# A Low-Cost and Convenient Solution for Hearing Aid Shell Manufacturing

> **NIH NIH R44** · XYKEN, LLC · 2020 · $872,751

## Abstract

We propose in this SBIR effort to develop a mobile platform based, low-cost, yet highly accurate
3D scanner for audiologists or dispensers to quickly capture ear structure and locally optimize custom-fit
hearing aid shell design through rapid prototyping. Hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic
health condition facing seniors. Untreated hearing loss has been shown to lead to physical, social,
emotional, and psychological problems. Unfortunately, fewer than 20 percent of those with hearing loss
who require intervention and treatment seek help for their condition. Reasons for this grim situation are
expensive hearing aid cost, ineffective hearing aid shell fitting optimization process, and inadequate
centers or offices especially in poor and underserved communities. These have in fact generated
significant barriers in affordability, adoption, and accessibility for hearing aid sufferers. The proposed
solution will have the following impact and significance: effectively reduce hearing aid cost through a
mobile 3D imaging framework; significantly improve ear shell fitting outcome through localized shell
optimization and rapid prototyping; provide more accessible care facilities and better educational
influence; and make web based direct customer purchase of custom-fit hearing aid a reality.
Hearing loss is a public health issue and is among the leading public health concerns especially
for the increasing aging population. Approximately 17 percent of American adults, or 36 million people,
report some degree of hearing loss. Among American adults 20 and older, hearing loss is expected to
increase from 44 million in 2020 (15 percent of adults) to 73.5 million by 2060 (23 percent of adults).The
increase will be greatest among older adults, according to the researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine
in Baltimore. In 2020, 55 percent of all adults with hearing loss will be 70 or older. In 2060, that rate will
jump to 67 percent. Before seeking a hearing aid, most hearing aid users had lived with hearing loss for
more than 10 years and their impairment had progressed to moderate-to-severe levels. Undoubtedly,
the development of a low cost and ubiquitous mobile platform based hearing aid shell optimization and
rapid prototyping method will significantly lower the barriers for the much needed care.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9928872
- **Project number:** 5R44AG058268-03
- **Recipient organization:** XYKEN, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** Steven Yi
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $872,751
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-30 → 2023-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9928872

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9928872, A Low-Cost and Convenient Solution for Hearing Aid Shell Manufacturing (5R44AG058268-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9928872. Licensed CC0.

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