AudioTelligence announced a new product concept that integrates assistive listening technology into an earbud charging case.
This combination of hearing technology with earbud charging facilities provides manufacturers with an all-in-one solution for individuals with hearing impairments as well as for anyone who needs to hear clearly, the company says.
The concept addresses the challenges faced by many people with hearing challenges in social situations where conventional hearing aids may fall short. The new charging case aims to disrupt the stereotype of cumbersome and obvious hearing devices, aligning with the form factor of popular wireless earbud cases, according to the company.
AudioTelligence has taken care to make the case both user-friendly and appealing, striving for a discreet and modern design that will encourage wider adoption of hearing technology integrated into consumer products, the company says.
Hearing aids offer numerous benefits, particularly in one-on-one conversations. However, they may not fully address the challenges faced in bustling environments such as restaurants or cafes, where background noise can hinder clear communication, according to AudioTelligence. Accessories like remote microphones paired with hearing aids or earbuds have proven beneficial in these situations, but carrying additional devices can be cumbersome.
By integrating AudioTelligence’s advanced source separation algorithms into a true wireless stereo (TWS) earbud or hearing aid charging case, manufacturers can offer a multi-functional device that seamlessly complements users’ existing solutions.
“We are excited to introduce the earbud assistive listening case which allows our customers to offer hearing enhancement solutions for every environment without the need for extra accessories,” says Sue Handley-Jones, CEO at AudioTelligence. “AudioTelligence’s mission is to empower individuals to engage fully in social interactions, overcome communication barriers and enhance their overall quality of life. The earbud assistive listening case represents a significant step towards a more inclusive society, by integrating hearing accessibility into everyday devices.”
This concept seeks to capitalize on the growing popularity of TWS earbuds as cutting-edge consumer accessories and takes advantage of the blurring lines between consumer tech and professional hearing devices, according to the company.
Powered by AudoTelligence’s aiso, the assistive listening devices within the earbud charging case use blind source separation (BSS) to process audio signals from multiple microphones. This innovative technology separates each source of sound with a consistent spatial location into its own distinct channel of audio. The result is the capability for individuals with hearing loss to seamlessly follow the conversation.
The BSS technology improves the signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) by up to 30 dB, with added benefits in situations with overlapping speech signals where noise suppression alone is insufficient, according to the company. By enhancing the clarity of speech, AudioTelligence technology ensures that individuals with hearing loss can communicate more effectively in various listening environments.
Photo: AudioTelligence
