This 29-year-old entrepreneur’s invention could well revolutionise the diagnosis of hearing problems in newborns.
There are 26 million newborns in the country each year and early detection of hearing problems is key to preventing them.
Neeti Kailas has devised ‘Hearing Screen Device,’ which is five times cheaper than those available in the market (which cost above Rs 29,000 a piece).
There are 26 million newborns in the country each year and early detection of hearing problems is key to preventing them.
Neeti Kailas has devised ‘Hearing Screen Device,’ which is five times cheaper than those available in the market (which cost above Rs 29,000 a piece).
She has bagged the prestigious Rolex award for the invention.
“It is ideal that the examination is done within six months of a child’s birth. With the new device, this is possible,” she told Deccan Herald.
“It is ideal that the examination is done within six months of a child’s birth. With the new device, this is possible,” she told Deccan Herald.
This entrepreneur from Chennai has a Bangalore-based laboratory called Sohum Innovation Lab.
She works on various other projects that involve ensuring minimal cost healthcare, along with her co-founder Nitin Sisodia.
Kailas said that her motive to create affordable healthcare for all sparked the idea for creating the device.
“In counties like the UK and US, screening happens at an early stage. Here, with the cost factor coming to the fore, neonatal care takes a back step,” she said. In most cases, it is too late by the time the disability is identified, Kailas said.
The device is likely to be a boon in Indian conditions as it has an inbuilt feature that can filter out the ambience sound, thus making it easy to use it even in noisy places.
The device picks up signals from the brain and helps detect hearing problems in newborns. It is portable and does not require expertise to be handled.
“It is a user-friendly device. With very little training, a person can use it,” Kailas said.
The researchers have partnered with AIIMS, New Delhi, St Johns Medical College, Bangalore, Manipal University and other institutions for the project. “We will soon have clinical trials.
Source : Deccan Herald , 28th June 2014
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