Key Takeaways:

1. AI is improving hearing aid performance and patient engagement, particularly with regard to speech in noise and auditory training apps, leading to better user outcomes.
2. Audiologists see potential in AI-assisted testing and office management, but insist on clinician oversight to ensure accuracy and personalized care.
3. Hearing care professionals are united in the belief that AI should enhance, not replace, their roles, emphasizing that human connection and clinical judgment are irreplaceable in effective patient care.

By Melanie Hamilton-Basich

These days, most people are of two minds when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI). “I think overall everyone’s pretty excited just about the possibility of AI improving things for our patients,” says Hunter Gerhart, AuD, director of audiology at Livingston Hearing Aid Center in Austin, TX. But like many hearing care professionals (HCPs), he is both hopeful and a bit unsure about all of the changes that AI can bring to audiology.

A large part of what gives people pause is the uncertainty about just what AI’s capabilities are and how it’s being used, partly because of terminology. It’s important to know that not everything referred to as AI is operating in the same way.

Different Kinds of AI

For instance, there’s a difference between generative AI and machine learning. Both fall under the umbrella of artificial intelligence. But machine learning is focused on identifying patterns based on data it has “learned” and making predictions based on those patterns to aid in decision making. On the other hand, generative AI such as ChatGPT is trained on enormous datasets to actually create new content, including text, images, and video.

Currently, most of the uses of AI in audiology are for machine learning. For example, audiometers can employ machine learning algorithms to automate traditional audiometric tests to improve precision and efficiency. 

And many new hearing aids feature highly advanced chips that utilize machine learning to distinguish between different types of sound and make adjustments to focus on only the sounds it’s predicted the user wants to hear in different situations.

But what are hearing care professionals comfortable using AI for in their practices?

AI in Hearing Aids

The most talked about example of AI use in audiology right now is for hearing aids. And it’s not just because they’re new. It’s also because HCPs and patients are seeing the benefits of the technology.

Gerhart has been fitting more and more patients with AI-powered hearing aids at his clinic and has been impressed with their performance. “My patients have commented on just how much better they are hearing in noise,” he says. “And I believe that that increase in speech understanding in background noise is due to the way that AI is being utilized in today’s hearing aids to classify the different sound sources.”

Julie Prutsman, AuD, CH-TM, owner and founder of Sound Relief Tinnitus & Hearing Center based in Colorado, also welcomes the use of AI technology in hearing aids. “AI is definitely helping to better isolate speech in noise, I think for sure,” she says.

But Prutsman also sees the benefit of AI in hearing aids helping patients adjust settings in noisy situations. Without such assistance, she knows many people get overwhelmed struggling to determine which settings to adjust and how much, so they give up. 

“For a technology to help them through that, to keep them in that environment and keep them confident, keep them engaged, is really the ultimate goal so they don’t self-isolate,” she says. “Because we know social isolation is what can lead to depression, which can lead to cognitive decline, which can lead to all sorts of negative side effects.

“So it’s definitely neat to see AI being incorporated into app controls and into hearing aid chips, and I think it’s going to continue to improve.”

Auditory Training

AI can also be used for aural rehabilitation. Prutsman has found success with an auditory training app called Lace AI Pro that uses AI to help patients learn how to better understand speech in noise. 

Interactive lessons increase in difficulty to continue challenging the patient if they’re doing well. But if the AI determines the patient is struggling too much to understand the words, it will make the lessons a bit easier so the patient doesn’t get frustrated and give up. Prutsman appreciates how the app uses AI to constantly adjust difficulty in response to the user’s skill level because it helps keep them stay engaged over the long term, which is important for continued improvement.

“Patients aren’t really realizing that the exercises are getting a little bit harder or easier,” Prutsman says. “I think that’s a good thing that patients aren’t really noticing the algorithms working behind the scenes, but they’re definitely benefiting from them.”

Hearing Testing

When it comes to using AI to streamline hearing testing, audiologists’ reactions are more measured. They’re open to assistance up to a point.

“I think AI could be beneficial to help with screening out normal hearing or standard age-related hearing loss,” says Jessica Stiel, AuD, CCC-A, who works at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “And then as the clinician, I would be able to identify the red flags where a referral might be needed, if there was an asymmetric loss or a conductive loss, so it could help diagnose in that regard. Then I would have more clinical time and judgment to spend on the more complex cases.”

