Abstract
Aim: The aim was to develop a low cost multi use body level hearing aid (HA) targeting the Asian population.Method: The study began with need identification. In this stage the researcher wanted to identify the changes which the parents and professionals thought would improve the functionality of the present say body level hearing aids. A survey of 106 hearing aid users, parents and professionals was done. All had been exposed to hearing aids since five years or more. They were asked to name one change which can be incorporated into the present day HA aids to increase its functionality and utility. Six major changes were significantly (pd 0.05) recommended. The changes were considered to develop a prototype which was then field tested for its efficacy.Results: the six changes which were identified by the 106 participants included incorporating better cords, better battery backup, easy repair facilities, low battery indicator, torch facilities along with a vibrating alert. A prototype was developed at a very low cost of 936 rupee with facilities of a strong class HA, vibrating doorbell alert, rechargeable battery, torch light and a vibrating doorbell alert and a low battery indicator. It was found to function satisfactorily and won the prestigious Sushrut Innovation award by the Department of Science and Technology, India for year 2011.Conclusions: the developed prototype can be considered for large scale production. It would bring down the cost of the prototype and beneficiaries would get an advantage of assistive devices along with the hearing aid. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjo.v18i1.10412Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2012; 18(1): 36-41
Highlights
WHO (2003) reports suggest “Hearing Aids are needed for 4 to 6 percent of the population of South East Asia which is estimated to be about 60 to 75 million
The study was done in collaboration of two apex institutes of India, School of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi and Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped at Kolkata West Bengal which is dedicated towards rehabilitation of the individuals with hearing impairments and speech disorders
Except for Figure-1: Modifications recommended by Adult hearing aid users, parents and Sp Educators
Summary
WHO (2003) reports suggest “Hearing Aids are needed for 4 to 6 percent of the population of South East Asia which is estimated to be about 60 to 75 million. At present the need remains far from being met”[1]. Among the currently used hearing aids, the pocket type is dominant in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and many Africa countries. The Government of India (1996) in the PWD Act recognizes hearing Impairment as a disability which needs to be attended to[2]. The Government provides Body level hearing aids to the individuals with hearing loss under a scheme called Scheme of Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/ Appliances (ADIP Scheme) 3.
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