BY MEREDITH BLAIR
Though he was born deaf in his left ear, 12-year-old Bradley Leyshon has not let that stop him.
Bradley, encouraged by his mother to enter, was one of 253 entrants in a global competition run by the cochlear implant supplier MED-EL to showcase ideas from young inventors about how technology could assist those using the device.
He was the only Australian winner in the IDEASforEars competition.
His design, called the ‘Pros-Pod’, is an advanced audio link processor offering a range of features, including a music app, noise cancellation, a built-in torch, and a “find-it” app for locating the device.
The audio link also provides a MED-EL shop app, enabling users to purchase special covers.
It is also made from recycled materials.
“I wanted to help other people with cochlear implants and if the Pros-Pod was produced, it would mean it would be helping people and making other people with hearing disabilities more confident,” Bradley said.
In June, Bradley travelled to MED-EL headquarters in Austria to present his design.
“Austria was fun, we did a lot of activities and mum was very proud of me,” Bradley said.
“I think this whole experience says to other people that you don’t have to be really smart to do big and cool things,” the extremely humble teen told The Hunter River Times.
In July, Bradley was honoured with a certificate in front of his peers at a school assembly with representatives from MED-EL also making an appearance.
Bradley was also awarded with an Award from the NSW Executive Director of Education Lisa Muir in August presented by local Director of Education Sean Andrews.
Beyond the excitement with his invention, Bradley has adjusted well to high school life this year and also does fencing at PCYC Singleton.
He also hopes one day to be an actor.
