Govt launches SOHUM, a low-cost indigenously developed hearing screening device for newborns
17th July, 2017Category:
The science & technology ministry on Monday launched a low-cost indigenously developed hearing screening device - called Sohum - for newborns with an aim to make this battery-operated non-invasive device available across the country to cater nearly 26 million babies born every year in India. The newborn hearing screening device is developed by School of International Biodesign (SIB) start-up M/s Sohum Innovation Labs India Pvt. Ltd. It is a valuable contribution to the Make in India campaign of the Government.
An early screening will help in minimizing or reversing the damage. The Sohum uses brain-stem auditory evoked response technology which is recommended as best screening choice by the American Association of Pediatrics and the National Health Services of UK. The portable Sohum Hearing Screening measures auditory brain waves via three electrodes placed on the baby's head.
At present, most of the hospital-born babies could not be tested in absence of cost-effective device. Globally 8,00,000 hearing impaired babies are born annually of which nearly 1,00,000 are born in India.
Read More: