02 / Company & ownership
Behind the brand.
Sennheiser’s consumer headphone business was acquired by Sonova in 2022 under a perpetual brand licence. It is distinct from the professional Sennheiser business. Sonova announced an intention to divest Consumer Hearing in March 2026; an announced sale process is not a completed sale.
- 1945
Labor W is founded near Hanover.
- 1968
The HD 414 becomes the first open-back headphone.
- 1991
The Orpheus electrostatic system demonstrates the high-end ambition.



