Medical equipment has long carried a stigma, often because it is just so damn ugly, especially the case with hearing aids. Two factors seem to be driving innovation in this area: The aging population means big bucks can be made from a growing market, and people are just much more used to having gadgets in their ears, from earbuds to Bluetooth headsets.
Sun Kyung Sunwoo of Sydney University of Technology has created a hearing aid which both looks cool and performs better than existing tech. Her innovative Wirear has been shortlisted for a Dyson Design Award.
Aside from the decidedly old school behind-the-ear models, modern hearing aid design seeks to hide the device through extreme miniaturization, which causes problems with power and performance. The Wirear stands out proud, wrapping around the ear.
This gives space for a hydrogen fuel cell with up to six weeks of battery life (Zinc-air battery life is measured in days or weeks) and also a decent separation between microphone and speaker, eliminating feedback and echo.
If it's brought to market, expect to see it in a range of colors. Pop in some Bluetooth and we're there.
Product page [Student Design Awards via Medgadget]
