Artificial intelligence in hearing aids

Traditional hearing aids use fixed sound profiles and primarily amplify all sounds. They have limited connectivity, often require manual adjustments, and generally do not distinguish effectively between speech and background noise.

AI hearing aids, by contrast, automatically adapt to different listening environments, personalise settings based on the user's preferences, and support Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity. Many also include advanced features such as health tracking, tinnitus management, and real-time speech enhancement.

While AI hearing aids are typically more expensive, their ability to continuously optimise sound makes them a superior choice for most users — particularly those who frequently encounter challenging listening environments such as restaurants, meetings, social gatherings, and busy public spaces.

The hearing aid's microphones continuously capture the acoustic environment. AI algorithms classify the scene — quiet room, noisy restaurant, windy street, music venue — typically within milliseconds. Each scene triggers a different processing profile optimised for that environment. The wearer experiences smooth, seamless transitions between settings without touching a button.

Some AI hearing aids track user adjustments — when wearers manually turn up the volume or change programs — and learn their preferences over time. The device then applies these adjustments proactively in similar environments, reducing the need for manual fine-tuning. Over weeks and months of use, the hearing aid becomes increasingly tuned to the individual, potentially reducing the frequency of clinic adjustments needed.

Several AI hearing aids integrate accelerometers and other sensors to monitor falls, physical activity, step counts, and — in Starkey's Healthable platform — even heart rate and body temperature. This positions AI hearing aids not only as auditory devices but as broader wellness tools. Fall detection can automatically alert emergency contacts when a fall is detected.

Enhanced speech recognition in noisy environments makes it easier to follow conversations. Multiple peer-reviewed studies show AI-based noise reduction improves speech intelligibility in complex listening environments (Kates & Arehart, 2021, Trends in Hearing; Souza et al., 2020, Ear and Hearing). This is consistently cited as the primary benefit by AI hearing aid users.

AI-assisted hearing aids reduce the cognitive effort required for difficult listening. Studies show correlation with reduced end-of-day fatigue (Desjardins & Doherty, 2014, American Journal of Audiology). Listening fatigue is a significant quality-of-life issue for hearing aid wearers, particularly those in professional or social environments.

Traditional hearing aid users frequently need to manually change settings as they move between environments. AI hearing aids handle these transitions automatically, reducing interruptions to daily life and the cognitive burden of managing the device.

Fall detection and activity tracking add non-audiological value, particularly for older wearers and their families. Starkey's Healthable platform tracks steps, activity levels, and fall events, and can alert emergency contacts. This dual function as both a hearing device and health monitor adds significant practical value for many users.

Better hearing leads to increased confidence and engagement in social settings. Research consistently shows that untreated hearing loss is associated with social withdrawal, depression, and cognitive decline. Effective hearing aids — particularly AI models that perform well in the noisy environments where social interaction occurs — can significantly improve quality of life.

The Ampli Mini AI offers automatic environment classification, Bluetooth streaming from smartphones and TVs, and a companion app for real-time adjustments and hearing performance tracking. Its compact design prioritises comfort and discretion while delivering AI-powered sound processing.

Amplifon operates a large network of hearing clinics across Australia, fitting hearing aids from a range of manufacturers (Phonak, Signia, Oticon, ReSound, Starkey) as well as their own Ampli Mini AI. Professional fitting, follow-up care, and audiological support are included in the purchase price at Amplifon clinics.

Oticon's BrainHearing philosophy recognises that hearing happens in the brain, not just in the ears. Rather than aggressively reducing all noise, Oticon's AI preserves a broader soundscape to support the brain's natural capacity to focus selectively. Their deep neural network was trained on 12 million real-world sound scenes. Research presented at the 2022 Audio Engineering Society Convention suggests this approach reduces listening fatigue and improves cognitive load compared to aggressive noise reduction.

The Oticon Intent supports direct Bluetooth streaming from iPhone and Android, the Oticon Companion app for manual adjustments and remote care, and TV streaming via the Oticon TV Adapter. The 4-microphone system with motion sensors detects when the wearer is actively engaging in conversation versus passively listening, adjusting focus accordingly.

