# Aesthetic Aid Hearing aids adopt aesthetic and tech upgrades. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Oct 11, 2018 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/aesthetic-aid ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.7/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Aesthetic Aid trend? **Aesthetic Aid:** Brands are balancing functional properties and aesthetics in modern aids, like hearing devices—from crafting chic designs that are reminiscent of jewelry to simply adding elements of smart connectivity. ## The consumer insight behind the Aesthetic Aid trend Because of the availability of different products and the tight integration of social media as part of daily life, contemporary consumers seek out aesthetic-driven solutions when it comes to their needs or desires. Although feeling supported through functionality is important, individuals place a premium on being simultaneously more confident and comfortable through aesthetics that reflect their lifestyle habits and style sensibilities. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 22, 2017 to Oct 10, 2018 - Published: Oct 11, 2018 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Aesthetic Aid trend ### Aesthetically-driven design The hearing aid industry is balancing functionality with aesthetics in modern aids, prompting brands to craft chic designs reminiscent of jewelry and add smart connectivity features. ### Over-the-counter accessibility The hearing aid industry is making devices more accessible by creating over-the-counter options that can be programmed and controlled through a mobile app, eliminating the need for medical professionals or clinics. ### Stigma reduction The hearing aid industry is working to reduce the stigma around assisted hearing by creating more stylish and fashion-forward designs like the 'Facett' hearing aid device, inspired by the Melbourne Museum's mineralogy collection. ## What the Aesthetic Aid trend means for industry ### For Fashion Brands in the fashion industry can explore opportunities to collaborate with hearing aid companies and create stylish, fashion-forward designs that can be worn as accessories. ### For Healthcare technology Business professionals in the healthcare technology industry can explore opportunities to create over-the-counter hearing aids that can be programmed and controlled through mobile apps, making assisted hearing more accessible for everyone. ### For Consumer electronics Business professionals in the consumer electronics industry can explore opportunities to create hearing aids with active noise-cancellation technology that can help users hear calls more clearly and reduce background noise. ## Workshop question What challenge is your product or service providing a solution to? How could you enhance that solution with modern aesthetics? ## Trend signals for Aesthetic Aid Trend score 4.7 out of 10, from popularity 64%, activity 70%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 64% - Activity: 70% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Aesthetic Aid trend 4 featured examples from Aug 22, 2017 to Oct 10, 2018. - [Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/overthecounter-hearing-aids): Bose is Making Hearing Aids Available to More People (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Integrating advanced technology in the healthcare industry to create disruptive solutions like over-the-counter hearing aids. - [Confidence-Boosting Hearing Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hearing-aid-device): The 'OH' Hearing Aid Device Reduces the Stigma for Users (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Creating innovative medical equipment that caters to individual preferences. - [Gemstone-Inspired Hearing Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hearing-aid-device-design): The 'Facett' Hearing Aid Device Boasts a Luxe, Jewelry-Like Form (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Companies in the hearing aid industry can differentiate themselves by creating visually appealing designs that reduce the stigma associated with… - [Wireless Connecitivty Hearing Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bluetooth-hearingaid): The 'ExCio' Bluetooth Hearing-Aid Has Active Noise Cancellation (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Combine Bluetooth technology and active noise cancellation in hearing aids to revolutionize the healthcare industry and improve hearing healthca… ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)