Benchmark ProductsAli Anderson 12.10.12

Takeaways Things to consider:

1. Alternative physical solutionsa. integrate with jewelryb. integrate for an active / sport lifestyle

2. Accessories / Functions a. user interface lives on a separate part (similar to the streamer / pen)b. user feedback (visual or physical)

Phonak (product examples)

http://www.phonak.com/com/b2c/en/products/hearing_instruments/cassia/overview.html

Starkey (product examples)

http://www.starkey.com/starkey-products/product-overview/browse-by-style/behind-the-ear

“PLUG” the German Designaffairs Studio http://www.designbuzz.com/hearing-aids-make-loud-style-statement/http://www.syahdiar.org/cool-hearing-aid-design-trendy-jewelry-deafinite-style-by-designaffairs-studio/view-deafinite-style-industrial-trendy-hearing-aid-design.html

team may investigate radial design solutions

Peiqi Tang: SoundsGood (concept)SoundsGood is a hearing aid specially designed for women who have hearing problems. While collecting and enlarging the sound waves, SoundsGood also translates them into readable signals and show them on the little screen so that the speaker can have immediate response on the volume of his/her own voice. The changing signal is also an elegant decoration. It makes SoundsGood not only a medical device but also a piece of beautiful jewellery.http://www.risd-id.org/2011/12/peiqi-tang-soundsgood/

http://www.behance.net/gallery/SoundsGood-a-hearing-aid-design/4891727

Mint Hearing Aid

http://walyou.com/bluetooth-hearing-aid-design/

Siemens ePen The award-winning ePen™ is a remote control for Siemens’ hearing systems. Siemens Audiology designed the ePen specifically to meet the wishes of many hearing aid wearers for discreteness. Shaped like a fountain pen, it allows the hearing aid wearer to adjust the volume, change the individual hearing programs or to turn the hearing instruments on and off. A simple tug and a couple of twists are all it takes to set up the hearing system for the desired result. And everything practically unnoticed.

http://w1.hearing.siemens.com/ca/04-products/04-e-pen/ePen.jsp

team may investigate developing an accessory to audio device

the Zon- Starkey Technology + Karten design - change bulky Starkey design - K sought to move the perception of the hearing aid from a medical appliance to an object that visually represents the true value and beauty of unhampered communication- invisible behind the ear (desire for a “discrete product”) - gesture control (easier for elderly users to adjust volume and digital listening modes)http://www.designdirectory.com/kartendesign/Hearing-Aid-Product-Line

“Flower Hearing Aid” Designer Hanna Helm

http://www.designbuzz.com/hearing-aids-make-loud-style-statement/

Ecocoon reverse hearing aidDesignaffairs Studio

http://www.designbuzz.com/hearing-aids-make-loud-style-statement/

Wirear hearing aidhttp://www.designbuzz.com/hearing-aids-make-loud-style-statement/

focus on an active customer / user

Philips

http://www.behance.net/gallery/PRODUCT-DESIGN-Philips-Hearing-Aid/4695459

BOTEC

http://www.designbomania.com/#!__page-3

focus on a rechargeable unit

H+http://www.nerding.at/projects/index.php?project=2

design project that “proposes a new image of the hearing aid, not as a healthcare device, but as a wearable technology that plays a role in fashion”

Solar-Powered HA Battery Chargerhttp://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/08/medical_products/source/4.htm

Manufacturer: Project Impact

Surround Sound http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=3737206&mesg_id=3737206

http://www.industrialfacility.co.uk/page/clients/rnid/hearing-aid

The Surround Sound - created by the Industrial Facility - hijacks the popularity of glasses and incorporates hearing technology into the arms. The wearer will only hear sounds from their direction of view.

Goldfish http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=3737206&mesg_id=3737206

Based on the notion that goldfish have a ten second memory, this ear piece - created by Human Beans - constantly records ten seconds of sound. To activate the replay the wearer just waves their hand past their ear.

Concept http://thecookiebitechronicles.wordpress.com/tag/hearing-aid-design/

Cochlear http://www.cochlear.com/sea/sound-processor-hybrid

SoundBite

http://www.deafhh.net/wp/2010/02/04/hearing-through-your-teeth/

Years ago we sent an email news article about work being done to develop a hearing aid anchored in a tooth.  Now that concept is in the news again with a device designed for people who are deaf in one ear due to injury to the outer ear.

A company called Sonitus has developed the SoundBite behind-the-ear hearing aid, which picks up sounds and transmits them to a unit worn in the mouth.  The unit uses “teeth and bone in the mouth and jaw” to help transmit sound to the inner ear.

One of the advantages touted by the company is that SoundBite would not require any surgery.  Clinical trials are still underway.