A new type of hearing aid has been developed by start-up Vibrosonic, a spin-off of the Fraunhofer Project Group for Automation in Medicine. Unlike traditional hearing aids, which sit in the ear canal and can cause acoustic distortions, this new device features a speaker that rests directly on the eardrum. The technology, which does not require implantation, offers superior audio quality and can amplify sounds across the entire audible frequency range. The device is made up of three parts: a hearing contact lens, an ear canal module, and a behind-the-ear module. The contact lens sits directly on the eardrum, allowing vibrations to be transmitted directly to the bones of the inner ear. The device is currently undergoing clinical trials to ensure its safety and functionality for all potential users.
According to the German Association of the Hearing Impaired, around 15 million Germans suffer from hearing loss, and hearing aids can significantly improve their quality of life. However, traditional hearing aids can be prone to distortion and interference from wind and other background noise. The Vibrosonic device solves these problems by using a contact lens that sits directly on the eardrum, allowing for mechanical stimulation of the inner ear and superior audio quality. The device can be customized for each patient based on the shape of their eardrum, and can be worn on one or both ears. The device is suitable for anyone over the age of 18 and is particularly effective for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.
The Vibrosonic device uses a Vibrosonic actuator, which was developed using microsystem technology and features structures that are thousands of times smaller than a human hair. The device is currently undergoing clinical trials to ensure its safety and functionality for all potential users. If successful, the device could be available to hearing-impaired individuals in the near future, and the entire apparatus is expected to be further miniaturized to make it even more discreet. The Vibrosonic device represents a major breakthrough in hearing aid technology, offering superior audio quality and improved functionality for millions of people around the world.