Widex Allure focuses on delivering a natural, high-fidelity sound experience. It is equipped with advanced noise management that reduces background interference without compromising speech clarity. The Allure platform supports direct streaming from smartphones and other devices. Rather than neural network-based noise reduction, Widex AI focuses on learning individual preferences through the wearer's in-app adjustments — aggregating anonymised learnings from wearers worldwide and feeding them back into the processing models.

Widex's ZeroDelay technology achieves a processing delay of under 0.5 milliseconds — far below the 20ms threshold at which delay becomes perceptible as echo. This exceptionally low latency produces a natural, un-processed sound quality that other AI hearing aids can struggle to match, particularly for music listening and for users who also hear sound naturally through their open ear canal.

The ReSound NEXIA uses AI-powered sound scene analysis, automatic environment classification, and directional microphone technology. It supports direct streaming to iPhone and Android via Bluetooth LE Audio, the ReSound Smart 3D app, remote care, and accessories including the Multi Mic for difficult hearing situations. Available through GN ReSound Australia and major audiology retailers.

The Specsavers Advance Elite hearing aids are manufactured by GN ReSound under a private label arrangement. They bring AI-assisted scene classification and the GN ReSound platform to Specsavers' nationwide retail audiology network. Specsavers is Australia's largest retail audiology provider with transparent published pricing.

Specsavers hearing aids prices Australia (approximate): Advance from ~$1,495/pair; Advance Plus from ~$2,495/pair; Advance Elite from ~$3,495–$4,495/pair. Specsavers participates in the Hearing Services Program — eligible pensioners may receive fully subsidised devices.

High-end models from top brands like Phonak, Oticon, Starkey, Widex, and Signia generally range from $2,500 to $6,000+ per pair. These reflect advanced features such as automatic sound adjustment, AI-powered noise reduction, health tracking, Bluetooth connectivity, and premium fitting services. Prices in the audiology channel typically include professional fitting, programming, multiple follow-up appointments, and a warranty period.

Mid-range options offer good sound quality with fewer premium features. Specsavers Advance Elite (~$3,495–$4,495), Costco AI hearing aids (Kirkland Signature, ~$1,500–$2,000), and some independent audiologist-fitted devices fall in this range. Mid-range AI hearing aids still offer core AI features — automatic environment classification, Bluetooth streaming, rechargeable batteries — but may have fewer processing channels and less sophisticated AI algorithms than premium models.

Over-the-counter (OTC) AI hearing aids such as the Jabra Enhance Plus, Elehear Beyond AI, and Fortell AI are available for under $1,500 without a prescription. These are best suited for mild to moderate hearing loss. They typically provide basic AI amplification and limited environmental adaptation compared to audiologist-fitted devices. Costco AI hearing aids (Kirkland Signature, manufactured by Sonova/Phonak) offer significant savings — often 50–60% less than audiologist-channel equivalents.

Eligible Australians — including pensioners holding a Pensioner Concession Card, DVA card, or equivalent — can access subsidised or fully funded hearing aids through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program (HSP). Under the HSP, a range of devices is fully subsidised at no cost to the eligible wearer. Premium tiers above the subsidy level require a co-payment that varies by provider and device. Major providers including Specsavers, Amplifon, and independent audiologists all participate in the HSP.

The most significant disadvantage is cost — considerably higher than traditional hearing aids. AI hearing aids can also be more complex to use, especially for older users less comfortable with technology. Battery life may be shorter in models with extensive connectivity and processing. Some users find that constant automatic adjustments take time to get used to. Repairs and software updates can be more expensive and may require specialised support.

Yes. Costco offers AI hearing aids through its hearing aid centres in Australia, including Kirkland Signature models manufactured by Sonova (Phonak's parent company). These incorporate adaptive sound technology and noise reduction at significantly lower prices than audiologist-channel equivalents — often 50–60% less. However, specific AI features may vary by location and brand. Costco's fitting service and follow-up care model differs from independent audiologists.

