Sound Scouts’ novel solution to help aged care residents accurately test hearing is attracting international attention.
A novel solution to assist aged care residents to accurately test hearing via a simple interactive app downloaded to an iPad has earned an Australian med-tech company a finalist’s berth at the US digital health event ViVe 2025 awards.
Sound Scouts’ app is up for the “Techquity for Health Case Study Award” at the ViVe conference in Nashville in February.
The international awards recognise the importance of technology in quality health provision for all and reducing systemic inequities.
Sound Scouts developed the device drawing heavily from gaming technology that is both simple and engaging to use. CEO Carolyn Mee said it was important that all people were treated equally in access to healthcare, no matter their age or location.
“As healthcare marches toward full digitisation, integrating health equity considerations into technology and data practices – or techquity – is increasingly important to reducing outcome disparities and systemic inequities,” she said.
While the hearing app has been widely used with school children in Australia, this is the first time such a device has been developed for use in an aged care setting. Older Australians can conduct the test themselves with the help of carers and simple equipment like headphones and a touchscreen device.
Sound Scouts trialled the technology in a collaborative project with the University of Newcastle and Maroba Caring Communities, with support provided by a grant from Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA).
ARIIA CEO Reuben Jacob said the group was committed to helping the aged care sector to advance innovation and encouraged the uptake of technology and digital strategies.
“Seeing the Sound Scouts project getting recognised on the global stage for the incredible impact that this type of software can have in aged care is an amazing outcome,” he said.
“Awareness of the positive impacts that technology can have on the lives of those both living in and working in aged care is increasing and ARIIA is excited to see the empowerment that can be created by digital transformation across the sector.”
Ms Mee said more than 65% of adults aged over 60 years experienced some form of hearing impairment which put them at greater risk of social isolation. The device has international potential, especially with rural and regional populations that may not have easy access to hearing testing.
“ViVe 2025 is a forum where many digital health solutions are showcased, so it is wonderful to be singled out as a finalist like this in the international arena,” she said.
“Providing this app for use with older people can minimise social isolation, reduce the fall risk and potentially reduce the onset and progress of cognitive decline. It is an application that, once adopted, can have a real impact on the wellbeing of adults of all ages, all over the world.”
Ms Mee said representatives from Sound Scouts would be attending the ViVe 2025 digital health event in Nashville, where the winners of the Techquity awards will be announced.