Coin World News Report:
Hearing Loss Affects 2.5 Billion People Worldwide, but Hearing Aids Are Expensive
With prices ranging from $1,000 to $8,000 per pair, many people are unable to afford hearing aids. Quantum Senses, a startup based in Maryland, is attempting to address this issue by offering their auditory assistive device at a retail price of just $20.
The company’s founder and CEO, Justin Lee, warns that their product is targeted towards individuals with mild hearing loss, where advanced electronic devices are often considered unnecessary. Lee states, “Quantum Senses does not intend to replace medical-grade hearing aids, but rather provide an affordable option for those with mild hearing loss who are in need of assistance.”
He further adds, “The more people learn about acoustic hearing aids, the more they can see the value of affordable alternatives, especially for those with mild hearing loss.”
Lee, who previously worked as an aerospace engineer for the US Department of Defense, designed the Earcoustic device, which utilizes its sound-supporting cups to direct sound waves into the user’s ears. These cups amplify sound in the wearer’s direction while minimizing background noise, making it an ideal choice for watching TV or engaging in activities.
After completing projects for the US Air Force and Navy, Lee, a graduate of Tuskegee University, founded Quantum Senses in 2021.
He states that the idea for Earcoustic came about as a solution for a friend experiencing symptoms of mild hearing loss. This friend lived on a fixed income and couldn’t afford to improve their hearing.
Lee explains that he designed the acoustics of the device using a computer, which is neither electronic nor powered in any way. As it is made entirely from recyclable materials, it can be recycled again if the user no longer needs it. “If it breaks, you can simply recycle it, it can be transformed into something like a water bottle,” he says.
There are other cost-effective alternatives to hearing aids on the market, including the upcoming Apple AirPods Pro 2, priced at $249. However, with its affordability at just $20, Earcoustic provides a completely different option, allowing those who believed they could never afford a hearing aid to obtain one.
“You have to make time for important things,” he says. “This has truly become my passion, as it will help create generational wealth for my family.”
Edited by Andrew Hayward
