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Student Designer
University Product Description and Principal Function(s) Wirear is an innovation in both form and function. It involves a sleek form that provides flexibility with a multiply colour range to suit the market. Utilisation of emerging energy efficient, ‘micro fuel cell’ extends its usability. No longer are hearing aids a device that carries a prosthetic appearance; they can now be accepted as an elegant fashion accessory that aims to remove the disability stigma attached to existing products and their wearer.Why does the product represent design excellence and why do you believe it deserves an Australian Design Award? The existing range of hearing aids is classified as: Completely-In-The-Ear, In-The-Canal, In-The-Ear and Behind-The-Ear. Wirear is a new type of hearing aid that is an alternative solution for a variety of hearing deficiencies. Wirear has successfully achieved innovation in both aesthetics and durability that is radically different to current solutions. The internal components are arranged in a linear form rather than stacked. In this format Wirear provides more space inside without adding bulk, resolving the issue of cramped components in a small housing, an identified problem with existing hearing aids.Wirear utilises a micro fuel cell, a miniature version of fuel cell that uses hydrogen from any hydrocarbon fuel. This technology is yet to be commercialized however; it is a proven technology as the power source of the future. The mechanical flexibility of the micro fuel cell has allowed the design to be organic so that the form naturally flows with the shape of the ear. A 2 ㎠ of micro fuel cell has an estimated life of six years in this type of application proving a more sustainable energy source than the current zinc-air batteries that last approximately three weeks in this application. The new form enhances usability and addresses a number of technical problems. The microphone is located in front of the ear, maximizing the opportunity of sound capture. The speaker is placed within the ear canal to reduce acoustic error resulting in improved sound quality and effectively decreasing the ‘echo’ sensation experienced when the close proximity of the speaker to the eardrum gives the sound a natural boost in volume. Another benefit of the distance between these elements is the reduction in auditory feedback. Two flexible joints are made of santoprene a stable material that won’t change colour due to continued contact with the skin or UV exposure and is non-toxic. Inside of each santoprene joint there is a copper wire that provides the freedom to personalise the fit by tightening or loosening the joint around the outer ear. A detachable standard soft silicon earplug can be easily placed over the speaker depending on the type of the individual user’s hearing loss. This is disposable for hygienic purposes and is inexpensive and easy to replace. The embedding of volume control and programming elements into the software has enabled the elimination of external switches and controls. Wirear is in 5 separate parts but assembled together as one piece. Once the joints are ready to be moulded in the cavity, two different gauges of copper wires are placed inside and moulded into the santoprene so they become one piece. A heavier gauge wire is used to give joints adjustability and a lighter gauge copper wires is insulated with enamel and connects component to component throughout the hearing aid. The plastic shells are moulded separately, the joints are slotted into the gap in the plastic casing and assembled together with nylon pins and snap fits on the two ends. Wirear is available in 4 different sizes to accommodate different ear sizes. |
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