The Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology in Germany is wrapping up a three-year research project that could address the most common complaint we hear in audiology—understanding speech-in-noise.

These scientists have developed a device that analyzes the wearer’s brain waves to determine the direction the listener is wanting to focus their hearing. Testing has been completed with normal hearing listeners, and the team now hopes to run trials with individuals who are hearing impaired.

This technology could revolutionize how hearing aids process speech-in-noise, and improve quality of life for hearing aid users everywhere.

Reference

Coxworth B. (2020). Voice-following hearing aid both reads and stimulates the brain. News Atlas, Health & Wellbeing. 

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