Nothing to Hide

Social, Cultural and Systematic Frustrations Motivating the Formation of a DIY Hearing Loss Hacking Community

“…In terms of hearing loss AT, there is less research concerning DIY making and hacking, but at least one HCI study has investigated hearing technology customization [61]. While sociocultural issues such as unwanted attention or stigma can lead to the abandonment of hearing ATs, it has also led some hearing AT users to customize their devices to be more aesthetically pleasing [61]. They have formed online communities where customization tools and techniques are shared among hearing AT users, which provides both encouragement and support for hearing AT use.…”

“…They have formed online communities where customization tools and techniques are shared among hearing AT users, which provides both encouragement and support for hearing AT use. It was found that users customize their devices for self-expression and to demonstrate their sense of fashion [61]. While such research into DIY customization of hearing ATs is valuable for informing the design of more customizable hearing ATs, it does not explore DIY solutions for other frustrations that can arise within the hearing loss community.…”

“…In contrast, there is an emerging culture of showing off one's condition [54,61], including HL. A speech therapist discussed her experience in Canada where children are encouraged to show off ATs: "they always have the colours and the stickers and things" (P4, MU1).…”

"I can do everything but see!" -- How People with Vision Impairments Negotiate their Abilities in Social Contexts

“…It proposes that AT design be understood not only as creating a functional aid, but also consider peoples' social needs and what is conveyed about their ability and social identity through their interactions in the world. Some users and designers of AT suggest how a strong aesthetic style of the device can become a creative expression of self, promoting self-pride as well as AT use [4,45]. Much of this research suggests that to achieve a socially more acceptable design, we need to develop a better understanding of how people with VI negotiate their abilities in 'social contexts' and through unfolding relations.…”

“…This recognizes disability as something that is not fixed or manifested alone through the body (e.g., an impaired sense), but created through interactions between a person and their environment. In line with the "social model" of disability [39,45], this orientation places the responsibility of addressing disability on everyone collectively [cf. 9,10], including technology designers.…”