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October 09, 2006
ELVAS Sighting
Paul Dybala has done some fantastic writing about ear-level voice activated systems (ELVAS) on the Audiology Online web site. The idea of hearing aids and other mobile devices becoming better connected has been around for a while and Paul’s article on hearing aids getting wired, lays out a future where wearing hearing aids become as hip as the latest wireless Bluetooth mobile phone headsets.
I think Paul’s perspective on this topic really points to a time in the not so distant future where, instead of denying a hearing loss problem because of the stigma of wearing a hearing aid, people will actually be looking for the latest in hearing aid fashion and technology. Imagine a world where when people age they don’t lose their hearing, it improves. The health benefits for the aging boomer segment are substantial and the opportunities for companies in this space, enormous.
Loss of hearing in old age can lead to a withdrawal from social interaction and cause depression and other health issues. A report from National Academy on an Aging Society says the 4 out of 5 American with hearing loss; do not use a hearing aid. Mobile technology advances and increased acceptance to in-ear and over-ear systems will help bring this number down.
Being able to hear well into your older years will greatly enhance the quality of life for aging populations and mobile technology will play a key role in this trend.
Comments markcarp@stanford.edu
Mark Carpenter
Stanford University Persuasive Technology Lab
Posted by Mark at October 9, 2006 06:55 AM