenges, and 70 years later, this passion remains. As a leading provider, Phonak offers a broad portfolio of life-changing hearing solutions. From pediatric to profound hearing loss, Phonak remains committed to creating hearing solutions that change people’s lives so they can thrive socially and emotionally.
Source: Sonova Group, Phonak LLC
January 17, 2018
RE: Phonak Brio R Hearing Aids/Phonak TV Link S
Dear Mr. Jan Metzdorff, President, Phonak US
I’m not in the habit of writing the President of companies but I’ve been unable to identify the name of the Phonak management group that can address my issue. Would you please pass my letter to the appropriate team leader? Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Let me provide a quick background for my problem.
I purchased a Phonak Brio R hearing aid system, including the Phonak TV Link S from Costco. Last month I purchased a Samsung Series 8 Smart TV and found that my Phonak TV Link S would not allow me to receive sound through my hearing aids (ComPilot) when sourcing Netflix, Blue Ray DVD’s or Fire Stick, etc. Sound from normal TV programming was transmitted with no problem. Let me add that I very much enjoyed the Phonak (ComPilot) TV Link S, when it was operating as advertised. (I had been using the ComPilot with my previous TV and loved it.) Importantly, and after several calls to Phonak, I learned that Phonak is aware of this deficiency and is working to address the expanded connectivity through a new generation of devices. I hope this is true and will be available soon.
Regarding the connectology, and after much investigation through Phonak, Samsung, private TV/Computer consultants, Costco, etc. (I mean many hours of telephone work) I learned that many of the newer TV’s transmit sound through an OPTICAL CABLE versus an audio cable. And, interestingly and as I understand the dynamics, my Phonak will only receive an audio connection without introducing a small converter into the system. This, however, is only part of the problem. I think it is interesting that the Costco audiologist and some of the Phonak customer service reps, are not aware of this issue or any upcoming solution. Given the popularity of Netflix and DVD’s it would appear essential that there is a seamless connection between the Phonak equipment and these applications.
While I have enjoyed my devices, I‘m disappointed with Phonak technolog. I would like to have my Phonak unit replaced with the more contemporary technology as soon as possible so I might fully enjoy my new smart television to its fullest.
Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you regarding the timing of receiving a replacement unit.
Sincerely,
John Paterson
[email protected]
(336) 331-3344 home
CC: George Bissette, Costco Audiologist Supervisor, Winston-Salem, NC