AI (Artificial Intelligence) is very much in the news at the moment but it’s by no means a new innovation – certainly not in the world of hearing. Artificial intelligence is used in hearing aid technology to analyse and adapt to different listening environments, optimise sound clarity and reduce background noise; thereby offering users a more natural and personalised listening experience.
Manufacturers first trialled AI-based machine learning in hearing devices at least 25 years ago. Oticon Syncro led the market in 2004, incorporating AI for sound processing with ‘as many as 17,000 intelligent decisions per second’. Starkey’s Livio AI followed later, earning a TIME Magazine Best Inventions award in 2019 for its addition of sensors to track users’ activity and brain health. Now AI features in the majority of new hearing aids we offer to our clients at Girlings. Being truly independent dispensers means we can offer styles and options from every leading manufacturer, including Oticon, Unitron, Phonak, Widex, Starkey, Bernafon and more – so our clients can choose the technology that suits their lifestyle the best.
So how does AI enhance the listening experience for hearing aid users?
AI algorithms enable hearing aids to dynamically adjust to changing sound environments. They can identify and analyse different sounds such as speech, background noise and music. The technology then suppresses unwanted background noise while amplifying speech, making conversations clearer in noisy settings. By learning from a user’s daily interactions, AI-driven hearing aids tailor sound amplification to individual preferences and hearing needs; adjusting volume, frequency and other sound settings to optimise clarity and reduce listening fatigue.
This personalised approach ensures optimal hearing support in even the most challenging situations. Some AI-enabled hearing aids even come equipped with sensors that monitor health metrics such as physical activity and cognitive engagement. This integration promotes overall wellbeing alongside improved hearing. Then there’s the question of connectivity, never more important in today’s digital world. AI hearing aids offer smart connectivity, allowing users to seamlessly stream audio through smart phones and other devices, while controlling settings via a dedicated app.
Like to know more?
If you’d like to discover more about the world of AI-powered hearing aids, then we would be delighted to help you. Get in touch with us for a chat about your hearing loss and the opportunity to trial the latest in hearing aid innovation.
Nicola Girling RHAD
3/11/2025