Stiel sees this as similar to how hearing aid software incorporating AI is currently used. “You start with an initial fit based on the user’s experience and their age and their hearing loss. And then that’s kind of preset,” she says. “And then based on how they do and what their complaints are, that’s where we come in as the professionals knowing how to make adjustments to accommodate whatever issues or complications they’re having.”

Prutsman also sees the benefits of AI taking over some of the basic hearing testing—but only with direct oversight from HCPs.

“You have to make sure what’s going into the algorithm is good data, to get out the results you’re looking for. So we would have to cross-check it,” emphasizes Prutsman. “Otherwise something could get missed or inaccurately diagnosed. You would definitely need to have some clear parameters to make sure that didn’t happen. But if we could get there, which I think they are definitely working on, it could help.”

And with a projected significant shortage of audiologists in the very near future, Prutsman sees this solution becoming especially useful. “If we could use AI to help fill some of the gaps in the number of providers needed to meet the demand, that could really be great for workflow and for better patient care, really,” she says.

For his part, Gerhart is concerned about the extent of AI’s reach in audiology testing. “I would not want to see AI replacing the diagnostician and the treatment of hearing loss, because hearing loss is not something that can be self-identified,” he says. “It’s really hard to get a proper diagnosis, and degree and severity of the loss, without having a test that’s performed by a licensed hearing healthcare professional.”

Office Management

The use of AI is not confined to HCPs themselves, of course. Many tasks that staff members must complete to make sure a practice runs smoothly can also involve AI these days.

Office management software is increasingly offering AI features to streamline processes and enhance practice efficiency. These include voice-to-text dictation, the ability to create auto-replies via text and email, and language translation.

At the practice where Stiel works, staff use AI features in their office management software for scheduling appointments, which she says has been extremely useful.

While the software Prutsman’s clinic uses doesn’t currently use AI, she’s open to using a system that does. “If AI could help with that puzzle of ideal patient scheduling in a day, that would make my life a lot easier because we spend a lot of time trying to figure out the perfect schedule,” she says.

Marketing

AI can also be used for marketing. Prutsman’s husband is in charge of all of the marketing for her practice, and he says using generative AI in the form of ChatGPT to create promotional materials has been a game changer.

“He spends way less time on having to edit and create the perfect content because with the help of AI he can really customize the message to fit the format or the language that he’s looking for for a particular marketing piece,” Prutsman says. “He’ll take a concept and say, ‘Here’s what we want to say. Can you make it more informational, or more relatable?’ Or, ‘Can you find a funny tagline for this blog post?’ So it’s just pretty amazing what you can do and how the more you use it, the more it learns what your preferences are and then it starts becoming easier and easier to get the end product that you’re really looking for.”

But Prutsman also notes that you always need to check to make sure the content ChatGPT generates is actually what you want and doesn’t contain errors or fabricated information. It still requires human oversight.

A Tool, Not a Replacement

While HCPs tend to agree that AI can be useful, they also agree that they don’t want it to replace them.

“Overall, I think it’s a powerful tool, but it’s not a substitute for clinical expertise,” says Stiel. “I feel like most of us are open to AI or excited about it, so long as we get to remain a part of the process.”

Concern about overreliance on AI to the detriment of hearing care professionals and patients is not unfounded.

In Facebook groups for people with hearing loss, Gerhart regularly sees posts from people asking HCPs to interpret their test results. “While there are a lot of great qualified professionals in these forums who will often chime in and help these users understand their results, as AI technology improves and becomes more readily available, I fear that consumers may turn to those sources before they turn to a professional,” he says. “I wouldn’t want them to replace the expertise of a hearing healthcare professional with AI.”

It seems that some companies are already working on making what Gerhart fears a reality. 

Stiel was recently contacted by a company looking for audiologists to answer questions related to hearing care for a fee. “I think they’re trying to teach their AI database how to answer these questions to create a kind of medical ChatGPT,” she says. And it wouldn’t surprise her if it came to fruition, although she hopes it doesn’t.

“I think that it’s key to use AI as a tool, not a replacement,” Stiel emphasizes. “Hearing care is deeply personal, and no algorithm can replace clinical judgment or human understanding of context.”

Gerhart also strongly believes that personal interaction in healthcare will always trump artificial intelligence. “I think that there is a fundamental component of quality hearing healthcare, and I think that’s the human touch, being able to have a one-on-one interaction with a hearing care professional where we can guide patients through how to overcome the challenges that they’re experiencing, which I don’t think AI can deliver.” 

