Olive Union created a new hearing amplifier, named the 'Smart Ear'. The Smart Ear looks almost identical to wireless earbuds, which was a design decision made to address the stigma that some people may experience when wearing conventional hearing aids.
Olive Union priced the unit at $249, which makes it cheaper than most conventional hearing aids. The Smart Ear features a battery life of 12 hours, and it can be charged using a micro-USB. Currently, the company has not stated release date, however, the device will be available from the b8ta website and in stores.
The device was created for individuals who may require hearing assistance. This means that the Smart Ear would be classified as a hearing amplifier, as opposed to a hearing aid.
Stigma-Avoiding Hearing Devices
Olive Union Made Its Smart Ear Appear Like Wireless Headphones
Trend Themes
1. Stigma-avoiding Hearing Devices - The stigma-avoiding design of Olive Union's Smart Ear presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the hearing device market.
2. Affordable Hearing Amplifiers - Olive Union's Smart Ear, priced at $249, creates a disruptive innovation opportunity by offering a more affordable alternative to conventional hearing aids.
3. Discreet Hearing Technology - The Smart Ear's design as wireless earbuds allows for a discreet hearing solution, opening up possibilities for disruptive innovation in the field of hearing devices.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare Technology - The development of stigma-avoiding hearing devices like Olive Union's Smart Ear creates disruptive innovation opportunities in the healthcare technology industry.
2. Consumer Electronics - The Smart Ear's design resembling wireless earbuds presents a disruptive innovation opportunity within the consumer electronics industry, specifically in the field of hearing devices.
3. Retail - With the availability of the Smart Ear through the b8ta website and in stores, the retail industry can pursue disruptive innovation in the hearing device market by expanding their offerings.