The future of hearing aid technology : Can technology turn us into superheroes?

BACKGROUND

Hearing aid technology has proven to be successful in the rehabilitation of hearing loss, but its performance is still limited in difficult everyday conditions characterized by noise and reverberation.

OBJECTIVE

Introduction to the current state of hearing aid technology and presentation of the current state of research and future developments.

METHODS

The current literature was analyzed and several specific new developments are presented.

RESULTS

Both objective and subjective data from empirical studies show the limitations of the current technology. Examples of current research show the potential of machine learning-based algorithms and multimodal signal processing for improving speech processing and perception, of using virtual reality for improving hearing device fitting and of mobile health technology for improving hearing health services.

CONCLUSION

Hearing device technology will remain a key factor in the rehabilitation of hearing impairments. New technology, such as machine learning and multimodal signal processing, virtual reality and mobile health technology, will improve speech enhancement, individual fitting and communication training, thus providing better support for all hearing-impaired patients, including older patients with disabilities or declining cognitive skills.