Google is teaming up with healthcare service delivery and research technology organizations to develop personalized hearing aids. The project, which was announced earlier this year, is aimed at using the power of AI to address individual listening needs. The tech giant is working with Cochlear, Macquarie University Hearing Hub members, the Shepherd Centre, and NextSense to develop hearing aids that are particularly beneficial for those who rely on them in noisy environments such as restaurants, live performances, or public transportation.
The new technology will make it easier for users to follow conversations by identifying and segregating sound sources, such as a person talking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 1.5 billion people live with hearing loss, and that number could increase to over 2.5 billion by 2050. By using AI to develop better hearing aids, Google and its partners are set to make a profound impact on the lives of those who rely on these devices.
