My Hearing Aids: 5/2/10

Friday, May 7, 2010

Fosters.com - N.H. Senate passes hearing aid assistance bill

Oticon's People First

I love this fresh perspective on hearing aid marketing. Oticon has got it right. I am tired of the stereotypical images of the happy seniors walking down a beach or going out to dinner that have been over used by hearing aid marketers. This campaign is speaking to me and has my attention. I am looking forward to learning about what that fresh perspective brings.

Wirear- A revolutionary design for the hearing aid

Miss Sun Kyung Sunwoo came up with this design in 2007 and was shortlisted in the James Dyson Awards. Why aren't we seeing cool hearing aids like this on the market. Plenty of room in there to put all the electronics you could want and a nice unapologetic style that says more mp3 player then peg leg.
Student Design Awards - James Dyson Award 2007

Student Design Awards - James Dyson Award 2007

El-Egance: an hearing aid by Ryan Kirkpatrick

Ryan Kirkpatrick says "‘el’ is an attempt to reposition hearing devices from an aid to an elegant accessory. The design comprises of three types of components. These include a pair of hearing devices worn in each ear, designed for the purpose of compensating for impaired human hearing by amplifying and modulating sounds. Secondly two ring control units, worn on each index finger, provide a manual volume control for the hearing devices. Finally a charging and display case houses each of the aforementioned pieces and induction charges the hearing devices."

Ryan Explains that "The Design ‘el’ is a move away from the desire to miniaturize and hide hearing aids, at the expense of the technological componentary. The design is instead positioned as a jewellery-like accessory to be displayed rather than hidden. This enables the product to be large enough to contain the state-of-the-art technology, while still ensuring aesthetic appeal."

Student Design Awards - James Dyson Award