This Week in Hearing

AI-powered captions are becoming increasingly common, but Rylo CEO and co-founder Tomer Aharoni believes accessible communication needs to go much further than simply converting speech into text.Shari Eberts speaks with Aharoni about the evolution of Nagish into Rylo and the company’s expansion from FCC-certified captioned phone calls into a broader AI communication platform for people who are deaf and hard of hearing. Aharoni shares how the company began with a simple experiment while he was a computer science student at Columbia and why Rylo now views accessibility as the starting point rather than the end goal.The conversation explores how AI could provide communication context that traditional captions may miss, including emotion, tone, accents and environmental sounds. Aharoni also discusses emerging tools such as sentiment analysis, potential fraud detection features, and Rylo Sign, an effort to use AI to translate between signed and spoken language when an interpreter may not be available.Looking ahead, Aharoni explains why he expects basic captioning to become increasingly ubiquitous and how AI could help reduce the additional planning and communication barriers that people who are Deaf and hard of hearing often encounter in everyday life.

• For more information on Rylo, visit: https://rylo.com/

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What changes when a hearing aid uses four specialized deep neural networks at the same time?

Andrew Bellavia travels to Munich for an early look at Signia MaX, the company’s new hearing aid platform built around what Signia calls Acoustic Intelligence. Andrew sits down with Barinder Samra, MSc, Global Senior Commercial Audiology Manager at Signia, to explore how the new architecture differs from Signia IX and why the company is moving beyond using AI for individual processing features.At the center of MaX are four task-specific DNNs dedicated to speech, the wearer’s own voice, environmental scene analysis, and noise. Rather than operating as isolated features, the networks share information to create a broader picture of the listening environment and coordinate how the hearing aids respond in real time.

The discussion looks closely at RealTime Conversation Enhancement AI, which builds on the multi-speaker conversation technology introduced with Signia IX. MaX replaces the previous machine-learning approach to speech detection with a dedicated DNN trained to analyze, detect, and isolate speech, while Own Voice Processing AI eliminates the need for the in-clinic own-voice training procedure used with earlier Signia devices.

Topics discussed include:

• How Signia MaX and Acoustic Intelligence use four specialized DNNs
• RealTime Conversation Enhancement AI and group conversations in noise
• How MaX differs from the previous Signia IX platform
• Own Voice Processing AI and the removal of in-clinic voice calibration
• Ambient Scene Adaptation AI and Dynamic Noise Control AI
• How the hearing aids distinguish between listening to the environment and actively participating in conversation
• The new MaX chip and increased processing power
• OneConnect Technology and support for Bluetooth Classic, LE Audio, telecoil, and Auracast
• Battery life and charging
• Signia Assistant and user-driven hearing aid adjustments
• Where Signia sees the MaX platform going next

Andrew also shares his impressions after wearing the MaX hearing aids around Munich and directly comparing them with his own Signia IX devices.

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GN’s new ReSound Sensia hearing aids build on the AI and Deep Neural Network (DNN) technology introduced with ReSound Vivia, with a major change: advanced speech-in-noise processing can now engage automatically. At the center of the new platform is AcoustIQ™, which analyzes the listening environment and determines when to activate directional processing, DNN-based noise reduction, and other features to support speech understanding without requiring the wearer to manually switch programs.Andrew Bellavia visits GN headquarters in Denmark to speak with Laurel Christensen, Chief Audiology Officer, and Brian Dam Pedersen, Chief Technology Officer, about the technology behind Sensia and how GN is combining traditional signal processing with newer AI approaches. They explore how Sensia moves between spatial listening, asymmetric directionality, multi-band beamforming, and DNN processing depending on the acoustic environment and location of speech. The discussion also examines why GN intentionally does not classify music automatically and how preserving spatial cues can help create a more natural listening experience even when directional processing is active.The conversation also looks at where hearing aid AI may be headed next, including the potential for increasingly powerful DNNs to drive further improvements in speech-in-noise performance. Other topics include Sensia’s 24-hour battery life, Auracast™ and telecoil connectivity options, and new ReSound Sensia Bimodal and Enzo IA Bimodal models designed to work more seamlessly with Cochlear® Nucleus® sound processors.

