A Look at Today's Smart Hearing Aids

Modern hearing aids have evolved far beyond simple sound amplification devices. The latest hearing aids use artificial intelligence, motion sensors, and advanced processing to create a more natural listening experience. Let's explore the key features that make today's hearing aids truly intelligent.

When people think about hearing aids, they often picture the basic devices from decades past that only made sounds louder. Today's hearing aids are sophisticated mini-computers that process sound millions of times per second. They can distinguish between speech and noise, adapt to different listening environments, and even track health metrics.

These advances mean that wearing hearing aids no longer means just making everything louder - instead, they provide precise sound enhancement based on your specific hearing loss and listening situation. The newest models can automatically adjust their settings as you move between different environments, stream audio directly from your devices, and even learn your preferences over time to provide better personalized sound.

This technological progress has made a significant difference in how well people hear with their devices. Users can now participate more fully in conversations, enjoy music with greater clarity, and feel more confident in challenging listening situations like restaurants or group gatherings.

Artificial Intelligence and Neural Networks

The integration of AI in hearing aids represents one of the biggest technological advances in hearing healthcare. For example, the Oticon Intent uses 4D sensor technology to understand your listening intentions by combining inputs from conversation activity, head movement, and the acoustic environment. This allows the hearing aids to adapt automatically to your needs.

Starkey Edge AI has an ALL-NEW G2 Neuro Processor with a fully integrated neural processing unit (NPU) that classifies complex soundscapes, enhances speech, and reduces noise in real time, working like the human brain's auditory cortex. With significantly more processing power than previous models, these devices can better distinguish between different types of sounds and enhance speech while reducing background noise.

Environmental Analysis and Automatic Adjustments

Smart hearing aids continuously analyze your surroundings and make automatic adjustments. The Widex Moment uses artificial intelligence to learn your preferences in different environments through its SoundSense Learn feature. This means the hearing aids become more personalized to your specific needs over time.

The Resound Nexia combines inputs from your acoustic environment and movement patterns to optimize settings automatically. When you're walking and talking with someone, the hearing aids know to focus on speech while still maintaining awareness of your surroundings.

Advanced Sound Processing Platforms

Each major hearing aid manufacturer has developed sophisticated processing platforms that serve as the foundation for their smart features. The Phonak Infinio utilizes a dual-chip architecture with its ERA and DEEPSONIC chips working together - one handling core sound processing while the other manages real-time AI processing for speech-in-noise separation. This system performs over 7,700 million operations per second and has been trained on 22 million sound samples.

The Signia IX incorporates advanced sound processing to improve speech clarity, particularly in noisy settings. This processing power helps users maintain clear conversations even in challenging listening environments like restaurants or social gatherings. Smart processing also means these devices can automatically balance different sound sources based on your listening needs.

Speech Enhancement Technology

Modern hearing aids excel at identifying and enhancing speech while managing background noise. The Widex Moment's SoundSense Learn directs you to the optimal sound for your needs through artificial intelligence, creating customized settings in real-time. Starkey Edge AI's groundbreaking seventh generation AI technology delivers 30% more accurate speech identification and a 6dB reduction in low-level noise, providing a cleaner, purer signal.

The Oticon Intent takes this further with its Deep Neural Network 2.0, which preserves sound originality while improving noise suppression. This technology helps maintain the natural characteristics of speech while reducing unwanted background sounds. When combined with spatial balancing features, these capabilities help create a more balanced and clear sound environment that adapts to your specific listening needs.

Connectivity and Control

Today's smart hearing aids offer seamless connectivity with smartphones and other devices. Through dedicated apps, users can:

• Make precise adjustments to hearing aid settings
• Stream audio directly from phones, tablets, or TVs
• Track health metrics like daily steps and activity levels
• Request remote assistance from their audiologist
• Monitor battery life and device status

The Signia IX, for instance, provides direct streaming capabilities for both iOS and Android devices, allowing you to use your hearing aids like wireless earbuds for phone calls, music, and other audio content.

Motion Sensors and Health Tracking

Many current hearing aids incorporate motion sensors to understand your physical activity and adjust accordingly. These sensors serve multiple purposes:

• Optimizing directional microphones based on whether you're stationary or moving
• Tracking daily steps and activity levels
• Fall detection and alert capabilities
• Improving spatial awareness through head tracking

Advanced Speech Processing

Smart hearing aids excel at managing speech in complex listening environments. The Phonak Infinio utilizes its dual-chip architecture to separate speech from background noise in real-time, providing up to 10 dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio.

The Oticon Intent's Deep Neural Network 2.0 helps preserve sound originality while suppressing unwanted noise, making conversations clearer and more natural-sounding.

Self-Learning Capabilities

Modern hearing aids can learn from your preferences and adjustments. When you make changes to your hearing aid settings in specific environments, the devices remember these preferences and can automatically apply them when you return to similar situations.

For example, if you frequently adjust your hearing aids' settings at your favorite restaurant, the devices will begin to recognize that environment and automatically apply your preferred settings when you return.

Remote Care Options

Smart hearing aids enable remote programming and adjustments through telehealth capabilities. This means we can make many hearing aid adjustments without requiring an in-person visit, saving you time while ensuring your devices continue to perform optimally.

The Benefits of Professional Fitting

While these smart features are impressive, they work best when properly fitted and programmed by an experienced audiologist. At Applied Hearing Solutions, we use Real Ear Measurement to verify that your hearing aids are programmed exactly to your hearing loss prescription, ensuring you get the full benefit of these advanced features.

Getting Started with Smart Hearing Aids

If you're interested in experiencing the benefits of today's smart hearing aid technology, our team of audiologists can help you find the right solution for your specific needs. Contact us at Applied Hearing Solutions to schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation and consultation. We'll discuss your lifestyle, hearing needs, and which smart features would benefit you most.