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Imagine a world: Where your morning coffee is ready before you even open your eyes, your wardrobe picks itself out, and your home automatically adjusts its temperature based on your body heat and the weather (say hello to the near-distant future).
Hearing aids fit into this future. As technology evolves, hearing aids are keeping pace, and they're not clunky medical-looking devices anymore. With features like Bluetooth streaming, smartphone connectivity, and voice-activated controls, hearing aids have become the ultimate tech-savvy accessory for the modern age.
So, whether you're catching up with friends on a video call, streaming your favorite podcast, or just trying to make it through a crowded room, these high-tech hearing aids and artificial intelligence are making a big impact on how we live (and hear).
In fact, artificial intelligence—or AI—has been at the forefront of major advancements in recent years. TikTok's impressive use of AI to analyze user preferences and provide personalized content has become a household name. On the other hand, Amazon's AI-powered recommendation engine suggests products like moisturizers and vitamins based on your purchase history and browsing habits.
Which brings us to a bigger and more thoughtful question: If AI can help us discover products and viral videos, shouldn't it assist us in selecting the appropriate sounds to concentrate on in a noisy environment? The answer is yes.
AI is the trailblazer on the path of hearing technology and breakthroughs that directly impact modern life.
Gone are the days of over generalized hearing aid programs like "restaurant mode" and "TV mode" that just don't quite cut it in real-world situations. Digital hearing aids have traditionally relied on these static settings to match different environments, but they often fall short when it comes to the nuances of real life. Luckily, technology is evolving, and there's a new player in town: adaptive sound.
For example, AI hearing tech listens to your daily sounds and adjusts in real-time, ditching pre-set programs.
How does that work, exactly? Let us explain with these imagined scenarios made possible by AI:
- AI hearing aids listen for voices that you hear most often (like your better half or your BFF) and prioritizes them in a busy restaurant.
- AI hearing aids know that you usually watch TV at night and are ready to tune into that sound right when you sit down at 8 pm.
- AI hearing aids learn to detect when someone is speaking through a mask and decide in real-time how to amplify the sound.
And, that’s just speech clarity. How far can artificial intelligence really go? Research indicates that monitoring general health signals through the ear is highly accurate.
AI hearing aids can track blood pressure, prevent falls, monitor fitness, and detect early signs of dementia. Some features are still in the testing phase, but the foundation of this next generation of hearing aids is already rolling out.
Check out some of the leading AI hearing aids on the market.
Level Up Your Hearing Health With These 3 Futuristic AI Hearing Aids
#1. Oticon More
AI - Powered Natural Sound
In January 2021, Oticon Real was released with some pretty bold tech claims.
Oticon's latest hearing aid, the Oticon Real, is designed using 360 degree microphones to capture 12 million real-life sounds in common environments. This data trains the computer inside the hearing aids to respond to almost infinite sound scenes, mimicking the way the brain processes sound. Oticon's advanced approach to sound processing allows for a more open soundscape without sacrificing speech clarity.
User reviews for the Oticon Real are overwhelmingly positive, suggesting that the AI-powered technology is a success. For a deeper dive into this product, check out Dr. Cliff AuD's video below.
Overall notes: Oticon Real is a major player among top-tier hearing aids. If you are keen on the idea of hearing more of the sounds around you versus solely focusing on voices, this product is a great choice.
Price: The national average price for Oticon More is $6,330 per pair. You can save 25%-40% by working with ZipHearing to get care through a local clinic or Yes Hearing to get care from a professional who comes to your home.
Features: AI Powered Sound, Rechargeable, Bluetooth (not hands-free), Behind The Ear Style
What audiologists say: “Oticon Real is among the best. If you are looking for all-around, top-of-the-line technology, this is an excellent choice.” - Ramsay Poindexter, AuD
Full Oticon Real breakdown here
#2. Starkey Evolv AI
AI Hearing Aids With Extra Features
Starkey, a US-based hearing aid manufacturer, is now leading the industry in hearing aid AI. With the launch of their Evolv AI, they have integrated features like a fitness tracker, a fall sensor, brain tracking to detect early dementia signals, and a personal assistant for reminders and transcriptions. During the pandemic, they even released a "mask mode" feature that created better sound for masked voices.
Overall notes: Starkey Evolv AI has more built-in tech than any other brand on the market. If you subscribe to an active lifestyle and can afford the premium price, this product is a solid option.
Price: The national average price for Starkey Evolv AI is $6,352 per pair. If you don’t yet have an audiologist I suggest that you work with ZipHearing to find care. ZipHearing pre-negotiates prices and helps customers save 25%-40%.
Features: AI Powered Sound, Fitness Tracking, Fall Detection, Bluetooth Streaming
What audiologists say: “Starkey Evolv AI is more than a hearing aid. It's also a smart device that helps track your physical activity and overall health.” - Ramsay Poindexter, AuD
#3. Widex Moment Sheer
AI Hearing Aids With User Inputs
Widex Moment Sheer—launched in September 2022—uses SoundSense Learn to gather real-time feedback from users worldwide via its easy-to-use app. This feedback trains an AI-powered computer to adjust sound settings automatically, resulting in top-notch sound quality (pretty cool, huh?).
Overall notes: Widex Moment Sheer ultimately laser-focused on sound quality. To keep their sound quality robust and precise, the company employs AI and user-data to evolve with time.
Price: The national average price for Widex Moment Sheer is $5,891 per pair. If you don’t yet have an audiologist I suggest that you work with ZipHearing to find care. ZipHearing pre-negotiates prices and helps customers save 25%-40% on average.
Features: Bluetooth Streaming, Rechargeable Batteries, Leading Sound Quality
What audiologists say: “Widex has built a fan base, particularly among musicians and audiophiles, based on their impressive input range and sound quality.” - Ramsay Poindexter, AuD
Conclusion
AI's potential to transform the hearing aid industry is promising. As more and more brands incorporate AI into their sound-processing technology, we can expect even greater advancements to come. The future's looking bright.
