Medical Device
EvoAid - Modular Hearing Aid
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Project Summery
This project focuses on developing a modular hearing aid system designed to increase affordability, accessibility, and sustainability through improved maintenance and upgradability. It aims to serve individuals with hearing impairments who seek a long-term, accessible, and cost-effective solution to meet their hearing needs.
Benchmarking
Warranties often fall short in covering the lifespan of components such as speakers, amplifiers, and microphones, which commonly fail within 3 to 7 years. The longest warranty’s available typically extend to 3 years, thus excluding most component failures.
This means people without of insurance usually have to pay out of pocket to fix or upgrade. This lead me to research consumer perspectives on hearing aid upkeep, one user asked:
Key Outcomes
Cost Efficiency: By allowing users to replace individual components rather than purchasing entirely new devices, the project aims to reduce long-term costs associated with hearing aid ownership.
“is it possible for us to buy some pieces to improve the hearing aids as a new/more expensive pair isn't an option?”
Consumer Research Findings
Desire for Improvement: The mention of wanting to “buy some pieces to improve the hearing aid” indicates a desire to enhance the functionality of existing devices rather than buying entirely new aid.
Accessibility Needs: The inquiry about purchasing individual pieces implies a need for accessible options that allow users to easily buy and integrate components into their hearing aids without requiring specialized knowledge or assistance.
Concept Development
Reframing the Problem
Currently hearing aids aren't designed for long-term usage. Whether it's the desire to upgrade outdated speakers, or parts breaking, existing aids lack the ability to be repaired or upgraded. Instead, individuals are forced to replace the entire device, which is a waste of resources and money.
Prototyping
I began by prototyping with a basic shell form, focusing on the interchangeable components. In the final iteration, I revised the form to enhance comfort.
The Vision
Design a hearing aid that allows the user to upgrade and maintain their device. Leading to a longer life span and a lower cost long term.
Final Design
Accessibility: The modular design aims to make maintenance and upgrades more accessible to users of all ages and technological proficiencies, ensuring a seamless experience.
Sustainability: Enabling users to upgrade rather than replace their devices extends the product's life and reduces waste.
