Hearing, listening and deep neural networks in hearing aids

Abstract

Hearing aids have undergone vast changes in the last 30 years from basic analog sound processing techniques, to advanced digital technology, to Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) “on-the-chip” providing real-time sound processing. In addition to making sounds audible, advanced hearing aids with DNN on-the-chip are better able to provide clearer understanding of speech in noise, improve recall, maintain interaural loudness and timing differences, and improve the wearer’s ability to selectively attend to the speaker of choice in challenging listening situations. These improvements are delivered without acoustic feedback and with very high sound quality.