Sounds Like Progress: Top Developments in Hearing Aids

It’s an exciting time for hearing aid technology, with innovations pushing the boundaries of performance, design, and user experience. With so much progress happening, it can be hard to stay up to date on all the latest advancements. That’s why we’ve put together this quick and easy guide to the key developments shaping the world of hearing aids.

AI Driven Hearing Aid Technology

Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionised hearing aid technology, providing innovative solutions for wearers and audiologists to address hearing challenges. While AI features have enhanced hearing aid performance for years, manufacturers have made significant strides this year, introducing new AI-driven capabilities. Each brand uses AI differently—here’s how these advancements can make a difference for you:

Starkey: Genesis AI

American hearing aid brand Starkey has long integrated AI into its devices, but their Genesis AI platform sets a new standard. At its core is a cutting-edge neuro processor designed to mimic the human brain. One standout feature, Edge Mode+, lets users instantly optimise their hearing in difficult environments with a simple tap on the hearing aid or via the My Starkey App. Whether in a noisy restaurant, the cinema, or on a train, Edge Mode+ provides an AI boost to help you focus on what matters most.

Phonak: Infinio Sphere

Swiss manufacturer Phonak launched its Audeo Infino Sphere, a groundbreaking AI-powered hearing aid. The automatic operating system uses AI to tailor settings to any environment, while a dedicated AI-powered sound processor extracts noise for an unprecedented listening experience. On objective measures, Infino Sphere currently leads the market in delivering the best hearing performance in noisy conditions.

Oticon: Intent

Danish company Oticon, part of one of the world’s largest hearing care organisations, introduced the Oticon Intent powered by the second-generation Deep Neural Network (DNN 2.0). Trained on millions of real-world sounds, this AI-driven technology delivers clearer speech, enhanced sound quality, and up to 12 dB noise reduction, ensuring a more natural listening experience. This prepares Oticon Intent hearing aids to be able to properly adapt to any environment because the hearing aid has heard it all before!

Rechargeable Battery Technology Hit its Stride

Since the introduction of lithium-ion technology in 2016, hearing aid rechargeability has made life easier for users, offering longer battery life, improved durability, and an eco-friendly alternative to disposable batteries. By 2024, nearly all hearing aids provide “all-day hearing” to match your daily routine, but a few standout products took battery performance to new heights:

Starkey Genesis AI RIC models offer up to a market leading 51 hours of battery performance per charge – easily leading the pack in terms of battery performance.

The new Widex moment is also no slouch either, with their uniquely styled “Moment SmartRIC” providing up to 37 hours of battery performance on a single charge.

Signia Pure Charge&Go T IX delivers 39 hours per charge and features a versatile portable charger that can recharge your hearing aids three times on the go, with options for cable or Qi wireless charging.

Connectivity Moved Up a Leap: Auracast

Hearing aid connectivity has reached new heights with advancements in Bluetooth technology. Many new devices now feature Bluetooth Low Energy Audio, offering higher sound quality, lower battery consumption, and improved accessibility thanks to the groundbreaking Auracast standard.

What is Auracast?

Auracast is a game-changer for Bluetooth audio, enabling seamless, high-quality connections to multiple devices like smartphones, TVs, and gaming consoles. It also promises effortless integration with public audio systems in places like cinemas, sports arenas, and public transportation, enhancing your listening experience wherever you go.

Though still new, Auracast offers hearing aid wearers the flexibility to switch seamlessly between work calls, entertainment, and public announcements, making every day listening more convenient and accessible.

Danish manufacturer GN ReSound has been a leader in Auracast adoption, integrating it into their hearing aids and accessories like TV streamers and remote microphones. These tools improve hearing over distance and in noisy environments, further showcasing the potential of this innovative technology.

Movement and Health Monitoring Features

Did you know your ears are ideal for tracking health metrics? In 2024, some of the latest hearing aids now double as health monitors, offering features like heart rate and step tracking to promote well-being and provide data for healthcare providers.

Starkey: Genesis AI
Genesis AI hearing aids offer advanced activity tracking through the My Starkey App. They automatically distinguish between activities like walking, running, biking, and aerobics, providing accurate fitness data to help you set and achieve goals. For added safety, Genesis AI includes fall detection technology, using 3D sensors to identify falls and alert caregivers automatically offering peace of mind for wearers and their families.

Oticon: Intent
Oticon Intent introduces groundbreaking 4D Sensor technology, using head, body, and movement sensors to adapt hearing aid settings to your listening needs. Whether you’re in conversation, moving around, or adjusting to a new sound environment, Intent ensures you stay connected and engaged, enhancing communication and spatial awareness.

Phonak: Health tracking features and Motion Sensor Hearing

One of the standout features of the Phonak Infinio is its Motion Sensor Hearing. This innovative technology adjusts settings based on your movement, optimising your hearing whether you’re walking, jogging, or participating in other physical activities. Your hearing aids keep up with your active lifestyle, moving with you every step of the way.

Through the MyPhonak app, Phonak rechargeable devices equipped with a Motion Sensor can also provide health tracking information, such as step count and activity summary.

The Future of Hearing Aids

As we look ahead, we anticipate even more transformative changes that will further integrate hearing aids into everyday life, making them indispensable tools for communication, health, and well-being.

At Hear More Audiology, we take pride in being your local experts in hearing care. Our team stays up to date with the latest advancements in hearing technology to help you find the perfect hearing solution for your lifestyle. Whether you’re exploring new hearing aids or want a comprehensive review of your current devices, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

To make your journey to better hearing even easier, we offer FREE adult hearing assessments and 30-day, no-obligation hearing aid trials. This allows you to experience firsthand the difference hearing aids can make in your life—completely risk-free.