Featured image: ID 143574018 | Ai © Blackboard373 | Dreamstime.com

Key Takeaways:

1. Dual Stevie Awards Recognition: Widex USA earned top honors in both “Achievement in Customer Experience” and “Front-Line Customer Service Team of the Year” at the 2025 Stevie Awards.
2. Customer-Centric Excellence: The company’s success stems from a robust quality monitoring program, strategic service improvements, and a culture rooted in empathy and responsiveness.
3. Impressive Service Metrics: With a 75 NPS, 97% satisfaction, and 90% first call resolution, Widex USA demonstrates a deep commitment to customer trust.

Widex USA has been named a Stevie Award winner in two categories at the 2025 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service: Achievement in Customer Experience and Front-Line Customer Service Team of the Year.

Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious awards programs in global business, the Stevie Awards drew more than 2,100 nominations from organizations across 45 countries this year. Judged by over 300 industry professionals worldwide, the awards recognize excellence in leadership, performance, and customer engagement. With this dual win, Widex joins a distinguished group of industry leaders honored for their commitment to exceptional service.

The Achievement in Customer Experience award recognizes how Widex has built a consistent, end-to-end support journey that prioritizes the customer at every touchpoint. The Front-Line Customer Service Team of the Year award celebrates the individuals who bring that experience to life each day with care and professionalism. 

“Earning a Stevie Award is a tremendous honor and a powerful affirmation of the work our team does every day,” says Corrinne Masto, VP, Service Excellence at WSA. “It reinforces that when we lead with empathy and truly listen to our customers, we create meaningful experiences that build lasting trust.”

Widex USA’s customer service team has undergone a significant transformation since being certified as a BenchmarkPortal Center of Excellence in 2016. Since then, through strategic reorganization, the implementation of a globally recognized Quality Monitoring Program, and a strong commitment to team member development, the team has consistently elevated its service to best-in-class standards.

In recent years, Widex USA has reached significant milestones, including:

• A Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 75 since August 2023
• 97% customer satisfaction based on 5-point scale ratings
• 28-second average speed of answer
• 90% first call resolution rate
• 98% of all calls answered, with 80% answered within 30 seconds

The team’s Quality Monitoring Program, which defines clear communication standards and promotes continuous development, has since been adopted by other WSA organizations around the globe.

“These achievements go far beyond statistics. They represent the trust our customers place in us and the pride our team takes in earning that trust,” adds Masto. “Every call is an opportunity to make someone’s day a little easier, and that sense of purpose drives everything we do. More than just about solving problems, we strive to deliver peace of mind with empathy, speed, and professionalism.”

To learn more about the Stevie Awards, visit stevieawards.com. For more information on Widex, visit widex.com.

Key Takeaways:

1. Seamless Integration: DualSync allows synchronized streaming to both Starkey hearing aids and Med-El cochlear implants, enhancing the listening experience for bimodal users.
2. Device Compatibility: The solution supports Starkey Edge AI and Genesis AI hearing aids and Med-El Sonnet and Rondo processors, with future compatibility planned.
3. Shared Vision: The collaboration emphasizes user-centered innovation, aiming to improve accessibility, sound quality, and daily communication for people with complex hearing needs.

Global hearing technology companies Starkey and Med-El are collaborating to introduce DualSync, a bimodal streaming partnership enabling Apple technology to seamlessly stream to compatible Starkey hearing aids and Med-El cochlear implants.

This partnership brings together the strength of Starkey’s hearing aids with the innovation behind Med-El’s cochlear implants to create a seamless and unified wireless audio experience for people who rely on both technologies.

Beginning July 1, 2025, Starkey Edge AI and Genesis AI hearing aids and Med-El Sonnet 3, Sonnet 2, Sonnet, and Rondo 3 audio processors will be compatible for bimodal streaming. The solution is designed to support a growing ecosystem of devices and will be compatible with future innovations from both companies. DualSync technology is designed to provide seamless audio connectivity and synchronized sound from compatible smartphones and media devices, to empower users with more natural, connected hearing.

“Hearing loss takes many forms and, in some cases, multiple technologies are required for the best outcome of the patient,” says Brandon Sawalich, president and CEO of Starkey. “Today, two global tech leaders are combining world-class innovations to connect more people back to the things they love most. Partnering with Med-El reflects our shared commitment to delivering excellence without exception.”

