Researchers Created a Hearing Aid Costing Under One Dollar
Daniel Johnson — January 15, 2020 — Tech
References: bhamla & newscientist
Saad Bhamla and Soham Sinha, from Georgia Tech, were able to design and create a 3D-printed hearing aid that costs under one dollar. The device takes design inspiration from hearing aid models that were created in the 1950s, and it is a device that rests on the user's body and has attachable earphones.
Bhamla and Sinha developed the pair to be used for individuals who experience age-related hearing loss. However, the new design could be a cost-effective hearing loss solution for individuals who may not have the resources to access conventional hearing aids.
The 3D-printed hearing aid currently does not meet the standards of the World Health Organization, however, Bhamla and Sinha are working to reduce the noise in the internal circuitry to meet these standards.
Image Credit: Shutterstock
Bhamla and Sinha developed the pair to be used for individuals who experience age-related hearing loss. However, the new design could be a cost-effective hearing loss solution for individuals who may not have the resources to access conventional hearing aids.
The 3D-printed hearing aid currently does not meet the standards of the World Health Organization, however, Bhamla and Sinha are working to reduce the noise in the internal circuitry to meet these standards.
Image Credit: Shutterstock
Trend Themes
1. Low-cost Medical Devices - The development of low-cost medical devices through technology can disrupt traditional healthcare costs and reach underserved communities.
2. 3D Printing in Healthcare - The use of 3D printing in healthcare can allow for more customized and affordable medical solutions that were not previously possible with traditional manufacturing methods.
3. Accessible Hearing Solutions - The creation of low-cost and accessible solutions for hearing loss can disrupt the traditional high-cost hearing aid market and allow more people access to hearing support.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Devices - The medical device industry can benefit from embracing technologies like 3D printing to create more affordable and customizable solutions for patients.
2. Healthcare - The healthcare industry can benefit from the development of low-cost and accessible solutions such as low-cost 3D printed hearing aids, improving the accessibility and affordability of healthcare for all.
3. Assistive Technology - The assistive technology industry can be disrupted by the low-cost and more accessible solutions created through the use of 3D printing and other emerging technologies.
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