Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by hprotagonist 1618 days ago
do you have experience in the discipline? It doesn’t sound like you do.

I have some experience, and i can think of about a half dozen ways cpap machines and hearing aids could cause serious harm as a result of design flaws or lack of QA that would be de rigeur if not for regulatory pressure.
2 comments
novok 1618 days ago
So can headphones and earbuds, and society seems to do just fine with the normal level of consumer electronics regulation. Is there really value in the medical device regulations for hearing aids beyond that?
link
bsder 1618 days ago
> So can headphones and earbuds, and society seems to do just fine with the normal level of consumer electronics regulation.

Do we?

I was under the impression that there has been an uptick in hearing damage in young people due to them increasing the earbud volume above background noise levels (not so much of a problem in earphones that cover the ears as they block out outside noise).

That's a medical problem that will have significant effects downstream over time and the consumer regulation really isn't working.

link
novok 1617 days ago
Kids listening to music too loud has been a problem since the invention of the speaker.
link
Karunamon 1618 days ago
What are some of those ways that are not addressed by regular old (non-medical-specific) electronics/safety regulation?

Most of the ways I can think of a CPAP failing would be extremely obvious with equally obvious and relatively low-impact effects (I get a crappy night's sleep or wake up in the middle of the night).

link
aenis 1618 days ago
Recent case involving very popular Philips Respironics machines: the foam used for internal insulation was degrading and getting into the stream of air, landing those particles in patients lungs. Huge recall, etc. The kind of problem that testing imposed by regulators can detect.

Incorrect use of CPAP can lead to development of central apnea. (Even APAP machines can be programmed to keep the pressure too high which is long term unhealthy).

With that, I am all for liberalization of the laws. My GP did not prescribe me a CPAP machine despite obvious signs of apnea. "Lose some weight instead" (that despite me having apnea even when I had a BMI of 21).

I never felt as much of a positive difference on my life as when I started using the machine and had my first good night of sleep in decades.

I wish my govt would let me buy an insulin measurement device, but nope, those too are regulated and not available for the general public.

link