Scientists from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) may have found the answer to one of hearing loss’s most perplexing puzzles, and the finding may force a redesign of hearing aid design in the future.
The idea that brain processing is what enables us to recognize voices was refuted by the findings of an MIT study. The study suggests that what allows us to tune in to different sound levels may actually be a biological filter.
THE EFFECTS OF BACKGROUND NOISE ON OUR ABILITY TO HEAR
Only a small percentage of the millions of people who struggle with hearing loss attempt to use hearing aids to do so.
Despite the fact that a hearing aid can significantly improve one’s hearing, persons who use hearing improvement devices have historically had trouble hearing in noisy surroundings. For instance, a person’s ability to distinguish a voice may be severely hampered by the constant commotion seen in places like parties and restaurants.
If you have hearing loss, you probably know how frustrating and unpleasant it can be to have a private conversation with someone in a crowded setting.
Scientists have been researching hearing loss for many years. It was believed that these studies had greatly improved our understanding of how sound waves move within the inner ear and how the ear can distinguish between different sound frequencies.
EasyCharge Rechargeable Hearing Aids
Catch up on everything you love with EasyCharge hearing aids. One charge is all you need.
Receiver-In-Canal Hearing Aids
Natural sound, less feedback, and long time wearing comfort.
DISCOVERIES REGARDING TECTORIAL MEMBRANE
But it wasn’t until 2007 that researchers made the discovery of the tectorial membrane. This tiny membrane, which is formed of a gel-like substance, is unique to this area of the body. Scientists were particularly intrigued by how the membrane provides mechanical filtering that can distinguish between sounds.
The tiny tectorial membrane, which controls how water travels back and forth in response to vibrations, sits on tiny hairs inside the cochlea. It was found that the membrane’s amplification created a distinct response to various tones.
The frequencies at the lower and upper ends of the spectrum were found to be less affected, whereas the middle frequencies were shown to have significant amplification.
Because of this advancement, some experts think MIT’s ground-breaking discovery could pave the way for hearing aids that are more effective and, ultimately, enable better single-voice identification.
ADAPTIVE HEARING AID TECHNOLOGY
The fundamental principles guiding hearing aid design haven’t altered all that much over the years. A microphone to capture sound and a loudspeaker to amplify it are the essential components of hearing aids, which haven’t changed much over the years, save from a few technological improvements. Unfortunately, that’s where one of the design’s shortcomings is revealed.
Bluetooth Hearing Aids
Turn your smartphone into a remote control.
