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About the solution
Michael Nicoletti is a retired army specialist who ended up losing his hearing gradually and insidiously over the course of a few years. The straw that broke the camel's back was the moment when he was watching TV, and his wife would set the volume for about 20, all while he could only begin to listen to anything that was being said at the 45 volume point.
He had a hearing problem, that was certain, and as an engineer himself, he needed to solve it. This is when he turned to a pantry staple: a simple drinking straw.
When looking at the straws, he began to think, what would happen if he cut one of those straws off? And so he did. He cut two pieces off, about an inch long, and stuck them in his ears, which allowed him to listen to the TV at the 20 volume set point. Unfortunately, this wasn't a permanent fix, and this is when he turned to Dr. Kent Flanagan, an audiologist who works at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Centers in Charleston, South Carolina.
After getting the diagnosis of acquired atresia, a condition where the ear canal collapses, which Nicoletti had in both his ears, the doctor told him that the condition could be fixed surgically. After deciding that surgery wasn't an option, he decided to team up with Flanagan and develop their own device, using the straws as a starting point.
Within months, the stents were 3D printed and they were granted the Veterans Association's first compassionate use approval by the FDA, which means that they can only be used by Nicoletti, pending further research and clinical trials.
There are over a million veterans in the USA who suffer from hearing loss, whether it's due to noise exposure during military service, the normal changes that come with aging, or acquired conditions like Mr. Nicoletti's. There is a world of possibilities for this small, yet big solution.
Adapted from https://www.today.com/health/how-veteran-s-homemade-solution-becomes-3d-...
DISCLAIMER: This story was written by someone who is not the author of the solution, therefore please be advised that, although it was written with the utmost respect for the innovation and the innovator, there can be some incorrect statements. If you find any errors please contact the patient Innovation team via info@patient-innovation.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEzVkdeTdpw
This solution shall not include mention to the use of drugs, chemicals or biologicals (including food); invasive devices; offensive, commercial or inherently dangerous content. This solution was not medically validated. Proceed with caution! If you have any doubts, please consult with a health professional.
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Grip
CAREGIVING
WALKING: Walking
WALKING WITH A WALKING AID: Walking with a walking aid
Social interaction
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5 Senses support devices: (glasses, hearing aids, headphones...)
Educational/Leisure device (book, toy, game...)
Treatment/Surgical device
Videogame
Strategy/Tip
Restoring mobility
Regaining sensory function
Improving respiratory function
Enhancing health literacy
Promoting self-management
Restoring heart health
Preserving Organ Function
Rehabilitating After Stroke
Managing Neurological Disorders
Building Supportive Community Relationships
Promoting inclusivity and social integration
Recovering from Traumatic Injuries
Enhancing Mental Health
Maintaining Balance and Mobility
Improving Speech and Communication
To improve Treatment/Therapy
Preventing (Vaccination, Protection, Falls, Research/Mapping)
Raise awareness
Caregiving Support
General and Family Medicine
Infectious Diseases
Internal Medicine
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Pneumology
Spain
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SmartSole GPS - Tracker for people with Alzheimer's, dementia and autism
COMMUNICATION: Communicating, whether by speaking, listening, or other means
WALKING: Walking
CAREGIVING
Alzheimer's Disease
Dementia (Alcoholic Dementia, Vascular Dementia)
Body-Worn solutions (Clothing, accessories, shoes, sensors...)
Anxiety
Cognitive impairment
Confusion
Difficulty coordinating movements
Dizziness
Loss of balance
Memory loss
Mood swings
Difficulty controlling impulses
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Hallucinations (perceiving things that aren't there)
Irritability or anger outbursts
Panic attacks
Restlessness or feeling slowed down
Social withdrawal or isolation
Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Restoring mobility
Promoting self-management
Building Supportive Community Relationships
Promoting inclusivity and social integration
Improving Speech and Communication
Preventing (Vaccination, Protection, Falls, Research/Mapping)
Raise awareness
Caregiving Support
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
General and Family Medicine
Internal Medicine
Medical Genetics
Neurology
Pediatrics
Psychiatry
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Pedro, an acoustic engineer designed an open-ear hearable device in order to allow everyone to listen to music!
COMMUNICATION: Communicating, whether by speaking, listening, or other means
Hearing Disorders
5 Senses support devices: (glasses, hearing aids, headphones...)
Assistive Technology access
Body-Worn solutions (Clothing, accessories, shoes, sensors...)
Regaining sensory function
Promoting self-management
Promoting inclusivity and social integration
Improving Speech and Communication
Raise awareness
General and Family Medicine
Internal Medicine
Neurology
Otorhinolaryngology
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