Open-Source Hearing Aids: A Look into the Future of Medical Technology and Coding

Abstract

Hearing loss affects a large portion of the global population, yet the prices for hearings aids continue to increase. With quality devices costing an upwards of $2000 per pair, and lasting between three to seven years depending on the model, access to these technologies has become more unreachable [1]. Over-the-counter hearing aids cost $100 and more, depending on the manufacturer. However, people with mild to severe hearing loss would not be able to use such devices [2]. Open-source hearing aids could be an effective alternative to current FDA-approved hearing aids. Open-source hearing aids not only offer a more affordable alternative but also allow patients to customize and create their own unique devices. This may include adjustable sound profiles, specific molding to the ear, aesthetic modifications, etc. This blog post aims to discuss open-source hearing aids, their pros and cons, and how they can be used in the future for the advancement of technology in medicine. With the new technological advancements and developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), the idea of patients being involved with creating their own devices may lead to a better and more inexpensive direction for the healthcare field.