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Miniature Computer in the Ear is "Brains" Behind Ability to Detect Speech
SOMERSET, NJ, Feb. 6, 2002 - Adapto™, the first voice-activated hearing
aid that gives priority to human voice over other sounds in the
environment, was just cleared for marketing by the Food and Drug
Administration.
Similar to the technology used in voice-activated telephones and computer
software, Adapto uses a miniature computer chip feature called
VoiceFinderä that "finds" or detects speech signals in the environment and
immediately processes these signals for better understanding. When no
speech is detected, the 100% digital hearing aid automatically turns down
the volume by changing to a more comfortable, relaxing, listening mode.
Like the human brain in a person with normal hearing, Adapto instantly
switches from comfort mode to speech mode in a fraction of a second, as
soon as someone starts talking.
"This is an important innovation for the one in ten Americans who are hard
of hearing," says Sheena Phelps-Burks, audiologist and project manager for
Oticon, Inc., manufacturer of the new hearing instrument. "Since many of
those with hearing loss lack the ability to filter out extraneous noises,
sounds that normal hearing people disregard, like traffic, restaurant and
office noises, are unpleasantly magnified for the hearing impaired. Adapto
saves those with hearing loss from the fatigue of listening to constant
unfiltered sounds."
Some four million Americans wear hearing aids, and that number is expected
to increase as the population continues to age. Hearing loss is usually
gradual so people may not notice that they are losing their hearing. The
new Adapto hearing instruments are available exclusively through hearing
care professionals. |
