An Australian innovation has made the finalist list of US digital health event ViVe 2025 with a novel solution to assist aged care residents to accurately test hearing via a simple interactive app downloaded to an iPad.
Med-tech company Sound Scouts’ unique hearing assessment app has been selected as a finalist in the ‘Techquity for Health Case Study Awards’ to be held at the ViVe conference in Nashville in the USA in February. The international awards recognise the importance of technology in providing 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.
Sound Scouts CEO Carolyn Mee said it was important that all people are 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.”
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 Chief Executive Officer, Reuben Jacob said ARIIA is 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.
“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 sixty-five per cent of adults over 60 years of age experience some form of hearing impairment which puts 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.”
“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.”
Sound Scouts introduces a standardised, evidence-based digital hearing screening process into routine care, enhancing compliance with aged care recommendations. Regular testing, integrated into clinical dashboards, ensures ongoing monitoring and data-driven decision-making. This systematic approach aligns with the Aged Care Quality and Safety's recommendations, ensuring that residents' physical and cognitive capabilities are addressed holistically.
The approach is innovative as it leverages digital technology to offer a non-confrontational solution to screen hearing and it is accessible to all, including those with mild cognitive decline and reduced mobility and visual acuity.
Ms Mee said representatives from Sound Scouts would be attending the ViVe 2025 digital health event in Nashville on February 16-19, 2025, where the winners of the Techquity awards will be announced.