Lyratone Technologies Completes the World's First Open-Ear Hearing Aid Solution

In June 2024, Lyratone Technologies, Inc. leveraging its pioneering Software-Defined Hearing (SDH) architecture, collaborated with partners to successfully develop the world's first open-ear hearing aid (OEHA) solution. The prototype can cater to individuals with moderate to severe hearing loss.

What is an Open-Ear Hearing Aid?

Open-wearable sound devices (OWS) are the most popular form of headphones in 2024. This design addresses the discomfort associated with traditional in-ear hearing aids, allowing users to hear external sounds while listening to audio through headphones. Figure 1 shows the latest Ultra Open Earbuds.

Figure 1: Latest Ultra Open Earbuds

An open-ear hearing aid (OEHA) combines the structure of open headphones with comprehensive acoustic processing capabilities for hearing assistance. It provides sound amplification without occluding the ear canal, keeping the ear open and reducing discomfort and occlusion effects often caused by traditional in-ear hearing aids. Structurally, it integrates and upgrades OWS and traditional Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing aid designs.

Key Features of Open-Ear Hearing Aids:

1. Advantages:

- Reduced Occlusion Effect: Traditional hearing aids can make one's own voice sound loud and hollow. OEHA minimizes this effect by keeping the ear canal open.

- Comfort: Users generally find OEHA more comfortable, especially during prolonged use, as the ear canal remains unobstructed.

- Clearer Speech: With an open ear canal, users can hear their own voice better, reducing the isolated feeling when speaking. Additionally, self-voice is significantly less amplified compared to traditional hearing aids.

2. Target Audience:

- Moderate to Severe Hearing Loss: Suitable for individuals with moderate to severe hearing loss, as it provides sufficient amplification without fully occluding the ear canal.

- Active Lifestyles: Ideal for those who need long-term wear and lead active lifestyles due to its comfort and discreet design.

3. Technical Features:

- Advanced Processing Technology: Equipped with state-of-the-art hearing sound processing technologies such as Wide Dynamic Range Compression (WDRC), noise reduction, feedback suppression, and directional microphones for clear auditory experiences.

- Wireless Connectivity: Many modern OEHA support wireless connectivity like Bluetooth, enabling pairing with smartphones and other devices to enhance user experience.

Challenges in Developing Open-Ear Hearing Aids

Despite their advantages, OEHA face several technical challenges:

1. Feedback Management: Sound feedback is more likely due to the open design, requiring advanced feedback cancellation algorithms to prevent whistling.

2. Amplification Limits: The open design restricts the amount of amplification, particularly in low frequencies, necessitating careful gain adjustment to avoid feedback.

3. Environmental Noise Reduction: OEHA are more susceptible to wind noise and background noise, requiring sophisticated noise reduction algorithms.

4. Acoustic Performance: Effective amplification of low-frequency sounds is challenging in an open design, impacting overall hearing experience.

5. Microphone and Receiver Placement: Ensuring optimal placement of directional microphones and receivers to enhance speech understanding in noisy environments is complex.

6. Software-Hardware Integration: Customizing hearing algorithms for different hardware forms to achieve optimal sound quality.

Lyratone Technologies's Breakthrough

In the hearing aid industry, traditional air-conduction hearing aids include Behind-The-Ear (BTE) and Completely-In-Canal (CIC) models. Newer models feature fashionable designs like True Wireless Stereo (TWS) and neckband styles, all of which are in-ear types. Lyratone Technologies's concept model of an open-ear hearing aid is a global first. It offers hearing gain suitable for moderate to severe hearing loss, features 32-channel WDRC, and integrates hearing assistance with Bluetooth functionality for full-scene digital hearing aids.

Lyratone's OEHA is built on its globally pioneering SDH architecture, enabling rapid iteration and open integration of hearing functions. This allowed Lyratone's R&D team to quickly develop the concept model.

About Lyratone Technologies

Founded in 2018, Lyratone Technologies is a leading technology platform and solution provider in the hearing aid industry. Focused on core medical hearing aid technologies, including algorithms, chips, whole machines, and fitting services, Lyratone introduced the world's first SDH architecture. This new generation of engine represents a significant innovation in the medical hearing aid industry.

Lyratone's "Software-Defined Hearing" (SDH) technology framework decouples software from hardware in hearing aids, revolutionizing product development and service delivery. This approach has transformed the industry from closed proprietary development to open collaboration among manufacturers.

Through years of dedicated R&D, Lyratone has independently developed a comprehensive suite of core hearing algorithms called LyraOS, serving hundreds of thousands of hearing-impaired users. Based on user feedback and the SDH architecture, Lyratone rapidly iterates and optimizes its solutions, providing next-generation hearing engines.

Lyratone offers full-stack technology solutions, including algorithms, chips, motherboards, whole machines, and fitting services. Its products include various types of air-conduction and bone-conduction hearing aids, catering to diverse needs.

Lyratone's innovative SDH engine not only enhances hearing aid performance but also accelerates product iterations, meeting market demands more effectively. Lyratone aims to continuously drive technological advancements in the industry, offering superior products and services to help millions of hearing-impaired individuals enjoy better sound and return to vibrant lives.