HOPE Number Nine (2012): "Re-wired: Hacking the Auditory Experience" (Download)
Sunday, July 15, 2012: 3:00 pm (Nutt): Re-wired is a wearable device that translates ambient sound into haptic feedback using bone conduction technology. Amelia Marzec began the project when she lost hearing in one ear. She was inspired by her new experience of sound that combined tympanic hearing and vibrational resonance. Amelia began experimenting with less invasive methods for augmenting hearing, using vibration instead of surgery and implants. Re-wired considers the possibility of empowering patients to place their care into their own hands by building simple devices to take care of simple problems. This will be a participatory talk on DIY medical technology, including our comfort level with augmenting our own bodies.