“By uniting two leading technologies, we are delivering a global solution that gives bimodal users effortless connectivity, clearer sound, and greater control in their daily lives,” adds Dr Ingeborg Hochmair, co-founder and CEO of Med-El. “Our shared goal is simple: to make it easier for people everywhere to hear, communicate, and engage with the world—using the most advanced technology available.”

According to the companies, this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to patient-first innovation, personalized care, and expanding access to the latest in hearing technology available to users worldwide.

For more information, visit www.starkey.com or www.medel.com. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Innovative Technology: Harmony hearing aids offer high-quality sound, Bluetooth streaming, tinnitus support, and user-friendly features across three technology levels.
2. Health Impact Focus: The product addresses a growing public health concern by promoting early intervention for hearing loss, which is linked to serious risks like dementia and depression.
3. Comprehensive Care Model: Harmony integrates seamlessly with Birdsong’s broader hearing benefit platform, emphasizing personalized care, accessibility, and long-term support.

Birdsong Hearing Benefits is introducing Harmony—the company’s latest advancement in hearing aid technology, designed to deliver exceptional sound quality, comfort, and performance. Designed for ease, comfort, and connection, Harmony hearing aids offer three technology levels to meet a wide range of hearing needs.

The launch comes at a time when hearing loss is more prevalent than ever, affecting tens of millions of Americans, including over 30% of the population aged 65 and older. With research showing that untreated hearing loss is directly linked to increased risks of falls, depression, and dementia—making early intervention a priority is more important than ever. Despite this, hearing aid adoption remains low. Harmony is designed to bridge that gap by combining intuitive technology with flexible support options, empowering more individuals to hear better, live safer, and stay connected.

Since its inception in 2022, Birdsong Hearing Benefits has focused on providing comprehensive hearing benefit solutions for Medicare Advantage and commercial health plans. By integrating proactive care strategies with advanced analytics, Birdsong aims to improve clinical outcomes and reduce overall healthcare costs associated with untreated hearing loss.

“Introducing Birdsong Harmony hearing aids alongside our already robust suite of services is a natural and necessary evolution of our mission,” says Sharon Fletcher, CEO of Birdsong Hearing Benefits. “By uniting hearing devices with our proactive care model, we’re closing the loop between diagnosis, treatment, and long-term support. We want our members to hear and live better.”

Harmony: Seamless Sound Quality and Streamlined Support

Harmony hearing aids, available to Birdsong members, are engineered to provide a natural listening experience, even in challenging environments. The hearing aids include Bluetooth streaming, tinnitus support, and teleloop compatibility, along with intuitive double push-button controls and both rechargeable and non-rechargeable battery options. The Birdsong app and RemoteLink 2 put control and care at members’ fingertips.

Meeting the Moment in Hearing Health

Approximately 15% of American adults – 37.5 million people aged 18 and over – report some degree of hearing difficulty, yet many go without support. As public awareness grows and hearing technology evolves, millions are turning to hearing devices to reconnect with loved ones, stay engaged at work, and fully participate in daily life. In fact, more than 28 million U.S. adults could benefit from hearing aids, underscoring the critical need for accessible, empowering hearing health solutions.

According to Birdsong Hearing Benefits, the company is proud to help lead this next era with innovative solutions that prioritize accessibility, performance, and ease of use. The new Harmony product reflects the commitment to merging advanced technology with a member-first benefit design to ensure more people can experience the full spectrum of life’s sounds. 

For more information about Harmony hearing aids, visit birdsonghearing.com/hearing-aids.

Key Takeaways:

1. AI-Driven Technology: Audéo Sphere Infinio is the first hearing aid to use a real-time AI chip, DeepSonic, for advanced speech-from-noise separation.
2. Military Access: The device is now accessible to veterans and active-duty military personnel through Government Services.
3. Broader Availability: As of May 2025, the full Infinio portfolio, including new models like Roger V3 and Virto I-Titanium IIC, is available through VA and DoD channels.

Phonak has announced the extension of the Infinio family with Audéo Sphere Infinio now available through Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. Available to both veterans and active military, Sphere is the world’s first hearing aid powered by a dedicated real-time AI chip for speech-from-noise separation, according to the company.  

