This World Hearing Awareness Month, Phonak, an Australian hearing-aid brand, is urging Australians to prioritise their hearing health and challenge the stigma around hearing loss.
With 1 in 6 Australians said to be affected by hearing loss — a figure that’s expected to rise to 1 in 4 by 2050 — early hearing assessments and advanced technology are key to maintaining quality of life.
Redefining hearing technology
Phonak has launched Audéo Sphere™ Infinio, said to be the world’s first AI-powered hearing aid with a dedicated real-time AI chip, designed to improve speech clarity even in noisy environments.
“With 53 times more processing power than previous industry chips, the Audéo SphereTM Infinio marks a paradigm shift in hearing aid technology,” says Aaron Thompson, audiologist and CEO of Phonak.
“For many Australians, hearing loss isn’t just an inconvenience, it can have a profound impact on mental health, social connections, and overall quality of life.
“This AI-driven technology provides real-time speech-from-noise separation, allowing users to engage in conversations with unprecedented clarity, from any direction.”
Addressing a growing health crisis
Hearing loss is not just a concern for older Australians — over 3.6 million people nationwide experience some degree of hearing impairment, with noise-induced hearing loss becoming increasingly common among younger generations.
Studies have shown that untreated hearing loss can lead to increased cognitive decline, social isolation, and even depression.
“Incorporating real-time AI into hearing aids isn’t just about making sounds louder, it’s about making speech clearer, reducing fatigue, and enhancing the listening experience,” says Mr Thompson.
For more information, visit phonak.com/en-au.
