hearX is a leading health technology company and a Category Award Winner in the 2025 Medical Device Excellence Awards

IhearX, a health tech company based in the United States and South Africa, has won the Innovation Award in the Remote Hearing Diagnostics category for its groundbreaking self-test audiometer — hearX Self Test Kit (‘STK’). The development of the STK highlights hearX’s commitment to transforming hearing care for the more than 1.5 billion people affected by hearing loss worldwide.

The Medical Device Network Excellence Awards honor the most significant achievements and innovations in the medical devices industry. Powered by GlobalData’s business intelligence, the Awards recognize the people and companies leading change and shaping the future of the industry.

The 2025 Innovation Award has been given to hearX for addressing critical challenges in hearing healthcare, including accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to provide timely interventions, particularly during global disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the most significant challenges in hearing healthcare is accessibility. Traditional audiometry often requires patients to visit specialized clinics, which can be a barrier for many, especially in resource-limited communities. The STK addresses this issue by enabling patients to conduct hearing assessments from the comfort of their homes, retail outlets, or local clinics. This innovative approach not only democratizes access to hearing care but also empowers individuals to take charge of their hearing health proactively.

The STK leverages smart technology to facilitate self-testing that is both user-friendly and clinically-validated. Users are able to perform pure-tone audiometry and speech-in-noise tests using a smart device after which, test results can be interpreted by a hearing care professional in person or via teleconsultation. This shift towards self-assessment reduces reliance on in-clinic visits, making it easier for individuals to seek timely intervention when they notice changes in their hearing.

Moreover, the STK is designed to cater to diverse environments, allowing assessments to be conducted in various settings, whether from home, in healthcare facilities, or even workplaces. Its portability can benefit individuals who live in remote areas with limited access to audiology services. By removing geographical barriers and simplifying the testing process, hearX is fostering a more inclusive healthcare model that prioritizes patient autonomy and accessibility.

The financial burden associated with traditional audiometry can be substantial, particularly for healthcare providers operating in resource-constrained environments. The STK offers a cost-effective alternative that significantly reduces operational expenses while enhancing testing efficiency. Traditional booth-based audiometry requires expensive equipment and trained professionals, which can be costly to acquire and maintain. In contrast, the STK utilizes smart device integration and cloud-based data management to provide a scalable solution that allows healthcare providers to serve more patients without compromising quality.

By streamlining workflows, the STK enables healthcare professionals to focus on delivering high-quality care rather than managing logistical challenges. For example, the kit enables remote self-testing and secure cloud-based data management, helping reduce service bottlenecks often seen in high-volume practices. This efficiency is crucial in today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, where patient throughput can directly impact a provider’s ability to deliver timely care.

Additionally, the STK’s design ensures that healthcare providers can maximize their resources while maintaining a high standard of service. The integration of advanced data management capabilities allows healthcare professionals to view patient results in real time, for effective clinical decision-making. This not only enhances patient management but also contributes to better health outcomes by facilitating timely interventions based on accurate data.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities within healthcare systems worldwide, particularly in audiology services that rely heavily on in-person consultations. The STK played a pivotal role in ensuring continuity of care during unprecedented times. By facilitating remote assessments, hearX enabled healthcare providers to remain operational despite lockdown restrictions.

This demonstrates hearX’s commitment to innovation and underscores the critical role of technology in navigating global health crises. The STK’s ability to support accurate assessments remotely has set a new standard for how hearing care can be provided, even in challenging circumstances. During the pandemic, many individuals were unable or unwilling to visit clinics due to safety concerns. The STK enabled them to continue monitoring their hearing health without risking exposure to the COVID-19 virus.

Furthermore, hearX’s commitment to quality is evident in its rigorous, research-driven development process, which adheres to ISO 13485 standards for medical devices. This commitment ensures that the STK is both safe and effective for users worldwide. By prioritizing regulatory compliance and clinical validation, hearX has built a foundation of trust with both healthcare providers and individuals.

The extensive research backing the STK further solidifies its credibility within the medical community. Peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated its efficacy, reinforcing hearX’s position as a leader in evidence-based innovation in hearing care.

hearX is an industry-leading health technology company, creating clinically-validated, affordable, and mobile technologies for hearing loss detection, without requiring a soundproof booth. hearX technologies are used in over 70 countries worldwide for early hearing loss detection and intervention.

Website: https://www.hearxgroup.com/