[Transcript]

I find it super interesting how in the 2000s glasses were still so disliked that in pop culture they were this signifier unattractiveness and social awkwardness. And literally how the removal of their glasses was like symbolic of their transformation from ugly to attractive.

But today, so much has changed, people will even wear glasses without lenses in them purely because they want to be seen wearing them.

So how did this happen? And can hearing aids make the same transition that glasses did?

Well I found this really well written article that makes the argument that makes the argument that pop culture and characters in stories we connect with are actually the reason why it changed.

So here’s an example.

Velma from Scooby-Doo was initally presented as the brainy, somewhat nerdy member of the group, with her super-thick glasses. Over the years, though, Velma’s character evolved to become more confident and assertive, showing that being smart did not make her any less capable, charming, or attractive. She became a symbol of empowerment for many fans, showing that intelligence and glasses could be sexy and cool.

Characters like Jess in New Girl and even Harry Potter helped to redefine what it meant to wear glasses.

In Harry Potter’s case, it’s kinda like you wouldn’t expect this kid with round glasses to elicit heroism, courage, and determination. It’s the juxtaposition of the glasses on these characters that enhance these personalities, and in doing so, changes what it means to wear them.

I think the important takeaway here is how glasses didn’t need to become invisible to be desirable, it was the story of the person behind the frames that changed the symbolism of the glasses.

So if I’m gonna do the same for hearing aids, it’s all about recontextualising it. Not as this thing that is skin coloured in an attempt to hide it behind the ear, but as something that is worn confidently. It has to be visible. And only then can we start telling stories about the character behind the frames, and make hearing tech as desirable as eyewear.

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