The Future of Hearing: Meet the Young Innovators of IDEASforEARS 2024

Children from 24 countries stepped up to the challenge, submitting 253 ingenious ideas, demonstrating that the next generation is not only brimming with imagination but is also passionate about making the world more inclusive.

From beanies, helmets, and pillows equipped with audio processors to wristbands and necklaces that enable emergency calls, this year’s entries reflect a diverse range of ideas aimed at improving daily life for those with hearing loss.

Some even envisioned shoes that alert wearers to traffic sounds, demonstrating a remarkable understanding of safety needs. What’s even more impressive is the young inventors’ commitment to sustainability.

This year, many participants embraced eco-friendly solutions, incorporating solar power, wind energy, and kinetic energy into their designs, showing a keen interest in harnessing green technologies to power future hearing innovations.

Meet Our Winners

Abigail & Zoey, 12 & 10, USA

Abigail and Zoey introduced their Smart Watch, tailored to users with hearing implants. This innovative watch enables users to set wake-up alarms, get real-time battery notifications for their audio processors, and even stream music directly through the device for added convenience.

André, 10, Portugal

André presented the alarm for lost processors, a helpful feature that activates a beeping sound on the user’s hearing implant watch when the audio processor is more than one meter away. This alert system helps users quickly find their misplaced device.

Nataly, 10, Peru

Nataly came up with a silicone ear prosthesis that doubles as a hearing aid. This innovative prosthesis is specifically designed to assist children with Microtia, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits for improved hearing.

Malika, 8, Indonesia

Malika has developed the “RONDO 3 Travel Charger”, an external power bank shaped like a small box and specifically designed to power audio processors. This innovation addresses the needs of travelers and campers by providing a convenient solution for on-the-go charging.

Luca, 10, Argentina

Luca came up with the “Solar-Powered, Waterproof Audio Processor,” an environmentally friendly device that runs on solar energy. In addition to its sustainable design, the processor is waterproof and excels at delivering high-quality music playback.

Zofia, 9, Poland

Zofia introduced the “Headband-Charger 6000,” a state-of-the-art accessory featuring built-in micro solar panels and heat-charging technology. This revolutionary headband enables quick charging for audio processors by efficiently utilizing energy from both sunlight and body heat.

These are just some of the 14 winners of this year’s IDEASforEARS competition. Check out our other young participants and their ideas here.

Is your child also full of creative ideas? Then don’t forget to apply for the next IDEASforEARS Children’s Contest and win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to MED-EL Headquarters in Innsbruck! And of course, every child will receive recognition and a participation certificate, and they can also win exciting rewards like notebooks, tablets, and exclusive prize packs.

Here’s a sneak peek of what to expect from your visit: