Hearing aids have undergone a revolution. Today, they are intelligent, connected devices that transform lives. The features available in hearing aids today are lightyears beyond simple amplification. They enhance clarity, reduce noise, support brain health, and even detect falls.
In this guide, we will explore these features in depth. From AI and Bluetooth to Auracast and health tracking, here is everything you need to know about the incredible technology powering hearing aids in 2025.
Artificial Intelligence: Personalized Sound Like Never Before
AI is now at the heart of hearing aid technology. The smartest hearing aids use deep learning and neural networks to analyze sound environments in real time.
Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) Explained
A DNN is a type of artificial intelligence that mimics how the human brain learns and processes sound. These systems are trained using vast amounts of data, including millions of real-world sound samples. The more diverse the data, the more accurately the DNN can interpret new environments.
Modern DNNs don’t just filter sound. They recognize complex patterns. They distinguish speech from noise with greater precision. And they learn your preferences over time, adjusting sound automatically.
One standout example is the DEEPSONIC chip. This advanced DNN, found in Phonak’s Sphere Infinio hearing aids, performs 7.7 billion operations per second. It isolates speech in real-world settings without muting background ambiance. The result is natural, clear, and personalized sound.
How AI Benefits You
- Automatic Environment Detection: AI scans your surroundings and adjusts settings instantly.
- Learning Over Time: It remembers how you tweak volume or clarity in different places.
- Personalized Noise Reduction: AI knows the difference between music, speech, and traffic noise.
- Multiple Speaker Focus: You can track and understand multiple voices in group conversations.
Bluetooth Connectivity: Direct Streaming With Ease
Today’s hearing aids allow direct streaming from smartphones, tablets, and televisions. You no longer need neck loops or adapters.
Universal Bluetooth Support
Modern hearing aids support “Made for iPhone” and Android ASHA (Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids). Some even support both. This ensures your devices work no matter what phone you use.
Bluetooth LE Audio
Bluetooth Low Energy Audio is the next generation of Bluetooth. It offers better sound quality, lower energy consumption, and more efficient streaming. You get longer battery life with crystal-clear audio.
Auracast: A Game-Changer for Public Listening
Auracast is Bluetooth LE Audio’s broadcast feature. It allows public venues—airports, theaters, lecture halls—to broadcast audio directly to your hearing aids.
No more struggling to hear over loudspeakers. You receive the sound clearly and directly.
Real-World Benefits
- Hands-Free Calls: Use your hearing aids like wireless headsets.
- TV and Music Streaming: Listen directly from your television or phone.
- Public Audio Access: Connect to public venues for a better experience.
- Future-Proof: Auracast-ready devices are prepared for what comes next.
Rechargeable Batteries: Convenience and Longevity
Lithium-ion batteries are now standard in premium hearing aids. They offer convenience, cost savings, and environmental benefits.
Battery Life
Most devices provide 20 to 30+ hours of use per charge. That includes time spent streaming. Some models can last up to 51 hours (Starkey Genesis).
Fast Charging
Quick-charge technology gives you several hours of use with just 15 minutes of charging.
Compact Chargers
Most hearing aids come with a portable charging case. Some cases also dehumidify the devices while charging.
Why This Matters
- No More Tiny Batteries: Easier for users with dexterity issues.
- More Environmentally Friendly: Reduce waste from disposables.
- All-Day Power: Never worry about your hearing aids dying mid-day.
Speech Enhancement: Clarity in the Real World
Understanding speech in noisy places is one of the top concerns for hearing aid users. Advanced features in today’s devices make this much easier.
Directional Microphones
Modern hearing aids use multiple microphones to create a directional focus. They “zoom in” on the person talking and reduce background sounds.
Phonak’s StereoZoom 2.0 and SpeechSensor features take this to the next level. They detect where speech is coming from—even from behind you—and adjust accordingly.
ReSound’s Intelligent Focus technology uses eye-gaze detection and head movement to identify your area of focus.
Real-Time Noise Filtering
AI-powered filters actively reduce traffic, wind, or restaurant noise. These aren’t just volume changes. The hearing aids analyze the sound, isolate speech, and minimize distractions.
Multi-Speaker Processing
Signia’s Real-Time Conversation Enhancement can track and clarify several moving speakers at once.
The Result
- Effortless Conversations: Follow speech without fatigue.
- Better Comprehension: Understand faster and with more accuracy.
- Less Background Interference: Only hear what you need to hear.
Health and Wellness Tracking
Some hearing aids now include fitness tracking features. These support overall well-being, not just hearing.
Starkey Features
- Step Tracking: Counts your steps throughout the day.
