Perception, Stigma, and Ergonomics in Hearing

Let’s address the stigma "thing." Is it "awkward" to wear standard consumer earbuds (e.g., AirPods) to compensate for hearing loss? Are standard hearing aids a visible sign to informs others that a person has a disability? Are we supposed to have to explain that "these things are actually hearing aids"? This article discusses product design, hearing aids, the stigma associated with its use, and how that could complicate the ongoing convergence with consumer-oriented hearing assistance and enhancement.

The latest addition to the Yellowtec m!ka microphone arm series, the new m!ka Table Stand offers a much needed option for microphone placement in broadcasting, podcasting, streaming, and studio recording. Providing stability and versatility for small workspaces and microphone setups for guests these Table Stands are able to accommodate a wide range of microphone models with standard XLR cables or USB.

Meze Audio, a Romanian high-end audio company developing premium headphones and earphones for music enthusiasts, introduced Rai Solo, its newest in-ear monitor. Rai Solo is the second IEM developed in the company's Rai product range, after the release of Rai Penta earlier in 2019. Rai Solo is aiming to become the brand's entry-level IEM, offering an affordable way to immerse into a pure listening experience while enjoying the ergonomic elegant design, typical of Meze products.

“Never will your earphones cause you pain, or fall out of your ears again,” pitches HelloEar, promoting its ergonomically designed Arc earphones. HelloEar used its experience on the custom IEM market for musicians to build an extensive database of inner-ear shapes and sizes. The result is now being applied in the new Arc earphones, now campaigning on Kickstarter, and featuring technology from Danish balanced armature experts, Sonion.

These days everyone is getting into the headphone business. This 10-point “cheat sheet” provides a place to start product definition development efforts. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, July 2013.