Colorful Hearing Aid Concept for Children

Children have a perspective on the world that is much different from an adult’s. They will generally play with anyone no matter what they look like. However there are times where children can point out differences and make fun of those differences. For children that are deaf or hearing impaired, that difference may be a noticeable hearing aid. To make this difference look less medical and more fun, Tom Hudson designed the Hear Aid. A colorful hearing aid concept that’s noticeable yet blends in.

Since children have developing ear canals that change in shape and size, “in the ear” hearing aids are not practical. Hear Aid is a “behind the ear” style hearing aid that is more appropriate for a growing ear. Here is how the FDA defines the “behind the ear” hearing aid:

Most parts are contained in a small plastic case that rests behind the ear; the case is connected to an earmold or an earpiece by a piece of clear tubing. This style is often chosen for young children because it can accommodate various earmold types, which need to be replaced as the child grows. Also, the BTE aids are easy to be cleaned and handled, and are relatively sturdy.

The plastic case of the Hear Aid is where Hudson makes a case for fun. His design adds bright colors and patterns attractive to young children. The examples shown look like little alligators or colorful reptiles. Further design possibilities are endless.

I posted some of these pictures on the deaf subreddit of reddit.com and asked what the opinion of the community was. The response was positive and all liked the look of Hear Aid. One person who worked with children said that anything that encourages a child to wear their hearing aid is a good thing. That was encouraging to hear.