Hearing Birdsong is an immersive installation that blends art, science and technology to encourage early detection of hearing loss and increase access to care.
The first Hearing Birdsong Installation was produced 2019 in collaboration with Kennedy Woods, Dyson School of Design Engineering, Clinicians and patient representatives. The team transformed the HELIX centre pop-up box into a tranquil space filled with birdsong. The exhibition featured bird boxes playing familiar bird calls, which match the frequency bands of a traditional hearing test. Members of the public were invited into the space to experience and engage in conversation about hearing loss.
In 2021, the project won a grant from the World Health Organisation, World Hearing Forum and Coalition for Global Hearing Health to convert the installation concept into a virtual experience.
A digital prototype of the project is currently available for users to screen themselves for hearing loss in the comfort of their own home, using a smart phone or tablet.
