How do you change people’s attitudes to hearing aids and move them out of the scientific-medical sphere? With design, of course. The London exhibition “HearWear” aims to show how it is done with a selection of projects and prototypes by British designers such as Ross Lovegrove, Priestman Goode, Industrial Facility and IDEO, casting a glance at the future of hearing.

Examples combine technology and aesthetics, hinting at new spheres of application for equipment in this sector, which, as well as helping people with hearing difficulties, can help neutralize fastidious background noises such as traffic and shouting children; it could also “lower the volume” of chitchat in bars, making conversation easier. Products could become as desirable and accessible as those for the sight, now used almost like jewellery. L.M.

London – Great Britain
HearWear - The Future of Hearing
Until 5.3.2006
Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road
T +44-20-79422000
https://www.vam.ac.uk