Most hearing aids require a very visible element, like a main unit that must be worn in the ear. Futuristic designs that disguise the hearing aid are becoming more and more advanced, putting the function of a hearing aid into gadgets that look nothing like the traditional bulky earpieces. The Babelfisk design from Mads Hindhede is a pair of glasses with built-in speech recognition software; conversations are converted from sounds into text via two projectors.

The glasses might not be the most inconspicuous accessory ever, but they are chock full of advanced technology that can help hearing impaired people be a part of conversations without having to wear bulky, sometimes-embarrassing hearing aids.

Conversations are captured on two microphones, then the words are converted into real-life speech bubbles via embedded speech recognition software and projectors in the lenses. The glasses also include noise-filtering technology to cut down on interference from other conversations. A micro-USB port lets the user update the software with ease so that these high-tech glasses are always kept at the forefront of speech recognition technology.

The post Watch What You Say: Revolutionary Visual Hearing Aid first appeared on Gajitz.

It’s not often that fashion and healthcare cross paths. In fact, items like hearing aids are usually bulky and unattractive, but necessary. The Deafinite Style hearing aid concept from Designaffairs Studio of Germany brings a definite sense of fashion to the world of hearing aids. It requires the wearer to have gauged earlobe piercings, and it’s worn like a regular piece of jewelry.

The hearing aid uses the brand new TriMic system for delivering true sound and allowing the user to position the microphones in just the right position. For users with moderate hearing loss, the above model would work just fine. But for users with more severe hearing loss, the Plug model – with additional bits in the center – would provide more help.

Obviously a hearing aid that requires stretched earlobes would appeal to a relatively small niche market, but the design, incorporating attractiveness into an item that’s normally utilitarian and bulky, should provide inspiration for future designers.

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