Fit and comfort perception on hearing aids : a pilot study

Abstract

Fit and comfort issues in ergonomic designs contain both physical fit and users’ comfort perception, which are important for products with increasing requirements based on user experience, such as hearing aids. In this study, 3D ear was modelled as a reference to determine the size and shape of in-the-ear hearing aids. Four models and twelves sizes of hearing aids were customized designed based on the anthropometric reference model. The prototypes were 3D printed with Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polylactic Acid (PLA), and Nylon materials. The study revealed the differences of user experience with the changes of product parameters, including size, shape and material, which suggested scaling range and proportion for research in customized design of hearing aids. The study contributed to a better understanding of the relationship between anthropometry and hearing aid design for further research on generalizing comprehension of users’ perception.