11th German-Brazilian Symposium on Sustainable Development March 2024 in Tübingen
We participated in the 11th German-Brazilian Symposium on Sustainable Development March 2024 in Tübingen with the following contribution:
Sustainable Audiological Care in Brazil: A Low-Threshold Approach to Locally Manufactured and Custom-Fitted Hearing Aid Solutions
Anton Schlesinger, Dr. Schlesinger und Partner, a.schlesinger@studio-singer.de
Sebastian Kreusler, Audictive, info@audictive.com
Isabell von Hilgers, Leuphana Universität Lüneburg, isabell.schrickel@leuphana.de
In Brazil, the proportion of the elderly population is growing. By 2045, it is predicted that 90 million Brazilians will be over 49 years old. More than 1/10 of this age group is affected by an age-related hearing loss. Age-related hearing loss mainly manifests itself in reduced speech intelligibility in noisy circumstances, which can have a strong social impact. Today’s hearing aid solutions allow to understand even in difficult acoustic situations. However, these high-end devices are expensive and rely on a network of manufacturer-trained audiologists.
In this contribution we present the concept of a hearing aid, which abandons the classical development aim of miniaturization and relies on cheaper and physically effective techniques for directional hearing. Microphones arranged along the expansion of a shirt-attached hearing aid allow the exploitation of time differences between microphones and achieve a stable intelligibility gain in noise. Furthermore, the intended usage of individual headphones renders the custom production of expensive ear molds unnecessary. The technical approach shall be embedded in local production, fitting and distribution in order to effectively bring it to the point of care with the qualities of collaborative work.
In the initial hypothetical phase of this contribution, the establishment of pioneering workshops and stores is envisioned to assemble, tailor, sell, and service the devices locally. The concept builds upon an examination of the Brazilian market and the existing healthcare and hearing aid distribution systems. Analogous initiatives, such as the ‘Good Vision for All People’ project, are evaluated. Technical specifications and the degree of standardization necessary for fitting a hearing aid are discussed. Finally, part of the study will focus on the use of 3d printers for the processing of recycled materials in order to reduce the proportion of non-regional dependencies on products, improve local skills as well as local branding and reduce waste.
To summarise, the study aims to restore the hearing of people with age-related hearing loss in noisy situations by proposing an affordable and efficient hearing aid that is manufactured, fitted and distributed locally. Successful implementation would not only enable a large group of older people to participate in society, but also promote a shift towards sustainable communities with a regional infrastructure of audiological units and audiological expertise.
