Digital transformation has become a priority across many sectors and industries, including healthcare. As such, a previous post highlighted how artificial intelligence is redefining health service delivery and patient outcomes.
Notable examples of AI in healthcare include the use of AI algorithms and machine learning techniques for real-time monitoring and clinical decision support. In the age of telehealth, AI-driven virtual assistants and chatbots are also instrumental in expanding access to care and conveying essential information on physical and mental health conditions.
Beyond AI applications in different levels of healthcare, technological advancements also contribute to bridging the accessibility gap and transforming the specific field of audiology. Considering the prevalence of hearing loss in the United States has reached an estimated 72.88 million, individuals with hearing loss and disabilities need innovative solutions that can reduce the impact of disease severity on their quality of life.
Beyond traditional hearing aids with average sound quality, the examples below demonstrate how hearing devices are becoming more advanced and personalized to better meet unique needs and lifestyles.
Discreet hearing aid glasses
Hearing aid technology has advanced far from devices that fit snugly behind the ear but are otherwise bulky. As technology advances and market players tap into innovations, audio solutions now address the challenges of cosmetic visibility and physical discomfort among individuals who use hearing aids.
Case in point, EssilorLuxottica’s newly acquired startup Nuance Audio has developed hearing glasses that serve as all-in-one vision and hearing solutions, thus combining advanced hearing technology with lightweight eyewear. Focused on invisibility, comfort, and simplicity, these hearing glasses feature not only prescription and transition lens options but also beamforming technology for uninterrupted audio clarity. These glasses are available in timeless frame styles Square and round-shaped Panthos, as well as audio accessories for storage, charging, and remote control.
AI-powered hearing aids
The advent of AI has also revolutionised hearing solutions by making the experience more personalised, intuitive, and tailored to specific user needs. In combination with other types of AI software like machine learning and deep neural networks, AI-powered hearing aids can optimise the sound quality depending on specific environments and locations.
For example, the hearing aid Genesis AI goes beyond having an ergonomic design, as its AI capabilities can mimic the way the brain’s cerebral cortex processes sound. As a result, the device can generate up to 80 million audio adjustments per hour. Its natural language processing features also translate into a wide range of smart assistant capabilities, from real-time translation and transcription to voice-activated commands.
Hearing aids with wireless connectivity
Lastly, hearing devices equipped with wireless connectivity like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enable wearers to do more than just enjoy improved sound quality. When integrated with other devices like smartphones, hearing aids can be used to directly make phone calls, listen to music, and enjoy media.
Meanwhile, the Jabra Enhance Select 300, which is an OTC hearing aid model, can be connected to a mobile app for wireless functionality. To illustrate, the Enhance Select App enables users to seamlessly switch between four audio modes: All Around, Restaurant, Music, and Outdoor. These audio settings can then be further customised in terms of noise reduction, speech clarity, and frequencies.
Overall, such technologies showcase how hearing solutions can be personalised to help individuals with hearing loss or impairments adapt to different aspects of their daily life. The next step is for key players in the hearing solutions industry to expand access to these devices in terms of cost and availability.
