Hearing technology race moves into earbuds and glasses as AI filters noise and amplifies speech

The race to develop hearing technology is moving beyond conventional hearing aids and into devices people already wear, including wireless earbuds and glasses. Companies are targeting older adults experiencing hearing loss with products designed to make speech clearer without making users feel they are wearing a traditional hearing aid.

Artificial intelligence sits at the center of the competition. Companies are adapting technology developed for earphones to isolate voices from surrounding noise, while also using individualized hearing correction to adjust sound for each user.

The market is attracting major electronics companies such as Apple and Samsung, as well as established hearing-aid manufacturers. Their approach combines audio expertise built through developing phones and earbuds with a more discreet form factor intended to reduce the burden of wearing a hearing device.

Chinese electronics company Anker unveiled its first hearing aid for general sale, the RIC Hearing Aids Pro, on Sept. 3 local time. The device sits behind the ear, with a receiver placed inside the ear, and received the official IFA innovation award for Best of IFA. Its key technology is the company’s THUS AI chip, which it has used in audio products including its earbuds.