University of Pretoria (UP) spin-out company hearScreen recently completed the journey from a university-licensed innovation to a commercialised product. Members of UP’s Innovation and Contracts Management division joined Nic Klopper, CEO of the hearX Group, to sign an agreement that formalised the transfer of an invention’s intellectual property to hearScreen (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of the hearX Group.

The innovation that led to the establishment of the company in 2016 was developed to provide children and adults in underserved areas with access to hearing screening tests. The mobile hearing screening application can be used on a cellphone and was developed as a transdisciplinary venture at UP. It was the outcome of the combined expertise of Professor De Wet Swanepoel of UP’s Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and Prof Herman Myburgh of the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering.

Advocate Lawrence Baloyi, Head of UP’s Innovation and Contracts Management division, described the transfer of the intellectual property to the company as a significant milestone for both the University and hearScreen. He acknowledged that this would not have been possible without the hard work, vision and perseverance of the entire team.

“They succeeded in turning an idea into something tangible and, more importantly, they are making a real impact in the world of hearing health.”

The application soon attracted the interest of role-players outside the hearing health industry, including mining houses and companies performing clinical trials. The hearX Group then expanded its product portfolio. In addition to the original tool for the screening of hearing loss, it developed a full diagnostic test for use in the occupational health and safety industry, as well in neonatal units. This was followed by a range of acoustic inventions that included a platform for the fitting and support of hearing aids. As such, the company was soon able to provide a total solution for individuals suffering from hearing loss.

The turning point came in 2022 when new legislation in the US led to the deregulation of the hearing aid landscape, allowing the hearX Group to market its over-the-counter hearing aids to individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. This enabled it to pioneer digital hearing solutions to detect, diagnose and treat hearing loss around the world. The hearing aids provided by hearX are now available in more than 15 000 retail stores across the US, and its Lexie Hearing brand is the top-selling over-the-counter hearing aid brand in the US. In 2023, it was recognised as one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential Companies in the Leadership category. The hearX Group employs over 200 people, including audiologists who operate a call centre in Pretoria. It also has an office and a warehouse in the US.

Advocate Baloyi added that the partnership between UP and hearScreen is proof that “when industry and academia work hand in hand, magic happens”. He noted that the success that the company had achieved was not just about the technology.

“It is about jobs being created, innovation being nurtured, and the contribution to both the local and the global economy. It is about creating a ripple effect that will continue to make waves in the world of healthcare.”

Jetane Charsley, Head of the national Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s National Intellectual Property Management Office, was at the signing ceremony and reflected that innovation happens when technology is put into action.

“When innovation moves from concept to practice, it can solve real-world problems and improve lives,” she said. “This achievement represents the collaborative efforts of many – starting with the South African taxpayer, whose investments in research and development make moments like this possible.”

Charsley acknowledged the contribution of the researchers who had succeeded in transforming curiosity into discovery, and discovery into tangible outcomes.

“Your commitment to excellence fuels the innovation ecosystem,” she said.

She also commended UP’s Technology Transfer Office for its dedication to bridging the gap between the laboratory and the market, saying that it plays a crucial role in ensuring that South Africa’s innovations reach those who need them most. Finally, she congratulated the hearX Group for recognising the potential of this innovation and for taking the bold step of bringing it into the marketplace.

“Your leadership demonstrates the value of partnerships in driving technology-based solutions forward,” she said.

For more information on The HearX Group please contact the Marketing Department at 012 030 0268 or email them at [email protected]. To find out more information about the services offered by UP’s Innovation and Contracts Management division, please contact Advocate Lawrence Baloyi via email at [email protected] or dial 012 420 5303.