London, May 12 (ANI): A student has designed a ‘speech bubble’ that can combat noise in a pub so that you can speak to your friends without yelling over the din.
Elaine McLuskey invented the “social spheres” to enable people to hold a conversation above the background noise, reports The BBC.
The 23-year-old design student from Coatbridge has invented two designs – one is a stationary tabletop version, which joins pairs or groups of people, and the other is a mobile version, which looks like a space helmet for people to wear and “connect” with other users.
“My research found that in some cases a person”s environment can be more disabling than a hearing impairment and so, in some respects, we are all hearing impaired on a daily basis.
“The obvious example is that frustrating situation of trying to catch up with a friend in a busy bar. You want to hear their news and have a proper chat, but you have to shout over the din of music, chatter and clinking glasses.
“I hope the very noticeable and eccentric appearance starts people talking about hearing impairments,” McLuskey said.
Other designs which will be on show from 13 to 23 May, include a sensory table, flat pack lights, a dinosaur which monitors the amount of time children spend on their computer and a bottle which can be split into a beer and wine glass. (ANI)