Lyratone Technologies Software-Defined Hearing Aids, Leading the Fourth Generation of Smart Hearing Aids

Hearing Aid Market Overview

According to a 2024 WHO report, approximately 5% of the global population, or 430 million people, are currently affected by hearing loss. This includes 34 million children. The report predicts that by 2050, this number will increase to over 700 million, meaning one in ten people will face hearing loss. The prevalence of hearing loss increases with age; among those over 60 years old, 25% experience varying degrees of hearing loss. Therefore, as societies age, the hearing aid market is expanding.

Evolution of Hearing Aids

The commercial history of hearing aids began in the mid-20th century. With advancements in technology and design, the development of hearing aids can be divided into four stages:

1. First Generation: Analog Hearing Aids

- These were the earliest types of hearing aids, developed at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century.

2. Second Generation: Digital Hearing Aids

- The shift to digital signal processing (DSP) technology marked the second generation of hearing aids. Companies like Oticon, Phonak, and Starkey played significant roles in developing and commercializing DSP hearing aids from the late 20th century into the early 21st century.

3. Third Generation: Wireless Bluetooth Hearing Aids

- The integration of wireless connectivity advanced hearing aids further. Phonak, ReSound, and Widex were pioneers in introducing Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids. During this generation, Lyratone Technologies introduced the concept of Software-Defined Hearing, which allowed for better integration of hearing aids with Bluetooth functionality, enabling comprehensive hearing assistance across multiple audio scenarios.

4. Fourth Generation: Smart Hearing Aids

- This generation of hearing aids, often referred to as smart hearing aids, integrates advanced AI algorithms, IoT devices, and cloud computing. These hearing aids can adapt in real-time to user preferences and listening environments, providing a more personalized and immersive auditory experience. In the development of fourth-generation hearing aids, two approaches emerged:

- Traditional ASIC architecture, primarily used by companies like Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, and Widex.

- A new architecture introduced by Lyratone Technologies, Inc., based on Software-Defined Hearing, which allows for faster product iteration and open integration.

Software-Defined Hearing: Empowering Fourth-Generation Hearing Aids

The core of hearing aid technology lies in hearing algorithms and chips. Before the third generation, almost all industry players relied on ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) technology. ASICs are designed and manufactured to perform specific functions, such as in smartphones and network devices. However, ASIC-based hearing aids have several limitations:

●High initial costs due to significant upfront investment in design and manufacturing.

●Long development times, often taking months or even years.

●Lack of flexibility, as once manufactured, ASICs cannot be easily modified or updated.

●Risk of obsolescence due to rapid technological advancements.

These limitations significantly hindered product improvements, especially in the transition to fourth-generation hearing aids. As hearing aids evolve into AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) devices, advanced machine learning algorithms and cutting-edge applications play a crucial role. This transformation requires a more flexible, open-integrated, cost-effective, and powerful core chip for hearing aids, which traditional ASIC technology cannot provide.

To address these emerging needs, Lyratone Technologies introduced the concept and practice of Software-Defined Hearing globally in 2018. This approach abstracts hearing functions into software layers, including embedded software, smartphone gateway apps, and cloud applications, facilitating the realization of hearing functions. By leveraging software characteristics, this architecture offers greater flexibility in performance improvement, open integration, and cost-effectiveness, allowing for faster iterations and updates compared to hardware-centric hearing aids.

Lyratone Technologies's Practice of Software-Defined Hearing

In 2018, Lyratone Technologies, Inc. introduced the method and architecture of Software-Defined Hearing (SDH) to revolutionize fourth-generation hearing aids. These innovative devices offer unparalleled flexibility and adaptability in integrating cutting-edge technologies. Through sophisticated software control and updates, they dynamically adjust to different levels of hearing loss and environmental changes, ensuring optimal performance for users.

Lyratone Technologies precisely controls the core sound-processing functions of hearing aids through software-defined architecture. These functions include wide dynamic range compression, dual noise reduction, feedback management, and fitting. The core idea is to abstract traditional hardware-dependent functions into a software layer, fundamentally changing the paradigm of hearing technology.

When building the framework for software-defined hearing, Lyratone Technologies effectively utilized the computational power of 14nm CMOS chips, which offer faster processing speeds compared to the 65nm ASIC chipsets traditionally used in hearing aids. This advancement in computational power enables the implementation of a broader range of advanced hearing algorithms. Additionally, Lyratone Technologies successfully overcame ASIC limitations, including performance optimization and power consumption issues, reducing hearing aid latency to 3ms, matching ASIC performance levels.

In terms of products, Lyratone Technologies has rapidly developed bone conduction hearing aids and open-fit air conduction hearing aids based on its new software-defined architecture, following the successful development of air conduction hearing aids.

Summary

The concept of Software-Defined Hearing has a transformative impact on the hearing aid industry, similar to the shifts seen in other sectors, such as the transition from feature phones to smartphones in mobile technology and from gasoline cars to electric vehicles in the automotive industry. These transformations are driven by innovative technologies, products, and collaborative frameworks centered around software-defined hardware and software-driven hardware.

As a comprehensive hearing aid solution provider, Lyratone Technologies offers full-stack solutions, including hearing algorithm software and various hearing aid devices. Leveraging software-defined hearing technology, the company has successfully developed various medical-grade hearing aids to meet diverse needs. These solutions cover both air conduction and bone conduction devices, with diverse form factors such as RIC, BTE, TWS, and open-fit designs, offering comprehensive options for enterprises seeking effective hearing solutions.

Driven by the mission of "Better Hearing for Better Life," Lyratone Technologies is committed to advancing industry innovation through its next-generation Software-Defined Hearing engine. This initiative aims to provide high-quality products and services, enabling millions of hearing-impaired individuals to enjoy better sound quality and reconnect with the world of sound.

About Lyratone Technologies, Inc.

Lyratone Technologies is a tech company specializing in medical hearing aid research and development. Founded by alumni from Tsinghua University and Peking University, the company leverages AI and its globally pioneering Software-Defined Hearing technology architecture, along with self-developed hearing algorithms, chips, and complete device technology, to create the next generation of wireless and smart hearing aids. The goal is to make hearing health services accessible to more people, helping them rediscover the beauty of sound.