Building on the Infinio platform, Audéo Sphere Infinio was first launched in August 2024. Made to offering exceptional speech clarity from any direction, Sphere filters out noise from speech, allowing users to engage with friends, family members, or colleagues even in the noisiest environments. Phonak is applying AI/DNN to sound processing using a dedicated AI chip, DeepSonic. It separates unwanted noise from speech to deliver a level of clean and clear speech far beyond any existing technology, according to Phonak. 

“When military service members receive Phonak hearing aids, they’re not just regaining their hearing—they’re reclaiming their connections to family, friends, and community,” says Nicholai Dessypris, president, North America, Hearing Instruments at Sonova Group. “Staying connected is essential for mental health and we are committed to reducing isolation and supporting the emotional well-being for those who bravely serve.” 

As of May 2025, Phonak now offers the full Infinio portfolio through Government Services, including the latest additions—Roger V3, Virto I-Titanium IIC, and Virto I-CIC.  

For more information about the Phonak Audéo Sphere Infinio and to find a local VA Center, visit www.phonak.com. 

Featured image: Phonak

Key Takeaways:

1. Smart Technology: Eargo 8 includes innovations like Smart Sound Adjust and the patented Device Scan feature for automatic environmental adjustments and device wellness checks.
2. User Convenience: With an extended-life wireless-compatible charger and extensive support, Eargo 8 prioritizes user autonomy and ease of use.
3. Accessibility and Value: FDA-cleared and priced at $2,699, Eargo 8 offers a premium yet affordable alternative to prescription hearing aids, with insurance compatibility and retail availability online.

Eargo Inc., an LXE Hearing company, has launched Eargo 8, its most advanced self-fitting over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid yet. Merging high-definition sound quality with their signature virtually invisible design, Eargo 8 is intended as a continuation of the brand’s promise to create a better product and experience for people with hearing loss. Eargo 8 is the first product to be launched by LXE Hearing, a comprehensive hearing health company created by the merger of Eargo and hearX, maker of Lexie hearing aids.

This new OTC hearing aid was thoughtfully engineered with premium features, technology, and design while delivering essential post-purchase assistance for a seamless integration into users’ lives. The Eargo 8 has several innovative new features, including:

● Smart Sound Adjust: Analyzes your environment and automatically adjusts to the noise levels so you never miss a beat. When entering a noisy restaurant or crowded place, this new feature automatically utilizes fast-acting noise reduction without requiring the user to fuss with controls.

● Device Scan: An exclusive new feature that serves as a wellness check for your device. Device Scan helps users monitor Eargo 8 device health and identify maintenance needs to ensure long-term device performance. Eargo holds the patent for this technology, and Eargo 8 is the only device in the category to have this patented feature.

● Extended Life Charger: The Eargo 8 device is housed in a sleek, extended-life charging case that provides 2 weeks of full recharges. The Eargo 8 charger features the best total battery life in the category, according to the company, and is also wireless charging compatible.

● Eargo Support: Whether with live help or with the Eargo app, users can choose however much help or autonomy they desire. Eargo 8 comes with comprehensive support, including live assistance, tutorials, and an extended library of reference resources that the company says far surpass typical offerings for OTC hearing aids. According to the company, Eargo support is renowned for world-class response times, and Eargo hearing aid experts are industry veterans with an average of 18 years of experience.

● Two-Year Warranty: Eargo 8 also includes a two-year warranty, double the 1-year coverage typically offered by other OTC hearing aid brands.

“We’re incredibly proud to unveil Eargo 8—this isn’t just another hearing aid, it’s a leap forward in technology, user experience, and accessibility,” says Tim Trine, chief technology officer of LXE Hearing, Eargo’s parent company. “With Eargo 8, we’ve achieved an extraordinary breakthrough in sound quality and user experience that redefines what OTC hearing aids should be. We’ve done the research, pushed the technology, and listened to our customers to deliver a smarter, sleeker, and more accessible model.”

“With the launch of Eargo 8, we pushed the boundaries of what is possible for such a small, compact, and nearly invisible design. We remain committed to raising the bar for hearing wellness while delivering incredible value for our customers,” says Nic Klopper, CEO of LXE Hearing. “Traditional prescription hearing aids and other nearly invisible options can be prohibitively expensive for consumers, costing upwards of $7,000. This puts quality, comfort, and support out of reach for many.

