#finsen

At just 14 years old, Leanne Fan from the USA created an amazing health tech invention called the Finsen Headphones—a low-cost, wearable medical device that treats middle ear infections in children. Since these infections are a leading cause of childhood hearing loss, Leanne wanted to develop a smarter, more affordable solution.

Her headphones use blue light therapy and machine learning technology to detect and treat infections—without the need for antibiotics. This not only protects children's hearing but also helps fight antibiotic resistance, a growing global health concern.

Leanne’s innovation earned her the title of America’s Top Young Scientist in the 3M Young Scientist Challenge in 2022. Her work is a powerful example of how AI in healthcare and youth innovation can change lives and improve access to affordable treatment.