Creating affordable and custom hearing aids using smartphones and 3D printing
Official title: Smartphone based custom-fit and low-cost hearing aids manufacturing system
Funded at Xyken, LLC · NIH-11173541 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to make affordable, custom hearing aids using your smartphone to take 3D pictures of your ears, making it easier for seniors and others in need to get comfortable hearing aids that fit well.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Xyken, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (McLean, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $673,350 |
| NIH project number | 1R44DC022803-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11173541 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who experience hearing loss and seek affordable hearing aid solutions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have hearing loss or those who prefer traditional hearing aids may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a low-cost and personalized hearing aid manufacturing system that utilizes smartphone technology for 3D ear imaging. By automating the shell generation and integrating modular electronics, the project seeks to address the significant barriers to hearing aid accessibility, particularly for seniors. The approach involves non-invasive imaging to ensure better fitting and comfort, ultimately improving user compliance and experience. The goal is to make custom-fit hearing aids more accessible, especially in underserved communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the cost and improve the accessibility of custom-fit hearing aids for individuals with hearing loss.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using 3D printing and mobile technology for medical devices, indicating potential success for this innovative approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Xyken, LLC
McLean, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yi, Steven — Xyken, LLC
- Study coordinator: Yi, Steven
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.