Advanced hearing aids utilizing AI technology could aid individuals with hearing impairments
New Delhi, March 3 (IANS) – Experts have highlighted the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled hearing devices in transforming solutions for individuals with hearing impairments on World Hearing Day observed on March 3.
According to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), around 430 million individuals across the globe are affected by hearing loss. It is projected that by 2050, one in ten people, including children and young adults, could experience hearing loss.
Dr. Aparna Gupta from Indian Spinal Injuries Centre emphasized the role of AI in advanced hearing aids to amplify sound and convert it into neural pulses, aiding individuals in hearing more effectively. Dr. Virendra Singh from Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute also pointed out the benefits of AI-based hearing aids in addressing sound barriers.
In India, over 63 million people are reported to struggle with significant auditory deficiencies. As the elderly population is expected to double by 2050, the demand for effective solutions for hearing impairments is on the rise, necessitating proactive measures to address this pressing public health issue.
Despite the widespread prevalence of hearing loss, the adoption rate for hearing aids remains low due to factors such as high costs and social stigma associated with using hearing aids. Brandon Sawalich from Starkey highlighted the technological advancements in today’s hearing aids, offering improved hearing experiences for individuals.
The introduction of AI-enabled hearing aids signifies a significant advancement in addressing hearing impairment by providing enhanced sound clarity, health monitoring features, and personalized user interfaces. Experts emphasized that AI technology can significantly improve speech processing, noise reduction, and sound complexity differentiation, ultimately helping individuals hear better without any manual intervention.