“Eargo was founded on a mission to battle this and improve access and affordability for more people. And with Eargo 8, we’ve packed more advancements than ever in our OTC device and are proud to have successfully reduced our pricing to make premium hearing more accessible than ever.”

Eargo 8 is FDA cleared and its MSRP is $2,699. Eargo’s complete portfolio of over-the-counter hearing aid devices—including Eargo 8, Eargo SE, and LINK by Eargo—will be available for purchase online at Eargo.com and through various online retail partners, including Best Buy and Amazon. Individuals with eligible hearing aid insurance benefits may be able to use them to purchase Eargo. Eargo accepts many major health plans, subject to verification of benefits and plan approval, and is in-network with Blue Shield of California.

Key Takeaways:

1. Beltone is offering free hearing screenings throughout May and encouraging the public to prioritize annual hearing checks.
2. A giveaway will award 31 individuals in need with free hearing aids, one each day of May, through the Beltone Hearing Care Foundation.
3. To qualify for the giveaway, nominees must complete a free screening and demonstrate a minimum hearing loss of 25dB.

In celebration of Better Hearing Month, Beltone is spotlighting the vital importance of annual hearing screenings. During a media tour held recently that will be featured on various news programs nationwide throughout May, Beltone’s Director of Patient Experience and Audiologist, MJ DeSousa, discussed safe listening practices, strategies for protecting hearing, and the latest advancements in hearing technology that help combat the stigma surrounding hearing aid use. DeSousa also emphasized the importance of hearing screenings and encouraged audiences to take advantage of the opportunity to schedule a free hearing screening at their local Beltone throughout the month of May.

Additionally, Beltone has launched its second annual Better Hearing Month hearing aid giveaway. Through May 31, 2025, Beltone is accepting nominations for individuals in need of better hearing for a chance to receive a free set of Beltone hearing aids. To be considered for the giveaway, individuals must complete a free hearing screening at a participating Beltone location and have a minimum hearing loss of 25dB. 

A total of 31 sets of Beltone hearing aids will be given away, one for each day of May, to qualifying individuals through the Beltone Hearing Care Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Nominations can be submitted at about.beltone.com/better-hearing-month/.

“At Beltone, we are dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss,” says David Molella, president of Beltone North America. “Our Better Hearing Month initiatives not only highlight the importance of hearing screenings to identify hearing loss early but also empower individuals to seek assistance and reconnect with the world through better hearing.”

This Better Hearing Month, Beltone encourages everyone to join them in raising awareness about hearing health and the importance of hearing screenings. For more information, visit www.beltone.com. 

About Beltone
Recognized by Newsweek & USA TODAY as one of America’s Best Hearing Retailers and named as one of Forbes Best Employers, Beltone has been in the hearing care industry for 85 years, with the goal of providing reliable, affordable, and advanced hearing aids. With approximately 1,200 locations nationwide, the company’s local offices provide personalized service, and Beltone hearing care professionals receive extensive training to provide the best care. As part of the GN Group, Beltone focuses on the needs of patients through innovative hearing technologies and the “Independent Together” promise to its network. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Enhanced Accessibility: Starkey Edge AI hearing aid users can stream TV audio directly to their devices without extra accessories.
2. Advanced Bluetooth Tech: Auracast and LE Audio offer high-fidelity, multi-user streaming and personalized volume control.
3. Seamless Integration: This collaboration supports both companies’ missions to improve accessibility and entertainment for individuals with hearing loss.

This Better Hearing Month, Starkey is partnering with LG to enhance accessibility for people with hearing loss through the power of Auracast streaming. With the launch of LG’s 2025 OLED and QNED evo TV, Starkey Edge AI hearing aid wearers can now easily experience clearer, more immersive sound when watching television. 

For decades, television audio has been a top concern for hearing aid wearers. Streaming audio from the TV to the hearing aid helps with understanding, listening fatigue, and the fight over the volume control with listening partners. LE Audio and Auracast, the next generation of Bluetooth technology, allow higher fidelity streaming and the ability to stream to multiple users at one time. 

With Starkey Edge AI hearing technology and LG’s 2025 OLED and QNED evo TV, no additional accessories are needed. Using their Android phone with LE Audio, hearing aid users can stream audio directly to their devices at a personalized volume while their listening partners enjoy their own optimal setting.  

