“Wear It Loud”

Abstract

We investigate the role of aesthetic customization in managing sociocultural issues of assistive technology (AT) use. First, we examined an online forum dedicated to customized hearing aids and cochlear implants to understand the breadth of activity occurring in this space. Next, we conducted a series of interviews to understand motivational factors and sociocultural outcomes related to expressive AT. We found that community members discussed customization tools and techniques, shared their customizations, and provided each other with encouragement and support. Community members customized their devices as a means of self-expression that demonstrated the wearer's fashion sense, revealed favorite sports teams and characters, and marked holidays and personal milestones. We also found that aesthetic customization worked on multiple levels to create personal and meaningful relationships with one's AT and with other AT users, and also to manage societal expectations regarding hearing loss. Our findings may inform the design of assistive technologies that better support personalization, customization, and self-expression.