AUSTIN, TEXAS — Ambiq, a leading provider of ultra-low power semiconductors, has announced the integration of its AI-powered speech enhancement technology into over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. These innovations aim to improve speech clarity, reduce background noise, and optimize audio settings in real-time, offering users a more personalized and reliable hearing experience.
The new technology leverages Ambiq’s proprietary AI algorithms and ultra-low power microcontroller platform to deliver real-time speech enhancement. By isolating and amplifying speech while filtering out extraneous noise, the technology addresses one of the most common challenges faced by individuals with hearing loss—understanding conversations in noisy settings.
Key Technological Features:
- Neural Network Speech De-Noiser (NNSD): A real-time advanced deep learning model that analyzes audio to isolate speech and remove distracting background noise, improving the user experience.
- Neural Network Acoustic Environment Detection (NNAED): A highly sensitive deep-learning AI model that identifies subtle acoustic cues to dynamically adjust audio processing based on the user’s environment.
- Advanced Adaptive Audio Software Processing: Leverages AI to provide a clear and crisp audio experience.
- Personalized Sound Settings: Adjusted by the user’s habits and preferences.
- Extended Battery Life: Ensures uninterrupted use throughout the day.
Tailored Sound Profiles with AI Technology
The OTC hearing aids utilize Ambiq’s advanced AI models to enhance the listening experience through deep-learning neural networks designed to reduce background noise and analyze acoustic environments. The acoustic scene detection feature is notably effective, fine-tuning subtle audio nuances that surpass the human ear’s ability to differentiate between complex acoustic settings.
Ambiq’s highly power-efficient computing technology enables these AI capabilities, marking a significant advancement in the integration of AI within hearing aid devices.
“By radically reducing the power needs of the highly complex audio processing and AI features required by advanced hearing aids, Ambiq has eliminated the need for specialized and expensive ASICs, accelerating product cycles while reducing costs. Using our cutting-edge AI technology to improve sound quality, we can make OTC hearing aids more accessible and practical.”
–Carlos Morales, Vice President of AI at Ambiq
OTC hearing aids come amid a rapidly expanding market. Since the FDA’s 2022 approval, the market has experienced year-over-year growth. Despite this growth, high consumer return rates have underscored the need for advanced audio technologies — a gap Ambiq aims to fill with advanced semiconductor technology.
For more information about Ambiq and its AI-powered solutions, visit Ambiq’s website.
About Ambiq
Ambiq’s mission is to develop the lowest-power semiconductor solutions to enable intelligent devices everywhere and drive a more energy-efficient, sustainable, and data-driven world. Ambiq has helped leading manufacturers worldwide create products that last weeks on a single charge (rather than days) while delivering a maximum feature set in compact industrial designs. Ambiq’s goal is to take Artificial Intelligence (AI) where it has never gone before in mobile and portable devices, using Ambiq’s advanced ultra-low power system on chip (SoC) solutions. Ambiq has shipped more than 270 million units. For more information, visit www.ambiq.com.
Source: Ambiq
