Hearing health is sometimes an overlooked wellness issue. However, even stars such as actress Halle Berry, writer Connie Briscoe and award-winning actress Whoopi Goldberg are among public figures who have suffered hearing loss.
The chance of experiencing hearing loss increases as we grow older. It is critical to remain mindful of how sound, which is measured in decibels (dB), can affect or damage our hearing. Loud noises can damage the auditory nerve and cochlear hair cells. Some diseases, medications or a physical head injury can also cause hearing loss.
The number of adults in the United States 20 years or older with hearing loss (pure tone average, >25 dB) is expected to gradually increase from 44.11 million in 2020 (15.0% of adults ≥20 years) to 73.50 million by 2060,” according to The National Library of Medicine.
Justin Lee, an aerospace engineer who attended Tuskegee University is one step ahead of raising awareness about hearing health. He invented EARCOUSTIC headphones, a hearing amplifier that partially serves as a tribute to a late friend’s memory.
“The idea of EARCOUSTIC originated by attempting to help a good friend of mine named Kenny Tissot. He was a Vietnam veteran who often struggled with hearing the television. His wife would often complain about the volume being too loud. He said, ‘I wish I had a product that was affordable that could help enhance sound’ so his wife wouldn’t complain,” Lee explained, remembering what events unfolded in 2016.
EARCOUSTIC headphones are green-friendly, lightweight and compact in the absence of electronics, batteries, wires or apps that are needed to make them work and enhance sound.
“They’re only $20. We’re providing an affordable solution to a worldwide problem, which is hearing loss,” Lee said.
Lee started experimenting with commercial, off-the-shelf products trying to develop a concept that would work to help Tissot. Unfortunately, Tissot was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The focus shifted from trying to create a product to hospice and medical procedures. Tissot passed away. For five years, the idea to develop a product remained stagnant.
“I prayed and asked God what to do at a certain point in my life. He said, ‘Go back to the invention,’” the Prince George’s County, Maryland resident said.
Lee reinvigorated his idea while conducting research and engaging in product development. EARCOUSTIC headphones work with simplicity for people who may experience mild to moderate hearing loss.
“Sound travels in the form of sound waves and the unique patented design is in the shape of an amphitheater, so when people can’t necessarily hear or they’re having issues, you notice people cup their hands over their ears. If you try that briefly as an example, you can immediately tell the difference, because the sound waves are reflecting off a surface, which is your hand, or in our situation, EARCOUSTIC is the recyclable plastic support cup. Those sound waves reflect directly into your ear canal,” Lee said, explaining how the concept works.
The product’s reach is spreading to assistive technology libraries across the nation; centers for independent living; senior communities; and online purchasers around the United States.
“I have a patent pending certification right now in the US and in China,” Lee said.
EARCOUSTIC has been tested at the University of Maryland College Park in their hearing and speech department and at Winston Salem State University.
Dr. Ed Smith from the University of Maryland College Park is a research engineer, HESP, Biology, MNC who stated that he thinks that anyone considering a hearing aid should know about EARCOUSTIC.
“The accompanying advantages of convenience and cost come from the simplicity of EARCOUSTIC.”
Just last November, Lee received the first product units to sell.
“We call your EARCOUSTIC headphones ‘readers for your ears’ because if you think of reader glasses, you can buy them at Dollar Tree or CVS. They basically help improve people’s vision affordably,” Lee said, stating that the headphones incorporate a similar concept.
EARCOUSTIC headphones may be used while watching television, at the movies or during church to help users hear a little better.
Young learners in crowded classrooms may use them to hear the teacher better, or a student with ADHD who wants to focus better and give their attention to the teacher.
Bringing EARCOUSTIC headphones to the marketplace has helped Lee to feel unafraid to follow his purpose, while pushing fear aside.
“A lot of people make excuses for not going after their dreams. That’s one of the biggest mistakes that people could ever make in their lives,” the entrepreneur said.
Visit www.theearcoustic.com to purchase EARCOUSTIC headphones and to learn more about Lee. Follow https://www.facebook.com/earcoustic on Facebook and https://www.instagram.com/earcoustic on Instagram.