Consistently high-rated options in 2026 include the Starkey Genesis AI 24, Phonak Sphere Infinio, Oticon Intent, Widex Allure, and Signia Pure Charge&Go IX. The 'best' depends on hearing profile, lifestyle, and budget. For premium noise performance: Phonak Sphere Infinio. For health tracking: Starkey Genesis AI 24. For natural sound quality: Widex Allure. For own voice processing: Signia Pure Charge&Go IX. For adaptive listening intentions: Oticon Intent.

Yes. The future of hearing aid technology includes: on-device large language models for contextual awareness (beyond scene classification); neural interface connectivity for direct cochlear stimulation; AI-powered audiological assessment reducing the need for formal audiometric testing; expanded OTC access following international regulatory changes; and AI glasses with integrated hearing aids (already appearing from Meta and others). As chip efficiency improves and neural network architectures are refined, the gap between AI and traditional hearing aid performance in difficult situations will continue to widen.

At present, only behind-the-ear (BTE) and receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids support rechargeable batteries. Smaller hearing aids, such as in-the-ear (ITE) and invisible hearing aids, are too small to use rechargeable batteries, as recyclable technology has not advanced to the point where the tiny batteries used in smaller hearing aid styles can hold a full day’s charge. If you want smaller hearing aids, you may have to settle for disposable hearing aid batteries at the moment, although as battery technology improves that limitation may change.

Fully charged, rechargeable batteries provide 24 to 30 hours of use, even when the user listens to streaming audio for half the day. On average, it takes three hours to fully charge rechargeable hearing aids, and you can get six hours of use out of a 30-minute charge.

Rechargeable hearing aid battery lifespan depends on the type of battery used. Lithium ion hearing aid batteries are the same type of battery used in cell phones and other portable electronics. They are sealed in the hearing aid case and have a lifespan of five years, after which they need to be replaced by a licensed hearing professional.

Silver-zinc rechargeable batteries are the same size as disposable zinc-oxygen button batteries. Unlike lithium-ion batteries they can be removed from the hearing aid, making replacement easier. Silver-zinc batteries provide as many hours of use as lithium-ion batteries and have a lifespan of approximately one year. Both types of rechargeable batteries are recyclable.

It’s best to only use rechargeable batteries with hearing aids specifically designed for rechargeable batteries. It may be possible to use silver-zinc rechargeable batteries in an existing hearing aid, but you would need to purchase a compatible charging port and there’s no guarantee the hearing aid would work properly. 

Recyclable batteries are absolutely better for the environment. A lithium-ion battery provides up to five years of use. Presuming a hearing aid with disposable batteries used 675 batteries (the longest lasting hearing aid batteries), with each battery lasting 14 days, you'll use 120 disposable batteries over the course of five years.

Rechargeable hearing aids are no more expensive than disposable battery hearing aids with similar features. You will, however, need to purchase a charging station, which can cost $200 to $300. Silver-zinc rechargeable batteries cost $25 to $50 to replace every year, which compares well with the $30 to $150 a year you’d spend on disposable batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries cost up to $200 to replace, but as they only need replacing every five years, they’re still cheaper than five years of disposable battery purchases. 

The care and cleaning of rechargeable hearing aids is no different than for hearing aids with disposable batteries. Caring for the batteries, however, is a bit different. Whether your hearing aid uses lithium-ion or silver-zinc batteries, always place the hearing aids on the charger when not in use. Frequent charging will not reduce battery life.

If your hearing aid uses silver-zinc batteries, do not open the battery door when you’re not using the hearing aid except for in the following situation. If you are not going to use hearing aids for three or more hours and do not have access to the charging station, remove the batteries and store in a location where they do not touch each other or any other metal objects.

If you are not going to use lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aids for several hours and do not have access to the hearing aid charging port, turn the hearing aids off and store in a safe location.

No matter what type of batteries power your rechargeable hearing aids, keeping the hearing aids dry and away from extreme temperatures maximizes battery life.