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If you have been on social media at all this past summer, you have probably seen announcements from the major hearing aid companies that new technology has been released. People have been asking about the “new AI hearing aids.” I want to clarify that all digital hearing aids for the past 25 years have been using AI. Basically, when hearing aids adjust to your surroundings, they are using traditional AI to listen to the environment, classify it as quiet or noisy and then apply the appropriate technology for that specific situation. Generative AI creates content by learning patterns and Agentic AI builds upon generative AI to act as an autonomous problem-solver.
That being said, today’s AI is light years away from the AI of even 10 years ago.
Oticon zeal: the first Bluetooth capable and rechargeable CIC (completely-in-the-canal). For people that want a small, discreet hearing aid, this can be a good choice. It is only available in premium technology and is one-size-fits-all so if you have a small ear canal, this may not be as comfortable as a custom CIC.
Oticon Reveal: Two AI pathways (not dual chip) – one pathway is constantly looking for speech and the other pathway is classifying and preserving contextual cues. Available in 4 levels of technology. Auracast ready.
Phonak: Phonak introduced a dual chip hearing aid about 18 months ago, the Infinio and then in August released a new platform. They made 3 improvements: the size is 25% smaller, their wind noise suppression is impressive and the Sphere setting is now available in the standard level of technology, not just the advanced and premium. Auracast ready. Infinio Spheres will have a software update in 2027 to get them Auracast ready.
ReSound: ReSound introduced their dual chip aids also about 18 months ago with the Vivia family. The 2nd computer chip is only available in the premium level and it is not automatically applied. They have now released the Sensia which activates the 2nd chip in all environments if the noise level is high enough but it is still only available in the premium level of technology. The Sensia also improved the amount of battery drain. Auracast ready.
Signia Max: Four AI pathways and two chips helping to control background noise and focus on speech. All 4 pathways are constantly analyzing the environment, monitoring conversation, monitoring own voice, and adjusting for noise. This technology is available in standard, advanced and premium technology. They will be able to be updated through a firmware update in the Spring for Auracast.
Starkey Omega: This new platform uses a multi-processor system that is constantly listening and adapting to the environment. For previous users that used Edge mode, this is now incorporated into the automatic program rather than a separate program. The Omega is available in all technology levels and are Auracast ready.
All of the above hearing aids are available in RIC styles only. I don’t know for sure but I would expect custom aids and power BTE’s to follow at some point but that is truly just a guess.
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