Improving speech clarity for people with hearing loss in noisy environments
Official title: Real time speech enhancement/noise reduction for the hearing impaired
Funded at Neural Ear INC · NIH-11068271 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new smartphone app designed to help people with hearing loss understand speech better in noisy places by using smart technology to reduce background noise while keeping voices clear.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Neural Ear INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ostrander, United States) |
| Project start | March 21, 2025 |
| Project end | March 20, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $313,372 |
| NIH project number | 1R43DC022500-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11068271 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with hearing loss who struggle to comprehend speech amidst background noise.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with normal hearing or those who do not experience difficulties in noisy environments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an innovative algorithm that enhances speech understanding for individuals with hearing loss, particularly in noisy settings. By utilizing a single-microphone system, the approach aims to effectively reduce background noise while preserving the clarity of speech. The algorithm leverages advancements in artificial intelligence to improve its performance beyond previous attempts, making it suitable for real-world applications. Patients will benefit from a smartphone application that integrates this technology, allowing for better communication in everyday situations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the ability of hearing-impaired individuals to understand speech in noisy environments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using AI-based algorithms for noise reduction, indicating a potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Neural Ear INC
Ostrander, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tyson, Matthew — Neural Ear INC
- Study coordinator: Tyson, Matthew
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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.