• Launch announcement: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearing-technologies/2026/resound-sensia-hearing-aids-dnn-ai

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Accessible communication technology is advancing rapidly, but building tools that people can truly depend on requires more than simply adding artificial intelligence.Brian Taylor speaks with InnoCaption CEO Paul Lee about the evolution of captioned communication, the company’s milestone of supporting more than 30 million captioned calls, and the importance of keeping users at the center of accessibility technology. Lee also shares the personal story behind his move from finance to InnoCaption and his recent transition into the CEO role as his father, who founded the company, steps back from day-to-day operations.The conversation examines InnoCaption’s approach to responsible AI, including why users can choose between automated captions and live stenographers and how human support teams continue to train and refine the company’s AI tools. Lee discusses the challenge of designing AI-assisted text-to-speech technology that can make communication faster without taking control away from the person using it.They also explore lessons from InnoCaption’s acquisition of CaptionMate, the growing role of accessible video calling, and why visual cues such as facial expressions and lipreading remain important alongside captions.Looking ahead, Lee discusses the broader shift toward captions as a mainstream communication tool and the potential for technologies such as Auracast to expand access to audio in public spaces. Together, these developments point toward a future in which accessibility features are increasingly integrated into everyday communication rather than treated as specialized add-ons.

• Learn more about InnoCaption:https://www.innocaption.com/

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Hearing aids are only part of the solution. While today's hearing technology can be life-changing, even the best hearing aids can struggle in challenging listening environments like theaters, airports, courtrooms, places of worship, and other public spaces.Shari Eberts sits down with Dr. Juliette Sterkens and Wynne Whyman of the Center for Hearing Access to discuss why assistive listening technologies—including hearing loops, telecoils, FM systems, infrared systems, and Auracast™—are critical for improving communication access beyond the hearing aid.Together, they explore practical strategies for consumers, hearing care professionals, and public venues to expand accessibility, improve patient outcomes, and help ensure people with hearing loss can fully participate in everyday life.Topics include:

• Why hearing aids alone aren't enough in many listening environments
• Hearing loops, telecoils, FM systems, infrared, and Auracast explained
• The Center for Hearing Access and its mission
• Resources for consumers, clinicians, and public venues
• ADA rights and practical advocacy tips
• Why audiologists should discuss assistive listening during hearing aid fittings
• Auracast's role in the future of hearing accessibility
• Why captioning and assistive listening work best together

• Action steps for both hearing care professionals and consumers

Learn more about the Center for Hearing Access:https://centerforhearingaccess.orgBe sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.

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Occupational hearing conservation is often viewed as a compliance requirement—but it also represents a significant opportunity for audiologists and hearing care professionals to expand patient care, strengthen community outreach, and grow their practices.In this episode, Brian Felsen, Chief Hearing Loss Preventionist at Your Ears Rock, discusses the growing impact of noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus across workplaces, schools, entertainment venues, and recreational activities. He shares practical strategies for integrating hearing conservation into clinical practice while creating new opportunities to expand patient care and grow hearing healthcare businesses.Topics discussed include:

• The growing prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus
• Why hearing conservation should be part of every patient interaction
• Business opportunities in occupational audiology and hearing protection
• Custom hearing protection and branded hearing conservation programs
• Community outreach strategies for audiologists and hearing instrument specialists
• Lunch-and-learn programs for local employers and organizations
• Educating patients about hearing protection beyond the workplace
• The importance of proper hearing protection selection and fit
• Innovative hearing conservation initiatives, including the "Quietest Vehicle on Earth"

Whether you work in private practice, occupational audiology, or hearing healthcare management, this discussion offers practical ideas for expanding services while helping patients protect the hearing they have for life.

• Learn more about Your Ears Rock: https://yourearsrock.com

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From newborn hearing screening to ototoxicity monitoring and occupational hearing conservation, objective hearing assessments play an important role across the continuum of care. hearX's digital OAE device is helping bring these capabilities to more clinicians, schools, hospitals, and community-based programs through a combination of portability, affordability, and cloud-connected technology.The conversation explores the growing role of OAEs in routine audiologic practice, the importance of objective hearing assessment, and opportunities to expand hearing care access through digital health and teleaudiology solutions.

