Articles tagged with Hearing Aids
Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a new type of microphone that uses spider silk to improve directional sensing across a wide range of frequencies. The study, led by Professor Ron Miles and graduate student Jian Zhou, found that the fine fibers are able to pick up velocity rather than pressure of air waves.
The federal government does not require Medicaid to cover hearing aids, resulting in inconsistent coverage across states. Inconsistencies exist due to varying guidelines, with some states requiring moderate or greater hearing loss for coverage.
Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have made a breakthrough in auditory attention decoding (AAD) methods, bringing cognitively controlled hearing aids closer to reality. The new system can automatically separate individual speakers from a mixture, determine which speaker the user is listening t...
Researchers found that three of the OTC devices offered improvements in speech understanding comparable to a conventional hearing aid. However, one device demonstrated little improvement and another had worse results. The study's findings support efforts to make hearing aids more accessible through over-the-counter sales.
The study found that Ormia's mechanically-coupled hearing system prevents it from using spatial release from masking, which improves signal detection in noisy environments. This limitation affects the fly's ability to navigate complex situations and may have implications for developing artificial sensors.
A new program developed by Kari Lane at the University of Missouri has shown significant improvement in hearing aid wear time among older adults. The program, called Hearing Aid Reintroduction (HEAR), uses a systematically gradual approach to support adjustment to hearing aids, increasing wear time from one hour to 10 hours over 30 days.
A placebo-controlled trial shows that both audiology best practices and OTC models improve outcomes for older adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. The study's findings have implications for better hearing healthcare for millions of Americans.
Scientists at Binghamton University are developing a high-performance sensor to improve hearing aids, addressing limitations in microphone technology and noise understanding. The research aims to create more sensitive MEMS microphones for improved sound detection.
A study at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that using a hearing aid significantly improves cognitive test scores in older adults with hearing loss. The researchers suggest that this may help prevent or slow the development of dementia.
A new hearing aid adjustment program, HEAR, has shown promising results in increasing overall use among patients who need them. By systematically gradual adjustments, the program helps reduce frustration and social isolation caused by inadequate hearing aid use.
A recent study found that hearing aids enhance working memory, selective attention, and processing speed in individuals with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. This improvement allows individuals to focus more efficiently and reduce cognitive fatigue.
Researchers found that children with mild to severe hearing loss have poorer language development than their peers, but provide well-fit hearing aids can help. Optimal early services enable hard of hearing children to catch up or close gaps with hearing peers.
A study of 137 older adults found that hearing loss was linked to accelerated cognitive decline. However, participants who used hearing aids showed reduced declines in cognitive function over a 25-year period compared to those without hearing aids.
Studies show that hearing aid technology significantly lessens depression and anxiety, improving cognitive functioning. Hard of hearing people often struggle with invisible hearing difficulties, resisting treatment for years.
A multicenter study found that hybrid cochlear implant devices led to significant improvements in hearing and speech recognition among individuals with severely damaged high-frequency hearing. The study showed that 45 participants experienced overall improvement in their hearing and speech recognition, with some achieving profound gains.
Grand Challenges Canada and Google.org fund two Canadian organizations to develop diagnostic kits and screen people in need of high-quality hearing aids. The initiatives aim to improve the lives of over 360 million people with hearing loss worldwide.
A collaborative project between the University of Leeds and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust aims to improve access to music for people using hearing aids. The research will explore how music listening experiences are affected by deafness, hearing impairments and the use of hearing aids.
Researchers at University of Strathclyde develop miniature directional microphone to tackle sound localization challenges in hearing aids. The new design aims to improve the quality of support for those affected by hearing loss.
UT Arlington engineer Sungyong Jung is developing an efficient, low-power integrated circuit for directional hearing aids, mimicking the auditory system of a parasitic fly. The goal is to provide better, more defined hearing with improved sound quality and miniaturization.
Researchers developed an intervention to help individuals gradually increase their hearing-aid use and satisfaction. The study found that over half of participants increased their hearing-aid use from zero to four hours, and 60% reported being satisfied with their devices.
A CU-Boulder study suggests that modern hearing aids can distort music due to advanced processing designed for speech. Researchers found that simpler hearing aids with minimal processing allowed users to enjoy music more, despite reduced sound quality.
A team of researchers developed a tiny prototype device that mimics the parasitic fly's freakishly acute hearing mechanism, which may be useful for new generation of hypersensitive hearing aids. The device uses piezoelectric materials to turn mechanical strain into electric signals, minimizing power consumption.
A recent study by the University of Manchester found that only 2.1% of adults with significant hearing problems use a hearing aid. The study revealed that approximately one in 10 middle-aged adults have substantial hearing difficulties, particularly those from working-class or ethnic minority backgrounds.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a potential breakthrough in solving the 'cocktail party problem' by using neural networks to filter out background noise. The technology improves comprehension for the hearing-impaired, with scores increasing from 10% to 90%, and is being commercialized for license.
A University of Missouri researcher has developed an intervention to help adults with hearing impairments acclimate to hearing aids. The intervention aims to reduce the stigma associated with wearing hearing aids and increase their use among this population.
A team of researchers has created a new type of microphone modeled on the sensitive ears of a parasitic fly, achieving better acoustical performance than what is currently available in hearing aids. The design uses a microelectromechanical microphone with active Q control and optical sensing, reducing noise floor by 17 decibels.
