Every year in January the Consumer Electronics Show presents the latest in technology from across the world, with digital health, wearables, and hearables among the offerings in the exhibit halls that included more than 4,000 exhibitors and 140,000 attendees. Exhibits showing the latest TV technology and innovative technology for automobiles were a major attraction, especially the self-driving cars.
As one might guess, Artificial Intelligence (AI) was on display throughout the show. Within the world of hearing and hearing aids, the use of AI is here. Many hearing aids are now powered by chips that use AI to improve speech understanding in noise as well as an emerging area of health monitoring.
AI was also in use for several exhibits providing post-fitting hearing aid counseling tools. Using videos, as well as automated interactive websites, hearing aid wearers can get valuable information on the everyday use and care of their devices, as well as tips on better listening in noisy environments.
Over 30 exhibits were devoted to hearing aid-related technology, from over-the-counter hearing aids to eyeglasses with built in hearing tech. In addition, there were eyeglasses with the capability to provide captioning that is projected to the inside of the lens of the glasses.
Another unique exhibit was an app available on both iPad and tablets that can provide sign language assistance via an avatar. The app translates spoken language into signs and the avatar signs for the user. This could be extremely useful in public buildings where sign language may not be readily available. While still in final development, a version could be ready soon.
CES 2025 was just a taste of emerging technologies as hearing health and hearing aids continue to innovate. To learn more about available technology, styles, and options, visit hearing.org or find a licensed hearing professional near you.
The Hearing Industries Association is the trusted voice on hearing health care for product innovation, public policy, patient safety and education.
