The soundmind smart amplifier: an affordable, accessible, user-friendly hearing solution for persons with memory concerns and their family caregivers

The National Institute on Aging awarded Applied Universal Dynamics, Corp $999,986 on September 20, 2025, under the Aging Research program (CFDA 93.866) to develop the SoundMind Smart Amplifier, an affordable, accessible hearing solution designed for persons with memory concerns and their family caregivers.

Hearing loss and cognitive impairment frequently co-occur among older Americans, compounding effects on communication and social engagement. Only 30 percent of people with memory concerns use hearing aids due to cost, access barriers, and the complexity of existing technology. Current hearing devices—whether over-the-counter or prescription—involve complex handling and programming that persons with memory concerns find challenging, increasing caregiver burden. The SoundMind Smart Amplifier will integrate evidence-based sound therapies shown to benefit persons with memory concerns and will include a caregiver-focused mobile application, addressing gaps in existing personal sound amplification products and hearing aids.

Applied Universal Dynamics, a for-profit Subchapter S Corporation based in Loretto, Minnesota, specializes in developing assistive technologies for aging-related healthcare challenges. The project period runs from September 20, 2025, through September 19, 2027, with work performed in Minnesota. The award is classified as a Project Grant under the National Institute on Aging's mission to support biomedical and behavioral research directed toward understanding aging and preventing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Abstract

Hearing loss and memory concerns are prevalent health issues among american older adults, significantly affecting their quality of life. Two-thirds of americans aged 70 and older experience audiometric hearing loss and one-third suffer from clinically significant cognitive impairment, including dementia. When these conditions CO-occur, their effects on communication and social engagement are compounded, leading to increased isolation and decreased quality of life. Hearing amplification technology can mitigate these effects by enhancing speech audibility and reducing cognitive listening effort, thereby improving communication and social engagement. Despite these benefits, only 30% of people with memory concerns (PWMC) use hearing aids due to barriers such as cost, access, and the complexity of current hearing aid technology. Existing hearing technology fails to meet the specific needs of PWMC and their caregivers. The recent introduction of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids by the FDA addresses some cost and access issues, but leaves other issues unaddressed. Current hearing aids, whether OTC or prescription, often involve complex handling and programming, which PWMC find challenging. This increases dependence on caregivers, who already face significant burdens. An alternative option is personal sound amplification products (PSAPS) in the form of ear-level amplifiers and larger "pocketalkers" many of these devices aim to address usability concerns but lack the evidence-based audio profiles and advanced connectivity features contained in hearing aids. Importantly, to our knowledge, no available hearing device integrates evidence-based sound therapies that have been shown to benefit PWMC, nor do they include a caregiver-facing mobile application specifically designed for caregivers of PWMC. To address these gaps, we propose developing the soundmind assistive hearing system, a smart amplifier specifically designed to meet the needs of PWMC and their family caregivers. This system will feature an intuitive design with larger, easy-to-handle parts and uses familiar consumer headphones to promote comfort and ensure ease of use. IT will include a caregiver-enabled smartphone application for remote assistance and incorporate customized auditory reminders and music therapy, both of which have been shown to benefit PWMC, but which have not yet been incorporated into hearing amplification. The soundmind system aims to improve the quality of life for PWMC by facilitating easier use of hearing technology, thereby promoting social engagement, cognitive health, and overall well-being while reducing caregiver burden.