CAPSControl your sound.
Everyday hearing protection designed for people with hyperacusis and other sensory needs associated with ASD.
Neurodiversity: Why It's Important to Embrace Our Differences
Noise is an issue for a lot of people...
"Neurodivergent" is an umbrella term for anyone who has a mind or brain that diverges from what is seen as typical or normal.
For people with neurodivergences, including neurological conditions such as ASD and ADHD, sound is perceived differently. When there is a loud or constant noise in the background, it is challenging to concentrate and act normally. Everyday sounds are stimulating in a way that make life uncomfortable, difficult, and painful.
Won PDMA Whitespace Innovation Challenge 2023.
Group Members: Chantal Martinez, Maria Ruiz, Nile Mylin, and Pearce Landfear.
2023
The problem is the solution.
There isn't one.
Current solutions for hearing protection are not designed for people with these conditions.
Existing hearing protection like earmuffs and earplugs do not address the specific needs of this demographic.
There are no current products that address the specific needs of this niche market.
There is no single device designed for the treatment of Hyperacusis, or even a company with this special interest.
From needs discovered to our design goals.
Dignifying - Improving the quality of life through fashion.
Simple - Manual; no tech. Variable NRR, effective sound reductions.
Green - Pushing sustainability that matters through materials and manufacturing.
Testing
System - With not so great materials, an average sound dampening difference of 4 decibels was achieved. With better materials and engineering, this system has the potential to be far more efficient. A difference of only 10db would be enough to vary the noise reduction rating between light sound reduction (17db NRR) and heavy sound reduction (27db NRR).
Texture - Testing different textures for the user's sensory needs for personalized experience.
