How New Technology Improves Speech Understanding in Noise

For people with hearing loss, background noise creates some of the most challenging listening situations. The ability to follow conversations in noisy environments often determines how much someone can participate in social activities, affecting their quality of life. Modern hearing aid technology offers new solutions to this persistent problem.

This challenge affects millions of Americans in their daily lives. A noisy restaurant can make dinner conversation nearly impossible to follow. At family gatherings, overlapping conversations can become a confusing blur of sound. Even simple activities like grocery shopping can become stressful when background noise interferes with understanding employees or fellow shoppers. These situations often lead people to withdraw from social activities they once enjoyed, impacting their relationships and overall well-being.

The good news is that hearing aid technology has made remarkable strides in addressing these challenges. Today's devices use advanced artificial intelligence and sophisticated sound processing to help separate speech from noise in ways that weren't possible just a few years ago. By better understanding how these technologies work, you can make informed decisions about managing your hearing health.

The Challenge of Background Noise

When multiple people are speaking simultaneously or environmental sounds compete with conversation, the brain must work harder to focus on the intended speaker. For those with hearing loss, this task becomes even more demanding. The cognitive load increases as the brain attempts to separate different sound sources and identify important speech cues.

Today's hearing aids use sophisticated systems to help users hear better in noisy environments. These devices analyze incoming sounds and use artificial intelligence to determine which sounds should be amplified and which should be reduced.

Notable Hearing Aid Technology

Leading hearing aid manufacturers have developed innovative solutions to help users better understand speech in noisy environments. Each brand approaches this challenge with unique technology, offering different ways to process and clarify sound. These advances represent significant improvements in how hearing aids manage background noise while maintaining speech clarity.

The Widex Moment hearing aids feature PureSound technology with ZeroDelay processing, which delivers clear, natural sound even in challenging environments. The Moment SmartRIC model's unique L-shaped design enhances the signal-to-noise ratio, making it easier to follow conversations in noise.

ReSound Vivia incorporates advanced AI-driven noise reduction through its Deep Neural Network processing. Trained on 13.5 million spoken sentences, the hearing aids use Intelligent Focus to adapt to different listening environments, helping users focus on speech while reducing unwanted background sounds.

The Oticon Intent introduces 4D Sensor technology that considers head movement, body movement, conversation activity, and the acoustic environment. This comprehensive approach helps the hearing aids better understand your listening intentions and adapt accordingly.

Starkey Edge AI features an advanced G2 Neuro Processor with a fully integrated neural processing unit. Like the brain's auditory cortex, it analyzes complex soundscapes at remarkable speeds to separate speech from background noise with unprecedented accuracy.

Artificial Intelligence Makes the Difference

Modern hearing aids leverage artificial intelligence to distinguish between different types of sounds. For example, the Starkey Edge AI utilizes a fully integrated neural processing unit that maps the listener's environment in real time, processing acoustic information and motion data to deliver clearer speech and reduced noise automatically.

The Oticon Intent's MoreSound Intelligence 3.0, powered by its Deep Neural Network 2.0, provides users with clearer sound separation. This technology helps maintain speech clarity even as background noise levels change.

Real-World Benefits

These technological advances translate into practical benefits for hearing aid users:

• Better speech recognition in group settings
• Reduced listening fatigue
• More natural sound quality
• Easier participation in social activities
• Improved ability to focus on desired speakers

Making Adjustments for Different Environments

Many current hearing aids allow users to make adjustments through smartphone apps. The MyStarkey App enables Edge AI users to fine-tune their hearing aids' settings for different environments. Similarly, ReSound Vivia users can adjust their devices through the Smart 3D app to optimize hearing in various situations.

The Importance of Both Ears

When dealing with background noise, using two hearing aids (bilateral fitting) typically provides better results than using just one. Two hearing aids help your brain better locate sound sources and separate speech from noise, making it easier to follow conversations in challenging environments.

Beyond Technology: Communication Strategies

While advanced hearing aid technology significantly improves speech understanding in noise, combining it with effective communication strategies can enhance results. No matter how sophisticated your hearing aids are, these practical approaches can help you get the most from your devices.

Strategic Positioning

Position yourself where you can see speakers' faces clearly. Visual cues from facial expressions and lip movements provide valuable context. In restaurants, sit with your back to the main noise sources, such as kitchen doors or busy walkways. This helps your hearing aids focus on the voices you want to hear.

Environmental Awareness

Choose quieter areas when possible, especially in restaurants or social gatherings. Look for spots away from background music speakers, ventilation systems, or large groups. Booths often provide better acoustics than open tables, as the high backs can help block some background noise.

Open Communication

Let others know how they can help you hear better. Most people appreciate knowing simple ways to help, such as facing you when speaking or moving to a quieter area for important conversations.

Managing Energy Levels

Take breaks if listening becomes tiring. Hearing in noise requires extra concentration and energy. Short breaks during long social events give your brain time to rest and reset.

The Benefits of Real Ear Measurement

Proper fitting and programming are essential for getting the most from your hearing aids' noise reduction features. At our practice, we use Real Ear Measurement (REM) during every fitting - a best practice method that verifies your hearing aids are providing the right amount of amplification for your specific hearing loss. This process involves placing a tiny microphone in your ear canal while wearing your hearing aids to measure the actual sound levels reaching your eardrum. By using REM, we can fine-tune your devices to ensure they're delivering the correct amount of amplification across all frequencies, maximizing their effectiveness in noisy environments. This verification step helps optimize your hearing aids' advanced features and provides you with the best possible hearing experience.

Schedule Your Hearing Consultation

If you struggle to understand speech in noisy environments, we can help. Our audiologists will evaluate your hearing needs and discuss which hearing aid technology might work best for you. Contact us to schedule an appointment and learn more about how these advanced features can help you hear better in challenging listening situations.