[Phonak Hearing Aids] Distribution of 'Hearing Aid User Card' Begins Following the Introduction of Bicycle 'Blue Ticket' Traffic Penalties on April 1st

Sonova Japan Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President: Yuki Manabe), the Japanese subsidiary of the Sonova Group (Headquarters: Switzerland), a global leader in hearing care and wireless communication devices, will begin distributing 'Hearing Aid User Cards' through Phonak hearing aid retailers nationwide, following the implementation of the 'Traffic Violation Notification System (Blue Ticket)' for bicycles starting in April 2026. This card is intended to help hearing aid users smoothly communicate to police officers that they are wearing hearing aids if they are stopped due to the misunderstanding that they are using earphones. Background: In recent years, the evolution of technology has led to the widespread use of small, stylish hearing aids, many of which look like wireless earphones at a glance. Meanwhile, bicycle traffic rules in various prefectures define 'driving while wearing earphones and unable to hear surrounding sounds' as a dangerous act. There have been past reports of hearing aid users being cautioned by police due to the misunderstanding that they were using wireless earphones, and users have expressed anxiety about using bicycles starting in April. Given this background, we created this card to help Phonak hearing aid users feel secure while cycling. About the Hearing Aid User Card: This card will be distributed through Phonak retailers nationwide. It clearly states that wearing a hearing aid is necessary for safe cycling. It is intended to be presented to police officers if stopped to clarify that the device is a hearing aid. Start date: April 1, 2026. Size: 85mm x 54mm (credit card size). Note: This card is for explanation purposes and has no legal authority.