Last Friday, the uSound for Samsung project was officially launched in Purmamarca, Jujuy. The event was attended by Argentinian President Mauricio Macri along with hundreds of people from different communities throughout the Jujuy province. uSound for Samsung facilitates the early detection of hearing loss through a simple three-step process using a smartphone and a pair of headphones.

uSound for Samsung will help give Jujeños access to a simple three-step preliminary diagnosis* that can be done on a smartphone

According to the WHO, over 5% of the world suffers from hearing loss, with estimates showing that more than 3 million people in Argentina experiencing this problem. By encouraging early detection, authorities hope to avoid irreversible hearing loss, encourage learning and promote cognitive development in children, facilitate social inclusion, and raise awareness about hearing loss so appropriate public policies can be made.

The uSound initiative is spearheaded by young entrepreneurs from Jujuy and presents innovation with purpose, allowing for simple and effective technologies to help people detect potential hearing loss using just their smartphones. The app then provides users with a risk report allowing them to take the appropriate action and get further advice from a hearing loss specialist if necessary. The data collected will also contribute to the intelligent allocation of resources for the communities that require them. uSound and the government of Jujuy share an ambitious goal: that this local project will be promoted, developed and spread throughout the world, therefore helping more people and inspiring new solutions in the future.

A resident of Jujuy tests uSound for Samsung

The launch event took place at Los Colorados in Jujuy. The first 300 audiometric tests were conducted, with the total number in the Jujuy province expected to reach 30,000 in the next three months. There was also VR content available which illustrated the difficulties people with different levels of hearing loss experience, enabling guests to empathize with those affected and get a taste of what they go through.

Sang Jik Lee, President, Samsung Electronics Argentina (left), President Mauricio Macri (center) and Governor Gerardo Rubén Morales, Jujuy Province (right) were among the hundreds that attended the uSound for Samsung launch event

During the event, Jujuy’s Governor Gerardo Morales highlighted the work of the young uSound team and recalled their humble beginnings in Tilcara, saying, “From a 4 × 4 room, with great effort this team have created an application that has been recognized by various institutions around the world, including Harvard, demonstrating the best of Jujeño’s entrepreneurship.”**

Sang Jik Lee, President of Samsung Argentina, said, “This project proves that when we work together, we can do the impossible, using innovation with purpose as our guide.”

Ezequiel Escobar, CEO, uSound (right) shows Argentinian President Mauricio Macri (left) how uSound for Samsung works

Ezequiel Escobar, CEO and co-founder of uSound, said, “We held this event at Los Colorados because it connects us with our Pachamama, with our roots and because we wanted to show that it is possible to innovate in Jujuy and make a difference globally. It is in this context that today, together with Samsung and the Jujuy Ministry of Health, we are implementing technology with a purpose. uSound for Samsung is a free mobile tool to detect potential hearing loss that will have an immense scope. Starting in Jujuy with 30,000 tests over the next 90 days, we hope to reach 500,000 users by the end of the year in Argentina and millions worldwide.” **

For more information about uSound for Samsung, visit: http://usoundporsamsung.com.ar

* Not a medical diagnosis

** Translated from Spanish and edited for clarity

Samsung Electronics announced the opening of its first Samsung House in Latin America. Built in an historic mansion in Buenos Aires, Samsung House is a two-story, 400-square meter, space for experiences and specialized services for consumers.

Inspired by the iconic Samsung 837 located in New York, the facade preserves the original architecture from the early 20^th Century and combines that with a modern, open interior. On the ground floor, visitors can try out the latest of the brand’s products and consult with experts on how to best use Samsung’s technologies. The second floor is set up as the intelligent home of the future, to allow visitors to experience the benefits of the Internet of Things (IoT). This area presents Samsung’s intelligent devices, as well as prototypes of future products.

“Samsung House is a sign of our commitment to our consumers in Latin America. It brings us and our brand even closer to the Latin American society,” said Mario Laffitte, Corporate Marketing vice-president of Samsung Latin America. “It enables us to welcome our clients and visitors at our home, where we not only showcase the latest in technology, but also offer unique experiences.”

Samsung House Experiences

Samsung House offers various activities and events, in addition to its exhibitions. Events include smartphone photography classes given by renowned photographers, lectures on trends in fashion with prominent designers, and cooking classes. Visitors can also participate in Galaxy School to learn how to get the most out of their devices. The full agenda of public events are available at https://www.samsung.com/ar/microsite/samsunghouse/.

Personalized Services

Galaxy users can receive personal attention free of charge from a consultant for access to Smart Service, device diagnosis and optimization, data transfer, customized configuration and software updates. Clients can also access 24-hour repair services at Samsung House. Samsung House is opened to the general public Mondays through Saturdays, from 11a.m. to 8 p.m. On Sundays and holidays, it opens from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.*

About Samsung House in Argentina

Located in the traditional neighborhood of Palermo Soho, in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (1644 Armenia), Samsung House is a land of experiences in that country, dedicated to users, technology and innovation lovers. Samsung House displays the most complete portfolio of the company’s products, from mobile devices to appliances, which are connected in order to provide the Samsung SmartThings experience.

* Samsung House operating hours and range of available services are subject to change without prior notice.