Why This Hearing Device Is Making Noise With Investors An earpiece for noisy situations raises millions

Ear surgeon Rodney Perkins has an impressive track record building companies around what he calls "medtech to mainstream." In the past few decades, he founded 12 health and life sciences companies, three of which have gone public. In total, his firms are worth several billion dollars. His latest enterprise, the Soundhawk Smart Listening System, raised $11.2 million in funding.

Users of Soundhawk's Scoop earpiece can customize settings for various situations—outdoors, dining, driving—using a free iOS or Android app. The Smart Listening System—including device, wireless microphone and charging case—retails for $299 through soundhawk.com and Amazon, and is available in two color schemes.

Mike Kisch, president and CEO of Cupertino, Calif.-based Soundhawk, says the company works with advanced wireless and wearable technology that helps consumers in subtle, everyday ways.