Sonova, a leading hearing aid maker for 77 years, knows that the hardest challenge for individuals with hearing loss is dealing with the different noises in their surroundings.
Without a doubt, this enduring issue has driven continuous innovation in hearing aid technology, culminating in the development of the Phonak Audéo Sphere Infinio, a state-of-the-art AI hearing aid.
Phonak Audéo Sphere Infinio Gets Significant Improvements
After extensive testing, the Phonak Audéo Sphere Infinio demonstrated remarkable progress, aiding 50% of clinical trial participants in distinguishing clear speech from background noise.
Arnd Kaldowski, Sonova Group CRO, highlighted the critical importance of addressing the "speech-in-noise problem" in hearing aid development. Enhancing this capability is vital for improving the quality of life for millions affected by hearing loss.
Meanwhile, Sonova's Global Head of Research and Development for Hearing Instruments, Andi Vonlanthen considered the creation of the AI-powered hearing aids as a "huge step forward in technological ingenuity" in a recent press release.
Related Article: New AirPods Pro Features for iOS 18 to Include Hearing Aid Mode, Voice Isolation, and More
Persistent Challenges in Noisy Settings
Despite significant advancements over the past decade, many hearing aid users still struggle to understand conversations in noisy environments like public transport or restaurants.
Kaldowski expressed confidence that Sonova's new technology would substantially improve these users' experiences, making social interactions more accessible and enjoyable.
Cutting-Edge Technology: Phonak Audéo Infinio
The development of the Phonak Audéo Infinio platform involved years of research and a significant investment in technology. As noted by Vonlanthen, while progress over the past decade has been noteworthy, earlier products still fell short of addressing consumers' most fundamental needs.
To achieve the desired breakthrough, Sonova integrated a powerful Deep Neural Network (DNN) into the hearing aid, requiring the design of DEEPSONIC, a specialized chip leveraging real-time AI to differentiate between unwanted sounds and desired speech in the Phonak Audéo Sphere Infinio. This platform relies on the new ultra-responsive Phonak ERA chip, marking the first instance of dual-chip technology in the industry.
How AI and DEEPSONIC Transform Hearing Aid Functionality
According to Interesting Engineering, AI/DNN DEEPSONIC chip provides a computational architecture optimized by DNNs, effectively addressing the "speech-in-noise" problem.
With 53 times the processing power of previous models, it fundamentally differs from other AI-enhanced hearing aid chips in its ability to improve speech intelligibility. This innovation represents a significant leap forward in hearing aid technology.
Sonova's Legacy of Innovation
Sonova has consistently been at the forefront of technological advancements in the hearing aid industry throughout its 77-year history. Innovations such as the first directional microphone technology, Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable instruments, and the use of AI for personalized fitting have solidified its position as an industry leader.
A New Era in Hearing Aid Technology
AI continues to revolutionize various industries, and hearing aids are no exception. Sonova has embraced this technology, inspired by the human brain, to launch a new era in hearing aid technology.
The Phonak Audéo Sphere Infinio breaks through the most significant barrier for those with hearing loss, enabling them to engage more easily in dynamic environments.
Sonova's Phonak Audéo Sphere Infinio is no wonder a monumental advancement in hearing aid technology, addressing the persistent challenge of understanding speech in noisy environments.
With its innovative use of AI and DNN, this new hearing aid platform promises to enhance the quality of life for millions of individuals with hearing loss, making social interactions more accessible and enjoyable.
In other news, iOS 18 users can soon remove ads with a single click with the new "distraction control" feature.
