BE:LOUD

What it does

BE:LOUD's 3D-printed accessory tackles the psychological and socioeconomic challenges of hearing aids by transforming them into proud statements, while also enhancing performance with a sweat-proof, noise-reducing cover for better speech recognition.

Your inspiration

Our inspiration stemmed from a team member's personal connection to a hearing aid user, fueling a passion to innovate in this design field. Ideas rapidly evolved through extensive research, including scientific papers, personal blogs, and product reviews. This deep dive revealed critical challenges: pervasive stigma, technical limitations hindering social integration, and significant financial barriers. These insights shaped our focus: to design an attractive, performance-enhancing, and low-cost add-on that challenges the hidden nature of traditional hearing aids, transforming them into proud statements of identity and accessibility.

How it works

The user performs a photogrammetry scan of their ears. Parametric software then accurately tracks key anatomical points to adapt the jewelry pieces to their unique ear shape. Following this, the user selects their preferred design and color for the jewelry, alongside the color for the hearing aid cover. The cover is expertly stretched over the hearing aid, precisely surfacing the microphone, which minimizes wind and scratch noises and directs focus to speech recognition. The jewelry pieces are easily buttoned onto the cover, enabling effortless customization based on mood, activity, or occasion. Once on the ear, the hearing aid seamlessly blends with the user's anatomy, enhancing the device’s aesthetics and symbolizing harmony between the user and their aid. Crucially, it is intentionally visible, making it easier for others to recognize and adapt their communication, while also making the device desirable through vivid styling.

Design process

Our design journey began with conceptual sketches and AI-generated visuals to define BE:LOUD's aesthetic. We initially explored porous jewelry for noise reduction, but due to time constraints, we couldn't test this feature and pivoted to fabric covers inspired by positive reviews of existing hearing aid hoods. This cover also ingeniously served as a base for attaching modular jewelry pieces, enhancing versatility. We then developed surface models and jewelry fixtures, embracing parametric design software to create intricate lattice and porous structures. This allowed us to offer a diverse range of organically inspired and structured styling options. Functional prototyping involved 3D-printing filament and resin models. These were rigorously tested for fit and comfort on six individuals, even during active movement, confirming the device remained securely in place. Following successful fit tests, we selected colors and finishes, meticulously calculated costs to ensure market viability and affordability, and identified a manufacturing partner. We also mapped the complete user journey. Most recently, HP’s 3D Printing Department utilized MJF technology to produce a high-fidelity prototype, which was proudly showcased at the Design x Designers exhibition during Milan Design Week 2024.

How it is different

From our market research, we found that most of the existing hearing aid accessories are typically limited to simple fabric covers in various colors, handmade metallic jewelry that connects the device to the ear like a regular earring, or metallic covers designed to hide the hearing aid. BE:LOUD fundamentally differs by introducing a new visual style for hearing aid jewelry that builds directly upon the device, making it the central feature rather than masking or avoiding it. Our user research revealed that adult hearing aid users often miss the bold, vivid designs they enjoyed as children and are tired of hiding their devices, as if they should feel ashamed of them. BE:LOUD reverses this narrative by attracting positive attention, channeling admiration, and transforming hearing aids into desirable objects for their users, offering a unique and empowering alternative.

Future plans

Our design, a top project with HP's MJF 3D Printing team, was developed with a potential commercial partner in mind, aligning with HP's goal to explore MJF technology's market uses. The immediate next step involves HP facilitating this collaboration. Design-wise, we plan to refine the parametric algorithm for precise anatomical jewelry adaptation and user-friendliness. Our plans also include expanding the collection to incorporate current fashion trends, catering to diverse personal styles, and creating specialized designs for teenagers, children, and the elderly, ensuring BE:LOUD's widespread appeal and accessibility.

Awards

Our high-fidelity prototype, selected and produced by HP’s MJF 3D Printing team, was proudly showcased at the Design x Designers exhibition during Milan Design Week 2024.