Parzijn Majid didn’t start Earlab because the market demanded it. She did so because she saw something most people continue to overlook: a quiet, global crisis.
She saw companies trying desperately to reach people with hearing loss, only to fail. Not only that, but she saw well-meaning campaigns that reinforced stigma rather than breaking it. And she saw the reality: 83% of people with hearing loss worldwide receive no support. Not because they don’t want help, but because the systems meant to support them fall short.
“What others missed, I recognized as a silent catastrophe. Hearing loss disconnects people — from work, education, relationships, self-confidence. It’s an invisible disability that quietly unravels lives, often without the world noticing.”
Parzijn didn’t just see the problem. She saw the failure of existing systems to solve it. So she did what visionary entrepreneurs do: she built an alternative.
Earlab: Radically Accessible, Technologically Grounded
Earlab is not an upgrade of existing hearing care. It is a fundamentally new approach. A model that makes hearing health radically accessible without compromising clinical quality. Using virtual reality, AI, and mobile technology, Earlab has developed hearing tests that can be used in retail settings where people already go, such as hearing stores and health-oriented retail chains, as well as in people’s homes, care institutions, and primary care practices. The result? Early detection, faster referral, less stigma, and more control for the user.
But Earlab goes further. The platform also simplifies the path to hearing aids and rehabilitation, which for many remains opaque, slow, or even humiliating. Meanwhile, it addresses a growing capacity crisis: in many countries, there is less than one audiologist or ENT specialist per million people. Earlab enables professionals to help more people, in less time, without compromising on quality.
“Technology shouldn’t just work,” says Parzijn. “It should feel like it was made for you. Not a cold clinical tool, but an experience that supports, guides, and invites.”
A Venture Built on Perseverance
The idea came quickly. Realization took years. There was no structural funding or formal team, but Parzijn began with her vision, her savings, and the deep belief that this work had to be done. From day one, people stepped forward to help — generous, committed, often without being asked or paid. Their support was invaluable.
For five years, Parzijn combined the development of Earlab with other work. She worked on the frontline, as a hearing care professional — where real contact with people experiencing hearing loss happens. It wasn’t just a way to fund the development; it became a source of daily insight. Her vision sharpened in every conversation.
What kept her going? The direct impact on people’s lives. And the belief that this solution wasn’t optional — it was essential. The world needs this.
“We kept going with minimal resources but maximum conviction. And because people trusted us, we continued to move forward. Every step, every mistake, every restart made us stronger.”
While others were writing plans, Parzijn was on the ground. Talking with audiologists, users, and health experts. Earlab wasn’t imposed from above. It grew from within — iteratively, humanely, and resiliently.
That approach paid off. Good people joined. Advisors, experience experts, and professionals who shared the vision helped carry the mission forward.
The First Support: Validation Through Trust
The first formal recognition came from the Rabobank Innovation Fund, which selected Earlab in an early phase for its vision, urgency, and innovation potential. Soon after, an informal investor joined, fully embracing the mission. That early support didn’t just offer financial breathing space — it affirmed the significance of the idea.
From there, the foundation grew, supported by a series of crucial national and regional programs. Earlab joined the Health~Holland International HIA Accelerator, received support from ROM Zuid-Holland and later ROM In West (Noord-Holland), and benefited from the MIT Feasibility Study and WBSO innovation subsidy. All were key in enabling technical development.
Thanks to the ZorgTech voucher and funding from Kansen voor West II, Earlab was able to professionalize its legal documentation — a vital step toward market readiness. The collaboration with Binder3D, funded through the 3D Print Kompas, marked a milestone in researching the feasibility of printing metamaterials.
Research also advanced significantly. With a Kennisvoucher, TNO explored the application of LiDAR technology in the field of hearing care. In 2025, a second voucher supported collaboration with the University of Groningen to 3D print and test acoustic metamaterials at the microscale — a cutting-edge blend of technology and materials science.
“All these programs, grants, and partnerships helped us keep moving forward. They provided not just funding, but insight, networks, and strategic clarity. Without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
Photo taken by Michael Payano
