Hearing aids are essential for deaf people or people living with hearing loss. However, some are still apprehensive about wearing them and choose to forgo them because they don’t seem valuable for their hearing level, are too costly, or aren’t visually appealing or comfortable.
Although things may be changing as hearing aids are getting some major tech upgrades. According to a report from DataHorizzon Research, the global hearing aid market is seeing exceptional growth thanks to new technologies and a growing awareness of hearing health. An aging population is also driving more people to search for hearing aids, and options with a wide range of features are in high demand. Here’s a closer look at the latest innovations in hearing aids and how they work to help those with hearing loss:
AI hearing aids
Artificial intelligence has been taking over industries and products, and hearing aids are no different. AI can be used to make hearing aids smarter and add features beyond sound amplification and noise cancellation. As noted in the “10 Surprising Things You Need to Know About AI in the Hearing Aid Industry”, AI can perform various tasks like enhanced sound processing, personalized listening experiences, health monitoring, and more. AI can also enhance the user experience with improved efficiency and interfaces for easier navigation. Starkey Edge AI hearing aids can be used to do all these functions. The AI analyzes different sound environments and adjusts accordingly while also learning from the user’s listening preferences to adapt to their preferences automatically. The neural network also mimics the brain’s ability to focus on specific noises, making for a more natural experience. The hearing aids’ “Edge Mode” enables the devices to scan the environment and choose whether to prioritize clearer speech or listening comfort. Another unique feature is the balance assessment, which uses AI to determine the user’s risk of falling. AI in hearing aids can create a natural and safer experience for wearers.
Hearing aid glasses
For many people living with hearing loss, hearing aids can be seen as more of a burden than a helpful tool. They might not think they need hearing aids for their perceived level of hearing loss or may not enjoy the look and feel of wearing one. They may opt not to wear one, but it can make their daily lives more challenging. Hearing aid glasses aim to address these common pain points caused by traditional hearing aids by making the technology look like regular prescription glasses while still utilizing cutting-edge hearing technology. The Nuance Audio glasses are designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. They use beamforming technology to amplify sounds in the direction the wearer is looking at. This makes it easier to hear and engage in conversations at work, restaurants, family gatherings, and other crowded and noisy events. Wearers can also calibrate the settings on the mobile app, ensuring each mode is tailored to their needs, preferences, and environment. They’re worn and used like traditional eyewear, so wearers can also enjoy clear vision or sun protection. The design can encourage hard-of-hearing individuals to wear a hearing aid regularly, improving the quality of their daily lives.
Earphones
Acquiring hearing aids can be a challenge for many people with hearing loss since they can be expensive. Over-the-counter options are ideal for those with mild to moderate hearing loss and are much cheaper than prescription options, but they can still be out-of-budget for many. Cheaper ones may help, but they may lack the personalized level settings and noise-canceling features for an enhanced experience. Apple aims to make over-the-counter hearing aids more accessible. The new AirPods Pro 2 can double as hearing devices that are more affordable than other options while still providing helpful features. Using an iPhone or iPad to set up, users can take a test to determine their hearing level and adjust the settings based on it. Wearers can also easily personalize the settings to adapt to certain situations or environments for easier listening. They also help address issues about the look and feel of traditional hearing aids, as they look like regular earphones. This can help reduce the stigma surrounding the use of hearing aids and make them more accepted, encouraging people to buy and wear them with confidence.
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