According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) estimation, a whopping 63 million Indians suffer from significant auditory impairment. However, less than 0.5% of those affected have sought treatment, and only 10% use hearing aids. Financial barriers and lack of awareness likely contribute to this low adoption rate.
Can AI, the wizard behind solving some of the world’s toughest problems, make hearing aids more accessible and adaptable?
In an exclusive conversation with AIM, Raja S, audiologist and director of Hearzap, shared how AI is revolutionising the hearing aid experience. “With AI integration, hearing aids can now adjust to real-life environments much more effectively. In the past, hearing aids were programmed in a controlled clinical setting, where the noise was minimised,” he explained.
Hearzap is a digital platform catering to hearing needs and operates across Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
Raja highlighted the limitations of traditional hearing aids, which work well in controlled environments but fall short in the real world, where users face a cacophony of sounds.
“In everyday settings, distinguishing between speech and background noise can be a challenge,” he noted. “Our natural hearing has filters that help us focus on speech while ignoring irrelevant sounds. Now, AI allows hearing aids to do the same by separating background noise from speech and improving clarity even in complex acoustic environments.”
This innovation is particularly beneficial for the elderly and those who frequently move between different environments. In the past, adjusting volume levels on the go was difficult. Thanks to AI, hearing aids can now automatically scan the surroundings and fine-tune settings in real time, ensuring optimal hearing without the need for manual intervention.
Further, for those who have mobility issues or hand tremors, this is a game-changer. There will be no struggle with tiny devices; they can simply wear their hearing aids and go about their day with minimal hassle.
Is India Open to Using AI Hearing Aids?
According to Hearzap, approximately 20-25% of people are choosing premium hearing aids, most of which come with advanced AI features. But what’s stopping the rest?
“The cost of a pair of high-quality hearing aids with AI starts around INR 1,00,000, while traditional hearing aids can range from INR 12,000 and can go up to INR 4 lakh per device,” said Raja.
This wide price disparity reflects the varying levels of technology and features available. Advanced hearing aids, powered by AI, offer a more natural listening experience, closely mimicking the sound quality of normal hearing. For those who can afford it, the benefits include improved clarity, better communication, and an overall enhanced quality of life.
Raja pointed out that premium models are typically purchased by those who can afford them, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
Connectivity is another important feature. Many older adults enjoy watching YouTube or television, often in solitude, while younger family members are busy. AI hearing aids with connectivity features allow them to engage in these activities more comfortably, enriching their retired life with seamless access to sound.
“I always tell my team that the best hearing aid is the one that makes the customer forget they’re even wearing it. It should feel like a natural extension of the body—effortless, seamless, and empowering the user to simply live their life without constantly adjusting or thinking about it. That’s the mark of quality fitting and expert audiology,” Raja said.
The Market
Across India, there are approximately 2,500 to 3,000 distribution points for hearing aids, including both organised chains and independent clinics.
“Given that AI-enabled hearing aids come at a higher price, adoption is the strongest in areas where affordability is higher. I would estimate that 70-80% of these clinics are already offering AI-enhanced technology,” Raja said.
While all clinics technically have access to these advanced products through manufacturers, adoption depends on demand.
All major manufacturers in the hearing care industry have embraced AI technology in their products. “For instance, Philips, whose hearing instruments we dispense, is fully AI-enabled,” he noted.
Philips has been among the pioneers in adopting AI, leveraging its extensive experience in medical technology. Its integrated AI systems facilitate seamless communication across various medical equipment.
Apart from Philips, there are several other notable manufacturers in the industry, such as Rexton, Widex, and Starkey. Raja said that Philips stands out as a widely recognised brand, making it easier for people to relate to and trust their products.
What’s Next?
The positive aspect of hearing care is that technology is constantly evolving, bringing new features and improvements. However, the foundation of effective hearing care lies in proper counselling for the consumer—the person who will be using the device.
Beyond apps and AI-enabled hearing aids, the role of an audiologist remains pivotal. But what if technology could evolve further?
Imagine an AI-powered audiologist, an intelligent assistant that could analyse your condition, explain it in detail, and even guide you to the right solutions. As AI reshapes the industry, this futuristic blend of human expertise and digital precision could become the next breakthrough, redefining hearing care as we know it.
The post No Noise, Only Sound – How AI is Changing Our Hearing Aids appeared first on Analytics India Magazine.
