Of the 250 inventions in the running this year in the Lépine competition, it is a black helmet with a classic look that made the difference. But under its air of musical helmet hides a simple and smart idea: allowing hearing impaired people to better follow a conversation, without going through a hearing aid.
A helmet that does much more than listening to music
Behind Spokeo, three inventors: Raphaël Zakine (optician), Jonathan Goldminc (hearing aid) and Michael Uzzan (also optician). Their observation is that many people with hearing loss do not want or cannot carry hearing prostheses. Spokeo therefore arises as an alternative solution, halfway between the headphones and the hearing aid.
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Its operation is based on so-called “bi-use” technology: the sound is transmitted both by air (like a classic helmet) and by bones (thanks to slight vibrations). The idea is that even if the auditory duct is blocked, sound information still reaches the inner ear.
A small micro-cravate captures the voice of the interlocutor and reduces the bottom noises. Result: the person equipped with the helmet can follow a discussion without having repeated and raised the tone. Practical at home, useful in nursing homes, but also in a medical office.
The secret of Spokeo lies in the association of two technical bricks: Smart MIC, the directional micro-cravate which isolates the useful voice, and Sound Boost, a high definition amplification system with two volume levels. Tested on more than 5,000 users, this duo achieves an understanding rate close to 95 %. The helmet is also covered with hypoallergenic silicone pads to avoid any embarrassment during bone conduction. Everything is compact, light, and ready to serve at any time.
Spokeo is not a medical device, and that is what makes its strength. No need for an ENT, no complicated settings, no batteries to change. Just start it and speak in the microphone. Reverse of the medal, it is not reimbursed by the security.
The helmet recharges in USB, connects to Bluetooth to listen to TV or a podcast, and sells € 598. You can already order it online. The creators are targeting caregivers, caregivers or health pros. Example quoted by inventors: ophthalmologists, who need to be clearly heard during a cataract operation.
The Jury of the Lépine competition was obviously seduced by this simple, direct and already operational approach. And Spokeo is not alone: other practical inventions have been rewarded, such as an anti-electrocution socket or a box to share its mobile connection.
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