Assemble Sound, Build Solidarity - Assembla il suono, costruisci la solidarieta'

Talk objectives: This event is dedicated to ANGELO, the open source hearing aid that promotes inclusive and sustainable access to hearing care, especially for the elderly and communities in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). With over 1.5 billion people affected by hearing loss, often associated with dementia, ANGELO offers a customizable, affordable and adaptable solution to different needs, responding to an urgent global need.

The project, which has been able to renew itself since the Maker Faire 2023, has incorporated valuable feedback from visitors and those who have experimented with the device in various contexts. The talk will share exciting assembly stories by RSA guests, primary school children, children with disabilities and, soon, prisoners who will be involved in recovery projects.

In short, ANGELO is an equalized amplifier that selectively enhances essential hearing frequencies, improving speech understanding and the perception of sound emotions.
A brief mention will also be dedicated to the next goal for 2025: bringing ANGELO to libraries, with the slogan "ANGELO, emotions... on loan".

Topics covered: social innovation, open source, healthcare accessibility, community impact, educational and social recovery projects.