By 2050
an estimated 2.5 billion individuals will experience hearing loss,
contributing to an annual worldwide cost of approximately $1 trillion.
Untreated hearing loss, especially in the elderly population, leads to the possibility of social isolation, cognitive decline, and even memory disorders.
[References 1-2]
Projected increase in prevalence of moderate and higher grade of hearing loss, 2019–2050:
80% will not be diagnosed
Healthcare systems and processes are not equipped to screen and
diagnose the growing population affected by hearing loss effectively,
and despite the increasing number of modern self-testing platforms,
clinically valid and actionable self-administered solutions are still unavailable.
[References 3-4]
To solve this problem, early identification of hearing loss and ear diseases is the key to effective
treatment and appropriate interventions may also reduce the burden of functional decline associated with hearing loss.[References 1, 5, 6]
Otoscreen project
Our story began during the Biodesign Finland program when Wycliffe and Tanja were at an ENT hospital in Helsinki looking for unmet needs that have a significant impact if solved. A month of deep immersion into clinical workflows, engaging discussions, interviews, and keen observations revealed a staggering 700 unmet needs. Upon thorough research and analysis, one need stood out as the most critical to address:
the resource-heavy and slow
hearing diagnosis process in the ENT practice.
The Otoscreen concept is inspired by Helsinki University Hospital’s Adj. Prof. Saku Sinkkonen, Ph.D. Ville Sivonen, and their colleagues. Their extensive clinical work and research on hearing-related issues and the diagnosis of hearing loss became the guiding force behind the concept.
We have a global mentoring team that consists of clinical and industry experts supporting us to achieve our goals and improve hearing healthcare worldwide.
The project is funded by Business Finland and Aalto University.
Our Solution
We are developing a new clinically valid solution for public and private healthcare providers.
Our solution makes hearing screening more effective facilitating clinicians to diagnose and refer multiple hearing loss patients in a resource and time-efficient way. This enables early identification of people who will benefit from hearing health assessment and guiding or referring them to the relevant treatment path. This streamlined process will create cost savings and enable better resource allocation to the healthcare sector.
Our Mission
We are on a mission to revolutionize hearing screening for all enabling, early detection and intervention for hearing loss through advanced technological approaches.
We strive to create a world where everyone can enjoy improved hearing health.
Our Solution
We are developing a new clinically valid solution for public and private healthcare providers.
Our solution makes hearing screening more effective facilitating clinicians to diagnose and refer multiple hearing loss patients in a resource and time-efficient way. This enables early identification of people who will benefit from hearing health assessment and guiding or referring them to the relevant treatment path. This streamlined process will create cost savings and enable better resource allocation to the healthcare sector.
Our Mission
We are on a mission to revolutionize hearing screening for all enabling, early detection and intervention for hearing loss through advanced technological approaches.
We strive to create a world where everyone can enjoy improved hearing health.
Our Timeline
Clinical investigations
Initial clinical validation started at the Helsinki University Hospital, HUS.
Technology advancement
Investigational device ready for Clinical Investigations.
Otoscreen R2B project
The Otoscreen project started at Aalto University.
IPR
Provisional patent filed.
Funding
Business Finland Research to Business (R2B) funding secured (~700,000 €).
Member of the SPARK Finland program
Accepted to the SPARK Finland mentoring program with the 'Otoscreen' concept. Batch: Spring 2023.
Team creation and PoC
Team Otos formation and the design of the 'Otoscreen' concept.
The unmet need identification
Biodesign Finland immersion at Ear, Nose, and Throat Diseases unit in Surgical Hospital (HUS Helsinki University Hospital, Finland).
Research background
Research on hearing-related problems and diagnosis of hearing loss by Adj. Prof. Saku Sinkkonen, Ph.D. Ville Sivonen and their colleagues.
1. WHO. 2021. World Report on Hearing. World Health Organization.
2. Yli-Pohja, Päivi, and Pajo Kati. 2018. “Kuulovian yhteys kognition heikentymiseen.”
3. McKee, Michael et al. 2022. “Reframing Our Health Care System for Patients With Hearing Loss.”
Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research 65(10): 3633–45.
4. Paglialonga, Alessia et al. 2018. “EHealth and the Hearing Aid Adult Patient Journey: A State-of-the-Art
Review.” BioMedical Engineering OnLine 17(1): 101.
5. Feltner, Cynthia et al. 2021. Screening for Hearing Loss in Older Adults: An Evidence Review for the
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
(US).
6. Loughrey, David G. et al. 2018. “Association of Age-Related Hearing Loss With Cognitive Function,
Cognitive Impairment, and Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” JAMA
Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery 144(2): 115–26.
7. Kaf, Wafaa A. et al. 2013. “Optimizing Otoscopy Competency in Audiology Students through
Supplementary Otoscopy Training.” Journal of the American Academy of Audiology 24(9): 859–66.
8. Sinkkonen, Saku T., Aarnisalo, Antti A., and Jero, Jussi. 2014. “Tärykalvoreikä.” DUODECIM 130(8).
9. Tötterman, Magnus, Jukarainen, Sakari, Sinkkonen, Saku T., and Klockars, Tuomas. 2020. “A
Comparison of Four Digital Otoscopes in a Teleconsultation Setting.” The Laryngoscope 130(6):
1572–76.
10. Mustonen, Tuuli et al. 2021. “Hearing Problems in Patients with Hereditary Gelsolin Amyloidosis.”
Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases 16(1): 448