At the intersection of sound and health technology
Healthcare continuously faces new challenges as the aging population, resource shortages, and increasing demand for care put pressure on the system. At the same time, technological innovations offer promising opportunities to address these challenges. The Hearing Valley project at the University of Eastern Finland and the collaboration between companies and Kuopio Health are examples of how combining sound and health technology can bring new solutions to the healthcare field.
More than 480 million people suffer from hearing loss, and the number is expected to grow to over 900 million by 2050 as the population ages, causing significant societal costs such as increased risk of dementia and social isolation. The hearing technology market is growing rapidly, but in Finland, only 200,000 people with hearing loss receive rehabilitation, which adds to the burden on healthcare. Staff shortages and treatment gaps require technological innovations that can enhance care, improve service accessibility, and develop hearing aid technology to better meet patients’ needs.
Hearing Valley Project – Innovations in Hearing Care
The Hearing Valley project is part of the University of Eastern Finland’s hearing care innovation ecosystem, aiming to improve hearing care services with new technological solutions. The project develops new diagnostic methods and hearing aids based on the latest research and technology to support individualized care and enhance patients’ quality of life.
A key goal is the early identification of hearing impairments, as timely diagnosis can prevent more severe health issues such as social isolation and cognitive challenges associated with untreated hearing loss. Early intervention also reduces the burden on healthcare by enabling preventive care.
A central investment of the project is the hearing research laboratory to be built on the Savilahti campus in Kuopio. The laboratory, implemented in collaboration with Kuopio University Hospital (KYS), the University of Eastern Finland, and corporate partners, provides a unique environment for developing and testing new technologies in realistic sound conditions.
“A significant part of the laboratory’s operations will be realistic sound environments that allow for hearing research in everyday situations. This enables user-centered evaluation, considering both individual hearing challenges and the everyday soundscape,” says project leader DI Ville Saari.
“Studies conducted in soundproof rooms do not provide an accurate picture of how hearing loss affects practical life or how effective rehabilitation measures, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, are in everyday life.”
The laboratory design was completed in early March 2025, and construction is expected to begin in April. The goal is to have the facilities ready by early August, after which the laboratory can be equipped.
The project team includes project coordinator, audiologist Jaana Hyytiäinen, and project assistant, DI Juulia Hassinen. The first workshop will be held in May, and preparations are currently underway.
The Hearing Valley project has attracted interest both nationally and internationally.
“The project was presented at the Finnish Audiological Society’s training days in Kuopio in March, and interest has been sparked by several hearing care actors. Collaboration with local companies is starting, and for example, discussions have been held with Genelec about sponsor-funded R&D collaboration,” Saari says.
The project’s focus areas in the spring and summer include the construction project, laboratory equipment procurement, and deepening corporate collaboration.
The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and runs from October 2024 to September 2026, in close cooperation with Kuopio Health and regional companies.
Genelec – Combining Sound and Health Technology
Genelec, a globally renowned manufacturer of professional audio equipment, has long been a pioneer in sound innovation. Now, the company is exploring new opportunities in the development of hearing diagnostics and rehabilitation, for example, through the Hearing Valley project.
“Genelec’s expertise in sound can bring new dimensions to both diagnostics and improving the user experience with hearing aids. Utilizing soundscapes can even open new ways to measure stress or well-being,” says Saari.
Genelec’s CEO, Siamäk Naghian, believes that the company’s international experience can also support regional development.
“Our business model may also interest others aiming for internationalization. Genelec’s example shows that even a small specialized company can have a global impact. I believe that social and regional responsibility, as well as active participation in innovation ecosystems, are key success factors. The Hearing Valley project is an excellent example of such collaboration.”
Kuopio Health as an Enabler of Innovations
Kuopio Health’s mission is to support health sector innovation by providing its members with an open collaboration environment.
“The Hearing Valley project is a significant step towards the future of healthcare. Its potential to improve quality of life and promote the growth of our region is clear. Kuopio Health is committed to supporting the project and looks forward to its positive impacts on our region and its residents,” says Development Manager Kimmo Solehmainen.
The future full of possibilities
The Hearing Valley project and collaboration with Genelec, Kuopio Health, and other partners demonstrate how an interdisciplinary approach can generate significant innovations in healthcare. Combining sound and health technology creates new opportunities for more accurate diagnostics, advanced treatment methods, and improved patient experiences.
The project and the collaborative network built around it show how multidisciplinary cooperation can produce impactful solutions for healthcare. The integration of sound and health technology offers new possibilities for diagnostics, treatment, and enhancing patient experience, and this is just the beginning of what the collaboration between technology and science can achieve in the future.
The article is written by Marja-Terttu Nyman-Lappalainen, Communication Coordinator of Kuopio Health, and it is published on the Kuopio Health website.