Without question, AI has changed the face of computing and how we get our information online. As an online reader, it’s possible you’ve used some form of artificial intelligence to access this very article, or others like it. In news from other industries, the world of hearing aids has also recently benefited from the artificial intelligence technology revolution.
In a first for hearing aid tech, the hearing aid manufacturer Phonak has successfully incorporated AI via a dedicated deep-learning processor technology into some of their latest products, including the Audéo Infinio Sphere line of hearing aids. So what does AI usage mean for hearing aid users and how does it work?
Watch the short video below and read on to learn more about how AI has advanced hearing aid technology.
What is Artificial Intelligence in hearing aids?
Most hearing aid manufacturers have incorporated some level of AI into their products in the past two decades. Essentially, AI incorporation allows the user’s brain to work more naturally, with less effort spent on identifying and processing the important sounds, as opposed to background noise.
The newer deep neural network processing chip used in the latest hearing aids listens to the millions of sounds the user hears and identifies the preferred volumes and frequencies for hearing, then learns to automatically mimic that adjustment in real time. This deep learning applies to various environments from the softest sounds to louder noisier environments, and offers a level of personalized hearing experiences not possible even throughout previous AI advancements.
3 Main Aspects of AI in Hearing Aids
The usage of artificial intelligence in hearing aid technology tends to adhere to three distinct levels, each offering improved performance over conventional “amplify only” hearing aids.
- Basic AI – Allows the hearing aids to adjust by learning your preferences for sound
- Machine learning – allows the hearing aids to analyze the sounds and learn the patterns so over time the hearing aids know how you want to hear in familiar environments.
- DNN (Deep Neural Network) – Mirrors the way the human brain functions
AI Features in Hearing Aids
The addition of artificial intelligence in hearing technologies opens up a world of possibilities beyond simple hearing enhancements. AI enhancements are constantly evolving, and some of the current functions include:
- Automatic environment-based adjustments – uses algorithms listening to the sound around you. Hearing aids are then able to make setting adjustments to optimize the sound quality for your listening environment.
- Automatic mode adjustments – allow you to personalize hearing aid settings so when you enter that setting, the hearing aid will automatically activate that setting.
- Voice recognition and prioritization – hears and amplifies familiar voices automatically enhancing their clarity, even in noisy environments.
- Health & wellness tracking – health monitoring capabilities can track your steps and activity levels and can set personalized fitness goals.
- Virtual assistant – make changes in real time to the settings of the hearing aids via the virtual assistant to adjust your hearing aid settings, get tips/watch videos on maintaining your hearing aids, or ask questions about hearing topics, and so much more.
Is an AI-powered Hearing Device Right for You?
When choosing a hearing aid, it’s always best to work with a professional who understands the condition of your hearing and will guide you through the advantages and disadvantages of each particular model to discover what works best. The audiologists at Prescription Hearing have the experience and product knowledge to recommend the optimal hearing device for your needs.
Contact Prescription Hearing’s audiologists to learn more about hearing aid options to best fit your lifestyle.
