DeepSummary
The podcast episode explores how modern hearing aids have evolved beyond just amplifying sound, and now incorporate cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sensors to provide enhanced features. These include filtering out background noise, tracking physical activity and falls, and even predicting aspects of mental health.
The transcript features interviews with industry experts discussing how hearing aids leverage techniques like deep neural networks trained on billions of sound instances to intelligently amplify important sounds while suppressing noise. They also highlight emerging capabilities like gait monitoring to predict falls, and voice analysis to detect signs of depression or cognitive decline.
There is optimism that as the technology progresses and costs decrease with over-the-counter options, hearing aids could become vital health accessories for a wider population beyond those with hearing loss. The convergence with consumer tech like wireless earbuds is also helping reduce stigma around their use.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Modern hearing aids incorporate advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sensors to provide enhanced capabilities beyond just amplifying sound.
- These new capabilities include intelligent filtering of background noise, physical activity and fall tracking, and even analysis of vocal patterns to predict mental health conditions.
- As the technology progresses and costs decrease with over-the-counter options, hearing aids could transition from assistive devices to vital health accessories for a broader population.
- The convergence of hearing aid technology with consumer tech like wireless earbuds is helping to reduce the stigma around wearing hearing devices.
- Addressing issues like loneliness and social isolation, which are linked to hearing loss, is a key focus as hearing aids evolve into holistic health monitoring devices.
- While expensive now, improving insurance coverage and over-the-counter options could make advanced hearing aid technology more accessible.
- Privacy remains a concern as hearing aids incorporate more data collection and analysis capabilities related to health tracking.
- The future vision is for hearing aids to become indispensable wearable technology that enhances not just hearing, but overall health and connectivity.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I'm telling you, there'll be a time when everyone will have inear devices with this magical technology that clarifies and amplifies the world of sound, lets you track your health, and then it will be your inear connection to the world that will connect to you and communicate with you. You will not want to live without such a device.“ by Achen Bomik
- “It's going to come from both directions. And that's where you're seeing this again, this convergence, right? Let's say Apple, they always had these various features, and now they're including the hearing augmentation per se. At the same time, now you have hearing aid companies now trying to also add on these other features what their.“ by Frank Lin
- “As far as I know, I might have been knocked out for a few moments, but within literally seemed like a long time. But maybe within two minutes, I heard my wife come to the back door.“ by David Cruz
- “Literally, if you look at loneliness and how it impacts our physiologic health over time, and when you're lonely, you're less likely to adhere to medical therapies, for instance, and puts more stress in the body.“ by Frank Lin
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Episode Information
WSJ’s The Future of Everything
The Wall Street Journal
11/10/23
There may come a day when everyone will be wearing hearing aids. That’s because today’s hearing aids can do much more than clarify and amplify sound. Companies like Starkey are adding features like cognitive activity tracking and exercise monitoring. They’re developing tech that aims to warn users before they might fall and predict aspects of mental health too. If barriers like high cost and social stigma are addressed, hearing aids could become a vital accessory, whether or not you’re one of the 55 million Americans projected to have hearing loss by 2030.
What do you think about the show? Let us know on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or email us: FOEPodcast@wsj.com
Further reading:
Wait, Are Hearing Aids Cool Now? Ask Millennials
Apple AirPods Could Help You Hear Better
Buying Help for Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids—Whether You Spend $250 or $2,500
Cheaper Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Are Coming. Here’s How to Comparison Shop.
Cures for Hearing Loss May Be Found in New Drugs
Using Teeth to Help Restore Hearing
Better Hearing Can Lead to Better Thinking
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