LEPOR

Algorithm-based porcelain hearing aid jewelry.

The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health estimates that 25% of all 16 to 24-year-olds in Germany already have hearing loss, and a third of current young people will probably need a hearing aid by the time they are 50 at the latest. Acoustic overload is part of our everyday lives, so why hide or even do without hearing aids out of shame? The aim of this concept is to use the material properties of porcelain and to help destigmatize hearing aids by turning an earmould into a unique piece of jewelry. Not every hearing aid needs to be visible, but wearing one should not be associated with shame — in fact, it should be a source of pride (lepor, lat. "grace, amiability").

After 3D-scanning the ear, an algorithm (built with Grasshopper, Plugin Parakeet) will grow around the ear and merge with the otoplastic part. Each individual ear will result in a slightly different shape of the piece of jewelry. The piece can then be manufactured with regard to the shrinkage while processing porcelain, so it will fit perfectly into the customers ear.