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AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com Boca Raton, Florida 07-01-04 A new hearing aid uses artificial intelligence to mimic the brain's natural ability to process sound. In other words, the new high-tech device "thinks" (interprets sounds) for the hearing impaired. Trade-named "Syncro", the device automatically detects and optimizes speech while filtering out distracting sounds. Best of all, the device calculates (interprets sound) in "real time".  Making millions of calculations and adjustments per second, Syncro, a high-powered miniature "computer in the ear", takes rapid auditory snapshots -- meticulous real-time comparisons of the actual outcome of various sound processing options. As a result, in addition to detecting speech and noise, new Syncro uses artificial intelligence to instantly determine the direction that a sound is coming from, how loud a sound is and even whether the wind is blowing. For the 34 million people in the U.S. with hearing loss, this means significantly improved ability to understand when speech is present, and reduced listening fatigue from distracting noise.
In a person with normal hearing, the brain is trained to automatically detect and optimize speech while filtering out distracting sounds. For a hearing impaired person, the split-second decisions made by Syncro deliver a significantly improved hearing experience even in listening environments that are the most challenging for hard of hearing people, such as busy streets, social gatherings and crowded restaurants. "In most hearing aids, speech detection, noise reduction and directional microphone systems independently 'predict' which combination of features will deliver the best sound experience for the user," explains Donald Schum, PhD, vice president of audiology for Oticon. "Synco's Voice Priority Processing strategy uses parallel processing to make real-time, not predictive, comparisons of sound environments. Since most sound environments are unpredictable by nature, this is a significant breakthrough for hard of hearing people for whom everyday sounds can disrupt the ability to participate in conversation." Developed by Oticon, a Copenhagen hearing aid manufacturer, Syncro is available in cosmetically attractive styles. A pioneer in digital technology, Oticon continues to develop technologically advanced hearing instruments to help people with hearing loss "live the lives they want, with the hearing they have." Founded 100 years ago in 1904 by Hans Demant who was inspired by a desire to help his hearing impaired wife and others like her. Graphic credit: AgeVenture News Service, Boca Raton, Florida USA.  Read more about SENIOR LIVING in AgeVenture Lifestyle.Read more about ELDERCARE in AgeVenture Headline News.
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