A new study at UT Dallas is investigating whether hearing aids can improve balance and prevent falls in people with hearing impairments. The research project aims to identify individuals at risk of falling and evaluate the effects of different hearing aid technologies on balance and gait.
Researchers evaluated MDHearingAid's acoustic properties and tested it on patients with mild to moderately-severe hearing loss. The study found the device to be electroacoustically adequate and a reasonable low-cost solution for those who cannot afford custom hearing aids.
A new project aims to increase hearing aid use by providing easy-to-use video tutorials that address common barriers to adoption. The tutorials offer practical tips, animations, and real-life experiences from users to support patients in making the most of their devices.
Researchers discuss advancements in cochlear implant technology and spiral ganglion cell regeneration, aiming to improve sound localization and processing. They also explore strategies for auditory training of older adults to enhance speech understanding in noisy environments.
A new study led by Johns Hopkins researchers estimates nearly 23 million Americans age 50 and older have untreated hearing loss. The finding highlights the need for increased awareness and access to hearing aids, as well as rehabilitative training to learn how to integrate devices into daily lives.
A new study by Henry Ford Health shows that patients with mild hearing loss are motivated to purchase hearing aids based on factors other than cost, including perception of need and insurance coverage. Despite significant advancements in hearing aid technology and comfort, many adults with mild hearing loss do not acquire devices.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new pruning technique to trim away unnecessary circuits in computer chips, resulting in faster and more energy-efficient devices. The method uses probabilistic computing to boost performance while reducing power demands.
Children with bone-anchored hearing aids experience improved hearing and quality of life, particularly in noisy environments. Younger children tend to benefit more from the device.
Bone-anchored hearing aids significantly improved scores on both hearing tests and questionnaires for children with single-sided deafness. The complication rate was 17%, but the treatment has been shown to be beneficial in counseling children and their families regarding treatment options.
Researchers from Michigan State University found that many low-cost over-the-counter hearing aids fail to meet basic fitting requirements and may damage a person's hearing. The study advises consumers to consult with an audiologist for proper fitting and customization.
A new hearing aid technology has been shown to improve speech intelligibility in noisy environments like restaurants. The open-fit hearing aids with directional microphones outperformed traditional options and provided a 20% improvement in speech clarity.
New findings suggest that the tectorial membrane in the inner ear varies in rigidity along its length, allowing it to respond to different sound frequencies. This variation enables the distinction of sounds at various frequencies, potentially leading to improved hearing aid design.
A recent study published in Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery found that outcomes following surgically implanted bone-anchored hearing aids are comparable for children younger than 5 years and those older than 5 years. Early and consistent stimulation of the cochlea is critical to a child's development of speech and language.
Researchers highlight the importance of understanding risk factors for heel ulcers, which are often linked to peripheral neuropathy and diminished vascular function. Additionally, studies demonstrate the effectiveness of lateral-wedge insoles in relieving pain and stiffness in people with knee osteoarthritis. The study also explores th...
A Duke University study found that hearing loss contributes to a decline in quality of life, particularly among the elderly. The study also revealed that approximately six million people in the US use hearing aids, but 35-50% of users are not satisfied with their devices.
Varibel, a new Dutch invention, provides directional sensitivity and improves speech understanding for seniors with hearing impairments. The glasses use microphones to selectively intensify sounds from the front while dampening surrounding noise.
Recent advances in middle-ear function evaluation provide rapid data on health, while prevention programs can reduce noise-induced hearing loss. New research also addresses the impact of aging on hearing, tinnitus management through progressive intervention approaches, and hair cell regeneration for restoring hearing.
A UCI study discovered that enhancing frequency modulation on cochlear implants and hearing aids can significantly boost performance by separating background noise and increasing tonal recognition. This improvement can particularly benefit users of hearing aids, affecting music and certain spoken languages like Mandarin.
King Chung's research shows that combining hearing aid technologies with cochlear implants reduces background noise, enhances speech understanding, and improves sound quality. Cochlear implant users prefer conditions with advanced hearing aid preprocessing.
Binghamton University has received a $10 million grant from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders to develop more effective hearing aids. The project aims to dramatically improve speech intelligibility in noisy environments, benefiting over 28 million Americans with hearing loss.
A significant proportion of elderly people in the UK experience poor hearing, with around a quarter failing a whispered voice test. The study highlights challenges in improving detection and management of reduced hearing, as well as increasing ownership and use of hearing aids.
Researchers can now reconstruct missing sound sequences by analyzing typical language patterns. This technology will aid safe communication in noisy environments and help historians recreate lost texts.
Researchers are developing a magnetic hearing aid that uses an electromagnetic coil to stimulate the inner ear via the round window, potentially enhancing speech and reducing background noise. The device could reduce or eliminate acoustic feedback, a common issue with conventional hearing aids.
A free orientation program developed by UF professor Alice Holmes aims to increase patient satisfaction among hearing aid users. The four-session program provides realistic guidance on using hearing aids, adjusting settings, and preventing communication breakdowns.
Researchers are assessing the audiological and educational benefits of the DigiFocus, a revolutionary device that adjusts automatically to different noise levels. The study aims to show that children with hearing loss will benefit from this technology and accelerate their speech, language, and social development.