Cochlear implant, CI, is a life-changing technology that can provide a sense of sound to individuals with severe to profound hearing loss. A CI is a medical device that bypasses damaged structures in the inner ear and directly stimulates the auditory nerve, allowing sounds' perception. The system comprises an external portion that sits behind the ear and a second portion surgically implanted under the skin. The first CI was performed by William House in 1961. The FDA approved it for adults in the 1980s and in 1990 for children. 1+ Million individuals worldwide have received implants, with about 60,000 new implants annually. They have evolved significantly over the years, becoming smaller, more effective, and with better sound quality. The earliest devices provided a single channel of sound; modern CIs can have over 20 channels, allowing for a much richer hearing experience. Alternatives to CI include hearing aids, which are typically used for less severe hearing loss, and other assistive listening devices. For those who are not candidates for CI or who choose not to have them, sign language and lip-reading are valuable communication methods. Access to CIs is limited in developing countries, primarily because of their price, starting at 30k USD, along with the costs of surgery, support post-implant, and shortage of otolaryngology and audiology services. Which innovation could we develop that could be deployed there? Wikipedia: https://bit.ly/3T8RmkG Art&Text🫶ChatGPT.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an institute responsible for crafting and promulgating international standards that ensure quality, safety, and efficiency across products, services, and systems. It began operations February 23, 1947. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, ISO has members from 170 nations, it has published 25,000+ international standards and it has over 800 technical committees (TCs). The organization's portfolio is extensive, covering almost every industry, from technology and manufacturing to food safety, agriculture, and healthcare. One notable standard is ISO 9001, which focuses on quality management systems. TC 307 focuses on standardization of blockchain and distributed ledger technologies. ISO 11615, "Health informatics, Identification of medicinal products, Data elements and structures for the unique identification and exchange of regulated medicinal product information", is part of a suite known as the Identification of Medicinal Products (IDMP) standards, which also includes ISO 11238, ISO 11239, ISO 11240, and ISO 16791. Collectively, they aim to improve safety, quality, and efficacy of medications worldwide. The name "ISO" is not an acronym. It is derived from the Greek word 'isos', meaning equal. This choice reflects their commitment to equalizing and standardizing practices across nations for the betterment of global interoperability and understanding. More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO Art&Text🫶ChatGPT.