The Power of Conversation in a Noisy World

In today’s bustling world, conversations are at the core of human interaction. We share stories, exchange ideas, and connect with one another through the art of communication. Yet, for those with hearing loss, this simple act can become a formidable challenge, one that jeopardizes social connections and overall well-being.

Imagine a restaurant filled with the clinking of cutlery, laughter, and animated discussions. Amidst this sound, a group of friends gather for a meal. Everyone is engaged, except for one individual struggling to catch every word. This scenario is all too familiar for many with hearing loss.

Studies have shown that people with hearing loss often struggle to follow group conversations. And even those who’ve already adopted hearing aids report frustration when trying to engage with several people at once, especially in noisy conditions. As a result, they become fatigued. Some withdraw from social situations, risking their physical and cognitive health.

Today’s hearing technology can absolutely help — to a point.

Hearing aid technology has come a long way in addressing the ability to pick up and enhance the voice of someone in front us while diminishing the noise all around. The next step — and the one that will truly help support healthy engagement for those with hearing loss — is to broaden the focus. It’s to improve a hearing aid wearer’s ability to have a conversation with the person in front of them and with others around them. Because it’s one thing to hear better; it’s another to listen in a group, grasp what’s being said, and actively contribute.

Enhancing Communication with Technology

Making listening easier involves more than just hearing words better. It also means understanding who is speaking, when they’re talking, and where their voice is coming from. It’s like sensing how the sounds around you change as people come and go or move around in the room. People with hearing loss need a smarter way to process these sounds.

Enter split processing, a technology that splits the sounds you hear into two parts: one being the main focus, like someone’s voice, and the other being the background noise. Hearing aid innovator Signia has implemented split processing into in its unique Augmented Focus technology to determine what’s important for a hearing aid wearer to hear, like a friend’s voice, what’s important for understanding the situation, and what’s just noise that can be suppressed. These hearing aids process these different parts separately, so the wearer experiences far greater speech clarity despite the surrounding noise.

These hearing aids also feature sensors and directional microphones to adjust as necessary. Based on this capability and the ability to split sound inputs into separate channels, hearing aid technology can do what hasn’t yet been possible: improve hearing aid wearers’ engagement in group conversations.

This new generation of hearing technology enables a listening experience that adapts to conversation itself, as well as to the surrounding environment – ensuring wearers remain fully engaged and ready to contribute. 

Listening Care as Healthcare

Ultimately, clearer conversation benefits all involved because it minimizes the gaps that occur when those with hearing loss contribute. Researchers in The Journal of Cognition estimate that “turn-taking” in a conversation happens in milliseconds, a process that can be taxing for people with hearing loss, especially in noisy situations. Hearing aids help improve these “turn starts,” thereby improving healthy, conversational dynamics. In this way, the hearing aid becomes a true listening aid.

Research continues to find that hearing loss can lead to social isolation and cognitive decline because sufferers struggle to communicate with others in every day, immersive acoustic environments. Amplification isn’t enough to overcome this challenge.

We’ve seen scientific evidence that split processing improves hearing in background noise, setting the stage for healthier overall communication and the future of hearing technology. At Signia, we’re working hard to usher in the next generation of split-processing technology that will ultimately enhance social connections and relationships.

Brian Taylor, AuD, is the Senior Director of Audiology at Signia, a division of WS Audiology.

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