News Report:
Hearing Loss Impact
With 2.5 billion people worldwide affected by hearing loss, the prices of hearing aids are expensive. The range varies from $1,000 to $8,000 per pair, making it unaffordable for many individuals. Maryland-based startup Quantum Senses is attempting to address this issue by offering their auditory amplifier at a retail price of only $20.
The company’s founder and CEO, Justin Lee, warns that their product is aimed at individuals with mild hearing loss, where advanced electronic devices are 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 require assistance.”
He adds, “The more people understand about acoustic amplifiers, the more they can see the value of affordable alternatives, especially for those with mild hearing loss.”
Earcoustic Hearing Aid. Image: Quantum Senses
Lee, who previously worked as an aerospace engineer at the U.S. Department of Defense, designed Earcoustic, utilizing 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 television or participating in activities.
After completing projects for the U.S. Air Force and Navy, Lee, a graduate of Tuskegee University, founded Quantum Senses in 2021.
He states that the idea for Earcoustic came from providing a solution for a friend with symptoms of mild hearing loss. This friend relied on a fixed income and had no means to improve their hearing.
Lee explains that he designed the acoustics of the device on a computer, which is neither electronic nor powered in any way. Made entirely from recyclable materials, the device can be easily recycled if the user no longer needs it. “If it breaks, you can simply recycle it, and it can be turned into something like a water bottle,” he says.
There are other cost-effective alternatives to hearing aids available on the market, including the upcoming features of Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, priced at $249. However, with a price tag of only $20, Earcoustic offers affordability that is unmatched, allowing those who thought they could never afford a hearing aid to purchase one.
“You have to make time for important things,” he says. “This has truly become my passion, and it will help create generational wealth for my family.”
Editor: Andrew Hayward