According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one-fifth of the world suffers from some degree of hearing loss. Hearing impairment is especially prevalent in underprivileged regions, yet few have access to hearing aids in developing countries. The consequences of hearing loss can be extreme, including hindering communication, possibly involuntarily isolating an individual from their peers, creating higher risk for mental health issues, diminishing opportunities for education or employment and $980 billion spent on “health sector costs (excluding the cost of hearing devices), costs of educational support, loss of productivity and societal costs,” according to WHO.

Age-Related Hearing Loss (ARHL)

In particular, age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a prominent problem globally, affecting 226 million elderly people. According to experts from Georgia Tech and Lamar University, ARHL is five times as common in many developing nations throughout Asia and Africa than in wealthier countries. Although no “cure” exists for ARHL to date, hearing aids often help alleviate its effects.

WHO estimates that only 3% of those who need it have adopted hearing aids in developing countries compared to 20% in higher-income countries. The number one barrier for not having hearing aids is its unaffordability.

LoCHAid’s Low-Cost Solution

LoCHAid has created hearing aids that cost less than $1 in components per hearing aid. However, this price fails to include assembly, which raises the price to $2.40 if bought from MacroFab, according to PLoS One article. Yet these numbers are still notable, especially in comparison with other products on the market and their several-thousand-dollar price tags. LoCHAid hearing aids can even be customized to every individual with 3D-printable features, and their target is specifically elderly patients with ARHL. Also increasing its accessibility is the fact that LoCHAid is sold over-the-counter instead of requiring a specialist, which is crucial for those who may not have such a resource available to them.

LoCHAid is unique in how well it treats ARHL acoustically. LoCHAid uses innovative open-source technology instead of requiring parts that are impossible to acquire. Plus, it uses inexpensive materials that still manage to be durable and effective.

Other Hopeful Solutions

Besides the recent invention of LoCHAid seeking to address the affordability of hearing loss technology, there are fortunately many organizations fighting for this cause.

The Global Foundation for Children with Hearing Loss (GFCHL) focuses on minimizing the impact of hearing loss in children around the world. With initiatives in Kenya, Bhutan, Vietnam, Mongolia, Nepal, and Ecuador, the Global Foundation for Children with Hearing Loss trains educators and families in early intervention for children suffering from hearing loss, helping them adapt with technology and communication lessons.

Nonprofits Hear the World Foundation and World Wide Hearing teamed up to screen 85,000 Peruvian kids and give 2,000 the hearing aids they needed.

Addressing Needs of Those in Poverty

As hearing loss is such a prevalent global poverty and exacerbated by lack of accessible resources in many developing countries, these affordable hearing aids in developing countries will transform lives for millions of hard-of-hearing people. By addressing their hearing impairment, these people will have new opportunities–from social to employment–open to them. This is especially important for those in poverty, providing a light at the end of the tunnel.

– Klara Jones

Klara is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr