Founded in late 2015 to bring NICU clinicians’ ideas to market, Bethlehem-based NEATCap Medical manufactures hearing-protection devices for premature infants and other hospitalized newborns. Its DREAMIES products are shaped for neonatal care rather than adapted from standard earmuffs, with one version designed to filter NICU alarms while preserving some human voice and another built for the broader noise of transport and MRI. The team combines more than 60 man-years of NICU clinical experience with over 75 man-years in technology and product development.
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smallTalkDeveloped by a neonatologist with support from the National Institutes of Health, smallTalk makes NICU technology that helps hospitalized preterm infants hear their families’ voices. Its NICU Egg speaker works with companion apps so parents can record messages that care teams play at a NICU-safe volume and duration, helping preserve connection while supporting early brain and language development. The Columbus startup is a private, award-winning technology company supported by Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, and Rev1 Ventures.
EAROS, IncDesigned by audiologists and acousticians at MIT, EAROS makes reusable acoustic filters that lower dangerous sound while preserving the clarity of music, speech, and surrounding activity. The New York City-headquartered company manufactures its hearing protection in New Jersey, using patented sound-bore and fit technology for settings ranging from concerts to racetracks and industrial work. Its limited-edition collaboration with Hendrick Motorsports brings the same high-fidelity protection to NASCAR fans and motorsport environments.New York, NY
SensGardSensGard makes lightweight, non-electronic hearing protection built around patented Zwislocki Ear Muffler (ZEM) acoustic-chamber technology, redirecting harmful sound while preserving speech and awareness. The company’s work grew from auditory scientist Dr. Jozef Zwislocki’s research at Harvard, with the SG-31 later receiving the 2009 Frost & Sullivan North American Product Innovation Award. SensGard products are made in the USA as a compact alternative to foam plugs and bulky earmuffs.EAST ROCHESTER, NY
Cranial TechnologiesFounded in 1986, Cranial Technologies develops and provides infant head- and ear-shape correction, including its custom DOC Band® cranial orthotic and EarWell® newborn ear-molding system. The company says it is the sole provider of the DOC Band, the first FDA-cleared cranial orthotic for plagiocephaly, and has treated more than 500,000 babies through a network of over 100 clinics. Its pediatric-focused teams use 3D imaging, custom fitting, and ongoing follow-up to guide families from evaluation through treatment graduation.HUMMELSTOWN, PA