Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an umbrella term to cover computer algorithm technology that mimics human decision making. They can be programmed to follow a set of rules, recognize patterns, and make decisions on how to function.
Hearing aids have had AI technology in them for years however, artificial intelligence has become a more common phrase used in technology in recent years. In the past, hearing aids have used AI to help classify sounds into different groups such as speech information, background noise, wind noise etc. This technology is still used today but is growing in its functionality.
AI technology in hearing aids helps separate out the speech within background noise to achieve better speech understanding. It is constantly analyzing the environment and sound samples around you to detect if you are in a quiet environment or noise. If a noisy environment is detected, it will automatically change program to one with more noise reduction technology to help you hear better.
There are also motion sensors in the devices that help make split second decisions about where sound is coming from based on the movement of your head, learning what speech information in the surround area is important to you. It will then direct the microphones in the devices to focus on speech information from those directions.
They also employ machine learning, meaning it can recognize when you make adjustments to the devices to hear better in particular environments, and over time it will apply those changes automatically when that environment is detected again.
All of the major hearing aid manufacturer’s have released new technology in recent months that use AI in different ways. Schedule an appointment with out audiology staff to learn more!