Topics include:● school screening, ● newborn hearing testing, ● occupational health, ● ototoxicity monitoring, ● speech-in-noise testing, ● extended high-frequency audiometry, and ● the future of accessible hearing healthcare.Joining host Bob Traynor are Dr. De Wet Swanepoel, Professor of Audiology at the University of Pretoria and co-founder of hearX, and Clarice Myers, Audiologist and hearing health researcher, who brings experience from large population-based hearing studies and community hearing care initiatives.

• To learn more about the hearX and the company's suite of hearing screening, diagnostic, and teleaudiology solutions, visit: https://hearxgroup.com

This week, host Bob Traynor is joined by Sheena Burks, Chief Clinical Officer at WSA, and Dr. Eric Branda, Head of Audiology and Research, for an in-depth discussion on the unique hearing healthcare needs of U.S. veterans and how new technology is helping address one of audiology's greatest challenges: understanding speech in noisy environments.The conversation explores the realities facing VA audiologists, including high patient volumes, administrative demands, and the need to deliver efficient, high-quality care. The guests discuss Signia's Integrated Experience (IX) platform, multi-beam directional processing, instant-fit hearing solutions, AI-enabled personalization, and how these innovations are designed to improve communication for veterans while streamlining clinical workflows. They also examine the future of government hearing healthcare, the role of student education, and the importance of making advanced technology accessible across the VA and other federal healthcare systems.Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.- https://x.com/WeekinHearing- https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinhearing/- https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearingVisit us at: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

What does the future of hearing restoration look like? Are we approaching a world where hearing loss can be treated with pharmaceuticals rather than simply managed with hearing aids?Originally presented at the Future of Hearing Healthcare (FHH2026) conference, this expert panel explores the latest advances in inner ear therapeutics and what they could mean for the future of hearing healthcare.Topics discussed include:

• The recent momentum in inner ear therapeutics and gene therapy
• Preventing chemotherapy-induced hearing loss
• New treatments for Ménière's disease, tinnitus, and age-related hearing loss
• Why better diagnostics and AI may transform hearing healthcare
• The challenges of drug delivery to the inner ear
• The role of small molecules versus gene and cell therapies
• How therapeutics may change the future role of audiologists and hearing care professionals
• What the panelists are most optimistic about over the next decade

Panelists:

• Dr. Brian Taylor (Moderator)
• Jonas Dürfjeld Johnsen – Acousia Therapeutics
• Hugo Peris – Spiral Therapeutics
• Jonathan Kil – Sound Pharmaceuticals
• Celia Belline – Cilcare

From breakthrough science to real-world clinical implications, this discussion provides a fascinating look at one of the fastest-evolving areas in hearing healthcare and what it could mean for millions of people living with hearing loss.

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New research is providing one of the first detailed looks at the clinical performance of Nuance Audio Glasses, an over-the-counter hearing solution that has generated significant interest since its launch.

In this episode, host Shari Eberts sits down with Dr. Tami Harel, Chief of Audiology at Nuance Audio, to discuss the newly published findings, what they reveal about speech understanding in noise and listening effort, and where this technology may fit within the evolving hearing care landscape. The conversation explores a recently published study from Western University's National Centre for Audiology, which found that the device significantly improved speech recognition in noise while reducing listening effort compared with the unaided condition. Dr. Harrell explains how the glasses use multiple microphones, open-ear speakers, and beamforming technology to address one of the biggest challenges for people with hearing loss: understanding speech in noisy environments.Beyond the clinical findings, the discussion examines why many adults wait nearly nine years before seeking hearing treatment, the stigma surrounding mild hearing loss, the relationship between hearing, vision, and healthy aging, and how new form factors may encourage earlier adoption of hearing technology. Dr. Harrell also shares insights into the future of Nuance Audio and the next generation of its hearing glasses.Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.

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