Improving hearing aids for underserved and rural populations using smartphone technology
Official title: Smartphone Machine Learning Speech Enhancement System for Hearing Aid Devices for the Underserved and Rural Populations
Funded at Applied Universal Dynamics Corporation · NIH-10920072 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a smartphone app that helps people with hearing aids hear conversations more clearly, especially for those in rural areas who might not have easy access to hearing care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Applied Universal Dynamics Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Loretto, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $295,825 |
| NIH project number | 1R43AG088131-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10920072 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults aged 21 and older who experience mild to moderate hearing loss and reside in rural or underserved communities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe hearing loss or those who do not have access to smartphones may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a smartphone-based machine learning system to enhance speech clarity for hearing aid users, particularly targeting underserved and rural communities. It aims to address the significant barriers these populations face in accessing effective hearing care, including high costs and limited availability of audiology services. By leveraging advancements in over-the-counter hearing aids and smartphone technology, the project seeks to create a more affordable and effective solution for individuals with hearing loss. The approach involves using algorithms to improve sound quality and reduce background noise, making conversations clearer for users.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more accessible and effective hearing aid solution for millions of individuals with hearing loss, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using smartphone technology to enhance hearing aids, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Applied Universal Dynamics Corporation
Loretto, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gibson, Paul — Applied Universal Dynamics Corporation
- Study coordinator: Gibson, Paul
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.