Winners overview 2026
We are so proud of our brilliant winners 2026. We can't wait to welcome you all soon to the MED-EL Headquarters in Innsbruck, Austria!
Anaisha Sharma
11 years
From India
Cochlear implant with AI recognises voice commands
Through artificial intelligence, a cochlear implant can recognise the user’s voice and respond to specific commands.
Asha Daisy Hodgson
8 years
From Australia
Sleeping mask
A sleeping mask that connects to a monitor and vibrates to wake the wearer when certain sounds are detected.
Christos Skourlis
11 years
From Greece
Cochlear AI in comic form
Development of a cochlear AI in the form of a comic strip – an idea that uses artificial intelligence to make life easier for people with cochlear implants providing them with enhanced functionality.
Cristian Campolattano
10 years
From Italy
Addò-Hear
Addò-Hear consists of two devices that connect to the implant's audio processor and helps users locate sounds. ‘Addò’ means ‘where’ in Neapolitan.
Georgie Alexander Atanasov Hidalgo
11 years
From Canada
AI classroom assistant
An app that uses AI in real time to help students in the classroom by creating subtitles, generating short summaries, providing reminders, offering translations, and displaying relevant visualizations.
Juan Daniel Melo Buitrago
6 years
From Colombia
The Mellie charger
The Mellie Charger functions as a stationary charging station. The audio processor can be parked on the magnetic Mellie elephant, and it charges up automatically.
Olivia Belmonte Canal
9 years
From Spain
Water prove and rechargeable batteries
A water-safe cochlear implant with special long-lasting batteries so users can enjoy hearing even longer.
Roy Zheng
8 years
From the US
AI-powered swimming goggle
Swimming goggle with built-in AI speech recognition processor that turn sound into words displayed right on the lens. With this invention, voice can be seen under water.
Santino Mateo Sosa Morales
12 years
From Argentina
Vibrating bracelet
Vibrating silicone wristband alarm that connects to the implant and helps kids wake up on their own without needing their parents.
About IDEASforEARS
IDEASforEARS is a global invention contest for children aged 6–12, powered by MED-EL. Since its launch in 2017, the competition has inspired over 1,700 creative entries from more than 45 countries worldwide. Each year, children submit their original ideas for inventions that could help people with hearing loss—promoting inclusion, accessibility, and awareness in a fun and meaningful way.
The goal of IDEASforEARS is to encourage young minds to think creatively about how to improve life with hearing loss. Whether it’s a clever gadget, a smart app, or a completely new concept, every idea matters.
A highlight of the contest is the celebration event in Innsbruck, Austria, where winners and their families are invited to explore the MED-EL world, meet other participants, and enjoy a truly unforgettable experience. The event is always a joyful and inspiring occasion for everyone involved—children, families, and the MED-EL team alike.
Stories so far
Check out some ideas we have received
