Aussie hearing app reaches global awards stage
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An Australian-made digital hearing assessment solution for older adults has received international recognition by being named a finalist at the ViVe 2025 ‘Techquity for Health Case Study Awards’ in Nashville, USA. Developed by med-tech company Sound Scouts, the app is designed to screen hearing using an interactive game on an iPad, offering aged care residents an accessible and efficient way to maintain their hearing health.
Sound Scouts CEO Carolyn Mee said: “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.”
Although widely used with schoolchildren in Australia, this is the first time the app has been specifically tailored for use in aged care facilities, allowing older Australians to complete hearing assessments with the help of carers, headphones, and a touchscreen device. Sound Scouts trialled the technology in partnership with the University of Newcastle and Maroba Caring Communities, thanks to a grant from Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA).
ARIIA Chief Executive Officer, Reuben Jacob, praised the app’s potential impact: “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.”
Mee pointed out that more than 65% of adults over 60 experience some degree of hearing loss, which can lead to social isolation. She added that the app’s benefits also extend to people in rural and regional areas who may lack convenient access to professional hearing services.
“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.”
By introducing a standardised, evidence-based digital hearing screening process, Sound Scouts aligns with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s guidelines for holistic resident care. Representatives from Sound Scouts will attend the ViVe 2025 digital health event in Nashville from February 16 to 19, where the winners of the Techquity awards will be announced.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
