Hansaton and Advanced Bionics become Premium Partners of the 21st Winter Deaflympics 2027
Two Sonova Group brands support the Winter Deaflympics 2027 in Innsbruck and Seefeld in Tirol
Innsbruck, 29 September 2026 – The 21st Winter Deaflympics 2027 welcome two new strong partners: Hansaton and Advanced Bionics have become official Premium Partners of the international multi-sport event, taking place from 15 to 24 January 2027 in Innsbruck and Seefeld in Tirol.
With Hansaton and Advanced Bionics, two brands of the Sonova Group are supporting the Winter Deaflympics. Sonova is one of the world’s leading providers of innovative hearing solutions and operates in more than 100 countries. The Group’s portfolio ranges from hearing aids and cochlear implants to professional hearing care and digital solutions.
A partnership focused on communication and participation
The Winter Deaflympics are about much more than international elite sport. They bring together athletes and the Deaf Community from around the world while raising awareness of sign language, Deaf culture and accessible communication.
Under the motto “CONNECTED BY SIGNS, UNITED IN SPORTS.”, the Winter Deaflympics 2027 also aim to create opportunities for Deaf and hearing people to connect and help break down existing communication barriers.
The partnership with Hansaton and Advanced Bionics adds the perspective of modern hearing technology to this approach, focusing on individual needs and self-determined choices in communication and participation.
Bernhard Kurzmann, President of the Austrian Deaf Sports Federation (ÖGSV):
“We are very pleased to welcome HANSATON and Advanced Bionics as Premium Partners of the Winter Deaflympics 2027. The Deaflympics bring together people with very different experiences, ways of communicating and individual needs. Our goal is to create opportunities for people to connect, learn from one another and break down barriers. Partners with many years of experience in communication and individual solutions can make a valuable contribution.”
Oliver Lux, President EMEA & LATAM, Sonova Group
“At Sonova, we believe that communication is fundamental to human connection. The Winter Deaflympics 2027 provide a unique opportunity to celebrate the diversity of communication, engage with the international Deaf community and learn from one another. Together with Hansaton and Advanced Bionics, we are proud to support an event that promotes inclusion, mutual understanding and participation across cultures, languages and communication preferences.”
The Winter Deaflympics return to Tirol
The Winter Deaflympics are one of the world’s longest-standing international multi-sport events. The first Winter Deaflympics were held in Seefeld in 1949. In 2027, the Games will return to one of their historic birthplaces.
From 15 to 24 January 2027, international athletes will compete in seven sports in Innsbruck and Seefeld in Tirol. In addition to the sporting competitions, a variety of activities and side events are planned to encourage interaction and exchange between the international Deaf Community and the wider public.
Admission to all competitions and side events is free.
About Hansaton
Founded in 1961, Hansaton is one of Austria’s leading providers of hearing aids. More than 400 trained employees across over 120 hearing care centres throughout Austria provide comprehensive hearing solutions for people of all ages, with the aim of improving the quality of life of people with hearing loss. HANSATON has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Sonova AG since 2001.
About Advanced Bionics
For more than 30 years, Advanced Bionics has been developing cochlear implant technologies that help children and adults with severe to profound hearing loss hear better in everyday situations. The company is part of the Sonova Group and employs more than 1,000 people worldwide.
About Sonova
Sonova is a global leader in innovative hearing solutions, combining technological excellence, audiological expertise and a strong local presence to help a growing number of people with hearing loss in more than 100 countries. Founded in 1947, the Group is headquartered in Stäfa, Switzerland. As a vertically integrated company covering wholesale, retail and cochlear implants, Sonova operates through brands including Phonak, Unitron, AudioNova and Advanced Bionics, as well as recognized regional brands.
In the 2025/26 financial year, the Group generated sales of CHF 3.6 billion and a net profit of CHF 546 million. Around 18,000 employees work towards Sonova’s vision of a world where everyone can enjoy the delight of hearing.
Sonova has a long-standing commitment to innovation and was ranked 12th among Europe’s most innovative companies by Fortune in 2025, selected from 300 companies across 21 countries and 16 industries.
Media Contact:
media@winterdeaflympics2027.com