How WeHear is Transforming Lives of Hearing Impaired with Smart Hearing Solutions

According to the World Health Organization’s 2019 report, over 466 million people worldwide experience disabling hearing loss—a number projected to grow significantly in the coming decades. In India alone, an estimated 63 million individuals face auditory impairments, yet only about 1.2 million hearing devices are sold each year. This disparity stems largely from high costs, limited access to quality hearing care, and a lack of awareness about modern, non-invasive technologies. Such challenges have spurred a new wave of innovation in the hearing care industry, paving the way for groundbreaking solutions that combine affordability, technology, and social impact.

One such brand that sprung out of a young mind in 2017 is WeHear. Kanishka Patel, a student of LD College of Engineering, stumbled upon a news article that was going to change the lives of people with hearing impairment life because accidental discoveries are supposed to be a eureka moment. While pursuing his master's in Embedded Electronics and Robotics at LD College of Engineering, Ahmedabad, he came across a news article about bone conduction technology being used in army helmets to enhance battlefield communication. This sparked a question—if this technology could work in high-noise environments, could it also help those with hearing impairments? “I realised that bone conduction could offer a non-surgical alternative to cochlear implants and help people hear without invasive procedures,” says Kanishka Patel, Co-founder of WeHear. This idea led to the development of HearNU, a patented hearing aid that provides a non-invasive solution for people with conductive hearing loss.

WeHear slowly started producing hearing solutions that not only address medical conditions but also promote better ear health. Their product range includes; HearNU, a non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid designed for individuals with microtia and complete ear impairment, Smart Hearing Aids, advanced devices like BTE (Behind-The-Ear), RIC (Receiver-In-Canal), CIC (Completely-In-Canal), and ITE (In-The-Ear), catering to various levels of hearing loss and WeHear OX & WeHear 2.O, the world’s first smart bone conduction headphones, offering real-time translation in 120+ languages and ensuring open-ear listening for enhanced safety and long-term hearing health.

While referring to his successful product launches, Kanisha says, “Building an innovative product in India’s audio-tech space came with its own set of challenges.” Manufacturing and testing facilities for hearing devices were scarce, and there was a lack of skilled professionals in the field. “Also, there is no dedicated acoustic lab in India for testing audio products, especially hearing aids. We had to invest heavily in research, development, and global certifications,” adds Patel. However, through perseverance and technological advancements, WeHear managed to create a 100% India-made product line that competes at a global level. 

With the same dedication to ease the lives of people with hearing impairment, WeHear’s mission goes beyond just selling hearing aids. Patel shares the inspiring journey of Paresh Patel, a student who received a HearNU device through a CSR initiative in 2021. “Paresh was struggling academically due to his hearing impairment. After receiving our device, he not only excelled in school but also scored 83% in his 12th board exams in 2024. Today, he aspires to become an IPS officer. Stories like his remind us why we do what we do,” says Patel. 

Through its CSR efforts, Project Shruti, and partnerships with NGOs like the Indian Red Cross Society, Blind People’s Association, and Voice of SAP, WeHear has tested and assisted over 4,200 hearing-impaired children across Gujarat. The results? A 75% positive response, with thousands of children experiencing hearing for the first time. 

WeHear's journey took it to one of the most reputed shows, Shark Tank India, where it gained national recognition. Peyush Bansal, founder of Lenskart, invested in WeHear to expand the team, develop new products, and scale operations. 

“These funds were relocated towards team building, research and development and compliances and certifications globally, and we are now working towards making our hearing aid solutions available in 2,000+ Lenskart stores across India in the next two years,” shares the founder of WeHear. 

“Our future plans include developing a product that allows audiologists to conduct hearing tests remotely and program hearing aids from anywhere in the world. This will remove geographical barriers and provide affordable, high-quality hearing care to millions,” he explains. WeHear is also collaborating with Lenskart to leverage its retail network for easy access to hearing aid solutions, making hearing healthcare as common and accessible as eye care.

WeHear’s groundbreaking work has earned them numerous accolades, including “Most Socially Impacting Startup” (2021) – BSE India, “Atal Innovation Award” (2020) – NITI Aayog, “GUSEC Fellow of the Year” (2019) – Government of Gujarat, Recognition by Former President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind and “Social Impact Creator Award” – Vyapar Jagat Convention Awards. As Patel sums it up, “We envision a world where hearing healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Our goal is to make hearing solutions as common and accessible as buying a pair of glasses.”