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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the science of developing machines, particularly computer systems, to perform tasks that require human intelligence. “AI is an umbrella term to cover any technology that attempts to mimic human decision-making,” according to Kevin Seitz-Paquette, Director of the Phonak Audiology Research Center (PARC) at Sonova Group in Chicago.
We hear of AI being used everywhere in our computers, phones, TV and all types of communication technology. AI algorithms — a process or set of rules used for solving a problem or performing a computation — enable machines to carry out tasks such as recognizing patterns and making decisions. Over time, AI-powered machines can learn from data and adapt their behavior and responses, without the need for additional reprogramming.
But how is it used in hearing aids? The simplest answer is that the hearing aid circuit memorizes certain patterns that you hear repeatedly. Ten years ago, aids would memorize the sound field in a room and essentially say to itself “Oh he is in the living room” and adjust for the best hearing within the dimensions and acoustics of that room.
Now the aids memorize the voices you hear the most, assume they are your family or important people in your life and adjust the volume and listening ease to hear that person better. They are now able to sort out the difference between human speech and background nonhuman speech and elevate the human speech in that clutter of sound.
If you watch a favorite show over and over again, the AI in the aids remembers it and seeks to adjust the aids to help you hear that program better. They can tell if you are speaking through a mask and assume others may be wearing masks and adjust to hear better because that other person may be masked as well.
One company did a major study of the body language of hearing-impaired patients. Their AI sensors adjust according to the intent revealed by the movement of your head and shoulders. For instance, if you lean in with your left ear it will raise the volume on your left aid. If you are in a group and panning back and forth between sides, it will raise and lower the volume as your head turns. Newer modes even can detect the sound field in a vehicle with road noise. If you are a driver, it will lower the volume on the left side to minimize noise from the window and raise the volume on the right side to hear passengers better. If you are the passenger it will sort that out too, based on the noise it is hearing and the type of noise it receives.
Hearing aids with artificial intelligence were introduced a couple of years ago and now most manufacturers have some form of AI in their circuits. Obviously the more sophisticated you want your AI sensors the higher price you could pay, but AI is here to stay in aids and is rapidly becoming the industry standard in all digital hearing aids. See a hearing professional soon for more information about AI and to have your hearing tested.
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Jeffrey L. Bayliff is owner of Hear the Birds Hearing Aid Centers in Lock Haven and State College.