MED-EL invites young innovators to shape the future of hearing technology in the 2025 IDEASforEARS Contest

November 9, 2024 – (Innsbruck, Austria): MED-EL, a pioneer in hearing implant technology, proudly launches the 2025 edition of its IDEASforEARS competition. This global initiative invites young minds to step into the role of inventor, channelling their creativity to design groundbreaking solutions that could transform the lives of people with hearing loss. Open to children aged 6 to 12 years, this year’s contest promises to be more inspiring than ever, encouraging participants to dream without limits and contribute to a future where hearing challenges are met with innovative solutions.

Launched on World Inventors Day, the IDEASforEARS contest serves as a platform where young inventors can unleash their imaginations. Whether through drawings, models, videos, or other creative mediums, children from around the world are encouraged to envision the next big advancement in hearing technology. This isnot just about competition – it is about fostering a spirit of innovation and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those with hearing loss.

Global reach, local impact

Since the first contest in 2017, IDEASforEARS has captivated over 1,200 young people from more than 40 countries, proving that the desire to create and help others knows no borders. The contest not only celebrates the inventive spirit of children but also raises awareness about hearing loss, a condition that affects millions globally. By participating, children gain insight into the importance of hearing health and the potential for technology to change lives.

Spotlight on creativity

Jennifer Robinson, Corporate Director of Product Management Hearing Solutions at MED-EL, highlights the contest’s significance:“The IDEASforEARS contest is more than just a competition – it is an opportunity for young minds to contribute to a future where hearing loss is met with hope, innovation, and ingenuity. Through IDEASforEARS young inventors can explore their creativity and contribute ideas that could shape the future of hearing technology. At MED-EL, we are committed to fostering the next generation of innovators, and this contest allows us to discover fresh perspectives that could influence our product development and enhance the lives of those with hearing loss.”

Encouraging young innovators

MED-EL invites parents, guardians, and teachers to encourage children to participate in this life-changing contest. Not only could the child’s idea lead to real-world solutions, but they also stand a chance to win an unforgettable trip to Innsbruck, Austria, where MED-EL’s cutting-edge hearing technologies are developed. More information and submission details can be found at IDEASforEARS.medel.com Submissions close on January 17, 2025, at midnight (CET), so young inventors should start dreaming up their ideas today!

Updates, inspiration, and stories from past participants are available on the IDEASforEARS Contest Facebook page.

About MED-EL

MED-EL Medical Electronics, a leader in implantable hearing solutions, is driven by a mission to overcome hearing loss as a barrier to communication and quality of life. The Austrian-based, privately owned business was co-founded by industry pioneers Ingeborg and Erwin Hochmair, whose ground-breaking research led to the development of the world’s first micro-electronic multi-channel cochlear implant (CI), which was successfully implanted in 1977 and was the basis for what is known as the modern CI today. This laid the foundation for the successful growth of the company in 1990, when they hired their first employees. To date, MED-EL has more than 2,800 employees from around 80 nations and 30 locations worldwide.

The company offers the widest range of implantable and non-implantable solutions to treat all types of hearing loss, enabling people in 137 countries enjoy the gift of hearing with the help of a MED-EL device. MED-EL’s hearing solutions include cochlear and middle ear implant systems, a combined electric acoustic stimulation hearing implant system, auditory brainstem implants as well as surgical and non-surgical bone conduction devices. www.medel.com