Nuance Hearing launches state-of-the-art directional microphone to help address the ‘cocktail party problem’ which can lead to further hearing loss
The Voice Selector Converse created by Nuance Hearing helps overcome hearing situations such as the cocktail party problem. It offers a tech solution to understanding conversations in a crowded room eliminating the need for hearing aids. Research shows that 41 per cent of UK adults admit to having a problem understanding speech in a noisy environment. Over one third said that noisy environments caused them stress and anxiety with a further 60 per cent saying they would be open to trying tech to help them hear.
The Voice Selector Converse uses built-in microphones and an advanced algorithm to track the source of sounds allowing the user to focus on a conversation while tuning out background noise. The cocktail party problem is an inability to understand speech when a person is in a noisy environment. It is estimated to affect up to 41 per cent of adults.
Nuance hearing testing
In audiology testing, users were able to understand speech three times better with the product rather than without. The cutting edge beamforming technology features eight built-in microphones that track the source of sounds while reducing the background noise level. The result is a world-leading directivity index, the relative reduction of overall noise in relation to the target sound, of 115dB in real-time performance. This is in relation to an industry standard of 4-5dB.
The improvements help the listener to focus and effortlessly tune out the sounds that do not matter rather than those that do.
The Voice selector Converse has unique auto-steering technology that picks up the dominant speaker even when they are moving about. Alternatively, the user can manually switch between speakers when in a group of multiple speakers. It can capture, process and play audio at a record speed of six milliseconds while being used as a table or remote microphone.
Ori Goren, CEO of Nuance Hearing, said: “Since 2015, we have been delivering powerful and advanced hearing solutions that deliver optimum performance. We know that many people in the UK are suffering in silence, unable to feel comfortable or enjoy conversing in busy environments, and are proud to have launched an innovative tech solution to help combat this.
Through innovative technological solutions, we are passionate about improving the quality of life for a diverse group of people, making every environment more accessible and helping ensure personal success and empowerment.”
Hearing loss is estimated to affect 12 million people in the UK. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that one in every five people worldwide live with hearing loss which is expected to rise to one in four by 2050. On average, people wait for ten years before getting help with hearing loss.
Hearing loss can have a devasting impact on people’s ability to communicate, study or earn a living. It also has an impact on people’s mental health and ability to sustain relationships. It has been linked to faster cognitive decline.
Hearing loss problems
Franki Oliver, audiology specialist, RNID, said: “While it might not seem obvious at first, having difficulty understanding speech in background noise is usually one of the early signs of hearing loss. The ‘cocktail party problem’ is the name used to describe the brain’s inability to filter out background noise and tune into what someone is saying in a busy environment. Most people with hearing loss experience difficulty in these situations.
He added: “It’s important to check your hearing if you start to notice difficulty in background noise, feel that people mumble, or you ask people to repeat themselves. It’s second nature for people to have their eyes checked regularly but we don’t have the same attitude towards getting our hearing checked yet.
The sooner hearing loss is identified, the earlier someone can start benefiting from life-changing hearing devices. Hearing loss can also be linked to conditions such as dementia so early intervention is vital.”