“By partnering with LG to integrate Auracast streaming directly into LG’s latest TVs, we are breaking down barriers to accessibility and delivering a seamless, high-fidelity listening experience for hearing aid users,” says Starkey Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President of Engineering Achin Bhowmik, PhD.  

“Pursuing LG’s ‘Better Life for All’ philosophy, we are committed to providing easy accessibility in entertainment to everyone as well as individuals with disabilities,” adds SP Baik, vice president and head of TV Product Planning at LG Electronics.  

Featured image: Starkey and LG

Key Takeaways:

1. AI-Driven Sound Optimization: Powered by the ERA chip and Integra OS, Smile intelligently adapts to eight different listening environments for effortless conversation in any setting.
2. Stylish, Reliable, and Connected: The sleek Moxi S-R hearing aids are water-resistant, comfortable, and equipped with improved Bluetooth for extended range and clearer streaming.
3. Smart, Personalized Support: Features like HyperFocus, Speech Enhancement, Log It All, and Find My Devices provide tailored user experiences and added peace of mind.

Hearing aid manufacturer Unitron has launched Smile, its most advanced hearing platform yet. 

Designed for people with hearing loss, to seamlessly fit into and enhance their world, Smile aims to offer brilliant sound performance and universal connectivity that elevate the everyday hearing experience.

At the heart of Smile is the cutting-edge ERA chip, delivering what the company calls Unitron’s best-ever sound performance and universal connectivity. Powered by AI-trained Integra OS, Smile is designed to expertly detect and optimize sound across eight key listening environments to ensure users experience the joy of conversation whether they are in quiet settings or bustling social gatherings.

 “Smile is all about being easy to hear, easy to wear, and easy for you,” says Paul Robinson, director, Product Management. “Our latest innovations are designed to empower users to live their lives fully, embracing every conversation and every sound with ease and joy.”

Smile is designed to enhance every aspect of the hearing journey:

●              Integra OS automatically adapts to different listening environments. HyperFocus enhances conversations in noisy settings, while conversations can be enjoyed with less efforts, thanks to Speech Enhancement. 

●              The stylish and ultra-reliable Moxi S-R hearing instruments feature a sleek, water-resistant design for all-day comfort. With the convenient ChargerGo, users can enjoy flexible and dependable power, whether at home or on the go.

●              Enhanced Log It All provides real-world insights into users’ hearing experiences, helping hearing professionals deliver truly personalized recommendations. The Find my Devices feature offers added peace of mind, ensuring hearing aids are always within reach.

Unitron‘s new Smile platform is designed to provide improved wireless performance with its updated Bluetooth capabilities, to offer up to six times more transmission power for improved stability, clearer calls, and seamless media streaming. The increased Bluetooth range allows users to stay connected even when they move further away from their devices, providing true freedom and flexibility.

“The Smile platform is more than a hearing solution—it’s a lifestyle” says Nicola McLaughlin, senior director, Marketing. “With its brilliant sound performance, advanced connectivity, and newly designed water-resistant housing, Smile ensures users stay connected and engaged in the moments that matter most.”

Unitron’s Smile platform is now available through hearing care professionals worldwide. 

For more information, visit unitron.com.

Key Takeaways:

• The campaign has helped 1,463 people since its inception in 2020.
• ReSound partners with hearing care professionals to provide free hearing aids to individuals with financial hardship.
• The next Gift of Hearing campaign is scheduled to begin in November 2025.

With the help of 293 hearing care practices throughout the United States and Canada, 780 hearing aids were donated to 390 people as part of the annual ReSound Gift of Hearing campaign that ran December 2024 through April 2025. In its 5th year, the Gift of Hearing continues to positively impact communities.

Since 2020, hearing care professionals participating in the Gift of Hearing campaign have donated their time and talents to collectively help 1,463 people. 

“It’s been an amazing five years for the Gift of Hearing campaign,” says Mikkel Knudsen, president, ReSound U.S. “It is an honor to work with so many hearing care professionals all over North America to help so many people. The collective results really speak to the generosity and expertise of our hearing care community.” 

ReSound partners with hearing care professionals in the annual Gift of Hearing campaign to donate care and technology to people with hearing loss who are experiencing financial hardship. Each participating practice received ReSound Nexia or ReSound Omnia hearing aids to award to a patient determined by that practice.

According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, roughly 48 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss, but only about 1 in 5 people with hearing loss uses a hearing aid.

The 2025-26 Gift of Hearing campaign will return November 2025.