# 3D-Printed Hearing Aid Designs Researchers Created a Hearing Aid Costing Under One Dollar By Daniel Johnson | Published 2020-01-15 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-hearing-aid References: [newscientist](https://www.newscientist.com/article/2222107-hearing-aid-uses-3d-printed-parts-and-costs-less-than-a-dollar/) & [bhamla](https://www.bhamla.com/) Saad Bhamla and Soham Sinha, from [Georgia Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spherephones), 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/menu-order-ai1), however, Bhamla and Sinha are working to reduce the noise in the internal circuitry to meet these standards. Image Credit: Shutterstock ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 17% | Activity: 17% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Low-cost Medical Devices:** The development of low-cost medical devices through technology can disrupt traditional healthcare costs and reach underserved communities. - **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. - **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. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Medical Devices:** The medical device industry can benefit from embracing technologies like 3D printing to create more affordable and customizable solutions for patients. - **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. - **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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Accessible DIY Hearing Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/overthecounter-hearing-aid.md) - [DIY Bone Conduction Hearing Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mearsun.md) - [Ergonomic Hearing Aid Earbuds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/claro-hearing-aid.md) - [Affordable Hearing Aid Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/affordable-hearing-aid.md) - [Bone Conduction Hearing Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hearing-aid-concept.md) - [Attention-Grabbing Hearing Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/overtone-hearing-aid.md) - [Nearly Invisible Hearing Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/core-one-pro.md) - [Hearing Aid Wearable Glasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bruckhoff-spectacle-aids.md) - [Invisible Hearing Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/huehearing.md)