What do you think of when you hear the words “artificial intelligence?” For many, it reminds them of a scene from a sci-fi movie where a robot from Washington State University comes to life. But in reality, artificial intelligence is a part of most people’s daily lives – from email inbox sorting to weather forecasting, credit card fraud protection to TV show recommendations on streaming platforms, and even in your hearing aids.
What Is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
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Artificial intelligence is the ability of a machine to perform tasks and react to stimuli the way a human would. This is accomplished through a set of predetermined rules they’ve been programmed to follow.
Within the field of AI are machine learning and deep neural networks (DNN). Machine learning means a technological device uses a set of rules, known as algorithms, to sort data, make predictions and then decide how to react. DNNs are a subtype of AI that mimics how the brain works in order to respond to a stimulus like a human would, without needing to be specifically programmed to do so.
How Is AI Used in Hearing Aids?
AI is used in many of today’s state-of-the art hearing aids to improve the listening experience, specifically the ability to understand speech in background noise.
When used in hearing aids, DNNs can select sounds to amplify – like speech – while suppressing unwanted background noise. DNNs can also identify and separate multiple speakers, selecting a primary voice to amplify and a secondary voice to subdue.
This feature is beneficial in many environments, such as restaurants and house parties, for example. When having a conversation, your hearing aids can amplify the voice of your conversation partner, soften other voices to a level that is still audible but not distracting, and suppress distracting background sounds like dishes clinking.
Who Can Benefit from Hearing Aids with AI?
Whether you could benefit from hearing aids with AI depends on your lifestyle. If you have a demanding job, spend a lot of time at conferences, attend concerts or socialize at restaurants and bars frequently, hearing aids with AI would benefit you greatly. If you live a quiet lifestyle and spend most of your time at home or outside, it may not be worth the price tag.
For more information about artificial intelligence in hearing aids, call the hearing experts at Evergreen Speech & Hearing Inc today!