CARLIE SYLVAN

THE PROBLEM

Hearing aids are uncomfortable for people who also wear glasses

This project addressed a problem I’ve experienced firsthand: wearing hearing aids with glasses can be very uncomfortable. Both products use the space behind the ear for stability but aren’t designed for a user wearing both. Yet, an estimated 8.2% of the population has both hearing and vision impairment. 

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STAGE 1: DESIGN

Drawing from existing hearing aids

I drew from existing hearing aid designs to create a hearing aid that ergonomically accommodates glasses frames. 

Below are some renderings of my hearing aid design.

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STAGE 2: ANIMATION

Product reveal to showcase the new design

Since the branding for hearing aids is typically very bland, I wanted to apply branding techniques for cutting-edge consumer products like iPhones to my hearing aid. 

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TAKEAWAYS

Balancing ergonomics and technical feasibility

‍Designing an ergonomic product that fits the required electronic and mechanical components is a challenge. My ergonomic design inevitably reduces the internal volume. If I had more time on this project, I would model how the electromechanical components fit inside the hearing aid.