The image on the left illustrates the brain while listening without AI-based noise reduction; the red areas show more oxygen concentration, which is less efficient. The image on the right illustrates the brain while listening with AI-based noise reduction; the smaller red areas show lower oxygen concentration, which indicates more efficient processing of speech.
The image on the left illustrates the brain while listening without AI-based noise reduction; the red areas show more oxygen concentration, which is less efficient. The image on the right illustrates the brain while listening with AI-based noise reduction; the smaller red areas show lower oxygen concentration, which indicates more efficient processing of speech.

STAFA, SWITZERLAND – Phonak, a global leader in innovative hearing solutions, is excited to share results from newly published research available in Nature Scientific Reports.1 This research used a cutting-edge neuroimaging technique to show that activation of Phonak’s AI-based noise reduction enabled more efficient cognitive processing, associated with reduced listening effort and clearer speech understanding.

The researchers used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure changes in the brain’s oxygen use in a group of hearing aid wearers listening with and without Phonak’s AI-based noise reduction technology. This comparison is noteworthy, as speech understanding in loud situations is one of the greatest listening challenges faced by wearers of hearing aids.

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The study showed that activating listening settings in background noise reduced cognitive processing while, at the same time, supporting participants' understanding of more speech. This was observed in the neuroimaging results showing reduced blood oxygen concentration in the left prefrontal cortex, a region of the brain associated with listening effort. Participants also reported lower levels of subjective listening effort.

This study provides important scientific evidence that Phonak’s AI-based noise reduction reduces listening effort and cognitive load when listening to speech in noise, aligning with wearers’ real-world experiences. We’re grateful for the support of collaborators like Dr. Frank Russo at Toronto Metropolitan University, who make work like this possible.

Stefan Launer, Sonova VP Audiology and Health Innovation

Oliver Frank, Vice President Phonak Marketing added: “This study confirms what we have already learned from extensive feedback from hearing aid wearers and hearing care professionals alike—that Phonak Infinio Sphere delivers clearer speech in dynamic group conversations and noticeably reduces listening fatigue throughout the day. By validating real-world experiences with compelling clinical evidence, the findings reinforce Phonak Infinio Sphere’s unique role in helping people stay mentally energized, socially engaged, and connected for longer in challenging listening environments.”

Phonak has long focused on developing hearing technologies that adapt to the listening demands of real life. To best address this, Infinio Sphere hearing aids offer Phonak’s proprietary AI-based noise reduction, Spheric Speech Clarity™. Unlike conventional AI approaches with small Deep Neural Network (DNN) that first classify the environment and then post-process sound, Phonak is the only one using a dedicated real-time DNN chip to extract, enhance, and reintegrate voices from all directions, delivering clear speech from any direction instantly.2 Findings like the ones described here strengthen the scientific proof that technologies exclusively available in Phonak hearing aids meaningfully support both hearing and well-being.

SOURCE: Phonak

References

  1. Vaisberg JM, Dang C, Jiang Y, et al. Brain benefits of deep learning-based noise management in experienced hearing aid users using functional near infrared spectroscopy. Sci Rep. 2025: 15, 41815.
  2. Raufer S, Kohlhauer P, Jehle F, Kühnel V, Preuss M, Hobi S. Spheric Speech Clarity proven to outperform three key competitors for clear speech in noise. Phonak Field Study News, 2024. Available at: https://www.phonak.com/evidence

  • HearingTracker Staff