Internship Development Ear Canal Simulator for hearing instruments 

Sonion is a global leader in the market for transducers used in the hearing aid and audio industry, and our ambition is to grow from this strong core. Our vision is: We help the world listen.

At Sonion we believe in the importance of investing in new talent. We want to introduce students to an environment where they are given responsibility and the freedom to develop their skills. In Hoofddorp you will join approx. 100 of our colleagues as we design new products for the hearing health and pro audio market. Whether you prefer doing CAD work for injection molded parts, designing tools for new problems that arise during development or helping further our inhouse 3D printing capabilities, Sonion can find a fit for your skillset. We offer internship positions every semester and are always on the lookout for new talent to join our team.

Background

Sonion NL serves as the primary research and development hub within the Sonion Group, spearheading technological and design advancements for products within the hearing health and professional audio sectors. Through collaboration with various departments, including Research and Development, New Systems, and Quality Assurance, we strive to enhance our current reliability testing capabilities.

Currently, to assess product reliability in the face of wax ingress, we utilize an Ear Canal Simulator (ECS) that operates on a basic CNC platform and simulates the repeated insertion of a hearing instrument (HI) into the ear. Although effective, we aspire to elevate the performance of the machine and conduct a comprehensive evaluation and calibration by comparing the ECS to real-world observations.

We aspire to move to a commercial CNC or robotic arm platform in which we can have several stations which can each perform a different task, such as wax dispensing, acoustic measurement, mechanical manipulation, etc. The end result should a be functional adaptable platform which engineers can further develop and validate.

Research Aspect

• Conducting a (small) study to provide scientific support and validation for the Ear Canal Simulator;
• Documenting the findings and preparing comprehensive instructions for future operators.

Engineering challenges

• Redesigning the platform based on a modular commercial CNC/robotic arm;
• Supporting this with a basic user interface to improve usability and functionality;
• Adding acoustic functionality to detect HI sound blockage as a result of wax buildup;
• Further, adding a “chewing” function to simulate wax distribution and the inclusion of a heating element to mimic the effects of body heat on wax build-up may also be pursued.

Your profile

• Currently studying for a bachelor’s or master’s degree in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial design, or other applied science discipline;
• Ability to effectively communicate technical information and write comprehensive technical documentation in English;
• Proficient in one or more of the following areas: basic programming, 3D printing/CNC platforms, mechatronics, robotics;
• A quick learner able to take on challenges and develop new skills;
• Basic knowledge of 3D CAD packages (such as SolidWorks);
• Result-driven and focused on achieving project goals efficiently and effectively;
• Proactive in identifying potential issues and working proactively to find solutions;
• Comfortable thinking outside of the box and exploring innovative approaches to problem-solving;
• Demonstrates a hands-on approach to work and enjoys working collaboratively with a diverse team of people with varying backgrounds.

Equally important to your knowledge and experience, are you as a person. We are looking for a person, who is proactive, eager to learn, hands-on and results driven. You can also interact effectively with people from all backgrounds.

Our offer

• Your own workspace with all the hardware you will need;
• Compensated travel expenses if you don’t have your Study OV;
• €500 monthly salary;
• Flexible workhours;
• Free parking;
• An office located a 5-minute walk away from Hoofddorp train station.

Further information and application

If you have questions please send an email to JobsAtSonionNL@sonion.com.

Ready to apply? Please send an English resume and motivation to JobsAtSonionNL@sonion.com