“Surround Sound Eyewear” is an advanced hearing aid built into traditional spectacles. The sound amplification and improvement apparatus is based on the experimental notion of superdirectivity pioneered by Professor Marinus Boone of Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. Four microphones placed on either side of the spectacles massively improves sound fidelity and speech intelligibility.

From MOMA’s exhibition description:

“The exhibition will highlight examples of successful translation of disruptive innovation, examples based on ongoing research, as well as reflections on the future responsibilities of design. The objects range from nanodevices to vehicles, from appliances to interfaces, and from pragmatic solutions for everyday use to provocative ideas meant to influence our future choices.”

A New York Times review which calls the exhibition “exhilarating” and “required viewing for anyone who believes that our civilization is heading back toward the Dark Ages,” is available here.