The Audiologist Informer

The researchers postulate that chronic inflammation, as a result of changes in the immune system due to aging and gut dysbiosis (imbalance in gut microflora), accelerates age-related cochlear degeneration, contributing to the development of age-related SNHL.

Nuheara and Realtek will partner to develop True Wireless Stereo (TWS) chipset and technology solutions for the global Personal Sound Amplification Product (PSAP) and the OTC hearing aid markets. Underpinning the deal was 17,083,334 of NuHeara shares for $2.05 million, with Realtek subscribing for $1.7 million, with more possible funding to come.

To get the most out of voice recognition systems (eg, Siri, Alexa) you must stand close to the speaker and articulate carefully. Researchers have made a breakthrough in developing a new hyper-sensitive microphone that detects sounds better than the human ear by applying polymer materials to microelectro-mechanical systems (MEMS). When the acoustic sensor on the skin was connected to a commercial voice assistant program (Google Assistant), the user could search, translate and control devices effortlessly. The new acoustic sensor has potential applications in wearable voice recognition devices for the Internet of Things (IoT) and human-machine interfaces. The research team plans to create auditory electronic skin by integrating it with skin-attachable pressure and temperature sensors, flexible displays, and others.

New earbuds equipped with EEG sensors will be monitoring a Danish astronaut in sleep on the International Space Station. The EEG measures extremely small voltage changes on the surface of the skin inside the ear caused by electrical activity in the brain's neurons. Ear-EEG is far gentler and less obtrusive than traditional sleep measurements, and this makes the technology ideal for long-term monitoring of sleep patterns without disrupting a person's sleep.