14-year-old Leanne Fan was awarded the top prize at the 2022 3M Young Scientist Challenge for her “Finsen Headphones.” This one-of-a-kind device detects and treats middle ear infections. Fan, a 9th grader from San Diego, cites phototherapy as her favorite invention. She also says that it was the inspiration behind her headphones: Also at the root of Fan’s invention is a desire to help those who suffer from middle ear infections. Notably those who don’t have access to affordable healthcare. According to studies, middle ear infections (otitis media) are most common in children aged 6 to 24 months. Acute cases can lead to permanent hearing loss if left untreated. Fan says that with her headphones, she hopes to provide a hassle-free, low-cost treatment that can reduce ear infections. But how exactly do the headphones do this?
The Technology Behind the Finsen Headphones
In a two-minute video submission, Fan details how her headphones work. There are three main components – Teachable Machine, a 405-nanometer blue light, and a USB camera. Teachable Machine is a Google machine-learning software that trains computers to recognize images. To facilitate this, Fan uploaded over 700 clinical photos of normal and infected eardrums to the program. The headphones then use a USB camera in the ear cup to analyze and compare the wearer’s eardrum to those in its catalog of images. According to Fan, this detection system has an 85% accuracy rating. The 405-nanometer blue light, on the other hand, handles the treatment aspect of the headphones. This type of light is well-known for its antimicrobial effects. And after conducting 200 tests on blue light exposure, Fan discovered that 45 minutes under blue light could reduce bacteria by 20%. Why headphones? Fan says it’s a convenient way to treat children. Headphones are familiar, easy-to-wear devices, so children are less likely to feel scared or anxious. In addition, they can even listen to music during the treatment.
The Potential Impact of the Finsen Headphones
In Fan’s words, the Finsen Headphones “could potentially prevent up to 60% of hearing loss in children.” This alone is quite a feat. However, although Fan created the headphones with kids in mind, they could benefit people from all walks of life. For instance, the Finsen Headphones could help prevent ear infections in those whose jobs require constant use of headphones. This includes those in customer service, call centers, sound engineers, and the like.
America’s Top Young Scientist of 2022
Aside from earning the title “America’s Top Young Scientist” and a complimentary destination trip, Fan also took home $25,000. She shares that she plans to use some of her winnings to patent her Finsen Headphones and then save the rest for college.