- Fall Detection: Sends alerts to caregivers or loved ones if you fall.
- Balance Support: Helps with exercises to improve balance.
- Brain Engagement Monitoring: Tracks active listening time.
Find out more about Starkey hearing aid models.
Signia My WellBeing
- Activity Score: Combines step count and hearing aid usage.
- Social Engagement Tracking: Measures how often you interact with others.
These features promote healthy aging. They encourage users to stay active and connected.
Tinnitus Management
Tinnitus affects millions. Today’s hearing aids offer built-in features to help manage it.
Sound Therapy Options
Hearing aids can play gentle, calming tones to reduce the perception of ringing. These include:
- White noise
- Ocean sounds
- Soft tones
- Fractal music
These sounds are customizable through your hearing aid app.
Masking vs. Habituation
Masking covers the sound of tinnitus temporarily. Habituation helps your brain learn to ignore it. Hearing aids support both approaches.
App Integration
Many manufacturers include tinnitus tools within their smartphone apps. This gives users more control over their tinnitus relief.
Feedback Cancellation
Whistling and squealing sounds, known as feedback, are a thing of the past.
Digital Feedback Suppression
Today’s systems detect feedback before it occurs and stop it instantly. You can hug someone, wear a hat, or lie on a pillow without that annoying sound.
Phonak, ReSound, Starkey, and Signia all use advanced feedback control algorithms that adjust in milliseconds.
Smartphone Apps: Take Control in Your Pocket
Every major hearing aid brand has a mobile app for customization and support.
What You Can Do
- Adjust volume and tone
- Change programs
- Track battery life
- Locate lost hearing aids
- Access remote care
- Customize tinnitus relief
These apps allow total control, without touching your hearing aids.
Examples
- Phonak myPhonak
- ReSound Smart 3D
- Starkey Thrive
- Signia App with Assistant
Top Features by Brand: What Sets Them Apart
Each hearing aid manufacturer has unique innovations. Here’s how they stand out.
Phonak
- DEEPSONIC AI Chip: Performs billions of operations per second.
- AutoSense OS 6.0: Blends multiple sound programs automatically.
- SpeechSensor and StereoZoom 2.0: Smart speech direction detection.
- Tap Control: Control phone calls and music with a double tap.
- RogerDirect: Pairs with microphones for classroom or work settings.
ReSound
- Deep Neural Network: Trained on millions of voices.
- 360 All Around: Accesses full soundscape with directionality.
- M&RIE Microphone: Adds a mic in the ear canal for natural sound.
- Auracast Ready: Prepared for the next evolution in connectivity.
Starkey
- Edge AI & Genesis AI: Advanced processors mimic brain activity.
- Translate and Transcribe: Converts speech to text or another language.
- Fall Detection & Balance Tools: Health and safety built in.
- Up to 51-Hour Battery: Industry-leading battery life.
Compare the Resound Vivia and the Starkey Edge.
Signia
- Integrated Xperience Platform: Tracks multiple voices in motion.
- Own Voice Processing 2.0: Makes your voice sound natural.
- eWindScreen & SoundSmoothing: Handles wind and impact noise.
- Signia Assistant: AI assistant that learns and adapts to your needs.
Why Today’s Features Matter
These features aren’t just about hearing better. They support a better life.
Hear More, Live More
- Better Conversations: Rejoin group chats and family dinners.
- Stronger Relationships: Stay connected to loved ones.
- Improved Safety: Hear alarms, alerts, and sirens.
Support Brain Health
- Reduced Listening Effort: Free up mental resources.
- Stimulate Auditory Pathways: Keep your brain active.
- Fight Cognitive Decline: Untreated hearing loss is linked to dementia risk.
Empower Your Lifestyle
- Stay Active: Track your steps and movement.
- Feel Secure: Fall detection adds peace of mind.
- Live Confidently: Enjoy outings, phone calls, and entertainment again.
Why You Still Need a Hearing Care Provider
No matter how advanced the features, hearing aids must be fit correctly. A licensed hearing care provider:
- Performs a comprehensive hearing test (find a free hearing test near you)
- Recommends the right model for your needs
- Programs your devices for optimal performance
- Adjusts settings over time
- Provides remote support and maintenance
They also perform real ear measurement, ensuring your hearing aids deliver sound precisely to your ear drum for best results.
Explore more about real ear measurement.
Ready to Try These Amazing Features?
The features available in hearing aids today are advanced, personalized, and transformative. You deserve to experience the best hearing possible.
Contact American Hearing + Audiology to schedule your appointment today. We’ll help you choose the perfect device and guide you every step of the way.
