.jpg)
If you’ve been researching hearing aids lately, you’ve probably noticed a flood of “AI-powered” claims. It’s tempting to think we’ve entered a new era—tiny computers in your ears that can learn, adapt, and think. But is it real innovation or just clever marketing?
As someone who wears hearing aids and tests every new technology I can get my hands on-here’s what I’ve found:
We’re in the earliest innings:
Most “AI hearing aids” don’t actually process artificial intelligence in real time. The few that do are still in early stages. The tech is promising, but not transformative—yet.
This guide will help you separate fact from fiction and understand what AI can (and can’t) do in hearing aids today.
Prefer to watch?
Click below to hear about where AI and hearing aids are headed 👇
- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
- 200+ hours each month spent researching brands and care options
- 2,000,000 people shopped on Soundly in 2024
- 100% independently owned and operated
Read more about our company, services and process here.
- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
- 200+ hours each month spent researching brands and care options
- 2,000,000 people shopped on Soundly in 2024
- 100% independently owned and operated
Read more about our company, services and process here.
Featured in this article
The Real Story Behind AI Hearing Aids
In mid-2025, Most hearing aids use AI in some way. But not always in the ways you imagine.
When people hear “AI-powered,” they picture hearing aids that think, learn, and adapt to every environment in real time. That’s not what most devices do.
The truth is more nuanced—and actually, more interesting.
We’re still in what you could call the experimental phase of real-time AI hearing aids. Most features are clever, but limited. And only two products on the market today genuinely run AI processing while you wear them.
So what are all these brands talking about? Let’s break down the three types of AI you’ll find in hearing aids today.
The 3 Types of AI in Hearing Aids
1. AI-Designed Algorithms (Behind-the-Scenes Help)
This is the most common—and least understood—use of AI in hearing aids.
Here, AI is used in the development process to train noise reduction and speech enhancement algorithms. For example, Oticon famously fed millions of audio samples into machine learning systems to improve their sound processing.
The result? A smarter algorithm—but not real-time AI. These devices don’t “think” on the fly. They’re designed by AI, but not powered by it.
Brands like Oticon, Starkey, Widex, and even budget options like ELEHEAR all use this method. It’s become standard in modern hearing aid design.
Bottom line: These hearing aids are AI-trained, not AI-powered.
2. AI-Powered User Features (Smart Adjustments)
A few brands have introduced interactive AI features that let you adjust your hearing aids through app-based assistants.
For example:
- Signia Assistant lets you chat with an AI in the app to fine-tune your sound.
- Starkey Edge Mode records a short sample of your environment and uses AI to adjust your settings automatically.
- Widex MySound lets you choose between A/B sound profiles to help the system “learn” your preferences.
These tools are helpful—but they’re more about convenience and user interface than AI sound processing.
Bottom line: Useful tools, but focused on user interactions Vs. sound processing.
3. Real-Time AI Processing (The New Frontier)
This is the next frontier: a dedicated chip inside the hearing aid that runs AI algorithms in real time to separate speech from background noise.
Your device starts actively working to boost what matters (speech) and cut what doesn’t (background chatter). It’s adapting and learning in real time using a dedicated chip.
Only two hearing aids offer this real-time technology as of mid-2025:
Let’s talk about what it’s like to wear those products.
Real-World Tests: What These AI Hearing Aids Actually Do
Phonak Sphere Infinio
I wore these at a noisy industry conference. When I switched into AI mode, it was like flipping a switch—the background noise dropped away, and speech came through cleanly.
But here’s the thing: it felt too clean. Almost unnaturally processed.
It’s great in chaotic situations, but I didn’t want to stay in that mode all day. And the battery drain is significant—you’ll pay for that extra processing in runtime.
Verdict: Impressive in bursts, but not your all-day driver.
ReSound Vivia
ReSound trained their onboard chip with over 13 million speech samples. I tested it in a loud conference hall while trying to hear a distant speaker—and the speech focus mode really did help.
But again, I kept switching back to the more natural default setting when I left that environment.
Verdict: Smart and effective in the right moment—but not transformative for daily wear.
Should You Buy an AI Hearing Aid Right Now?
Not just for the AI.
If you’re shopping for hearing aids today, don’t choose a device based on AI alone. The real-time features are cool but still evolving—and they come with trade-offs.
Instead, focus on:
- Sound quality and clarity
- Comfort and fit
- Battery life
- The kind of support you want (in-person or remote)
If you’re already looking at premium devices and often deal with noisy environments, trying a real-time AI hearing aid might make sense. Just don’t expect all-day use—yet.
Final Word: Focus on What Matters Today
Here’s my advice:
- Buy hearing aids based on fit, comfort, and sound—not just AI.
- Real-time AI is interesting, but not a must-have yet.
- You’re not missing out if you go with a quality hearing aid that doesn’t run a separate AI chip.
Whether you choose a device with AI features or not, what matters most is getting the support, sound quality, and experience that fits your life.
Take our free 5-minute hearing test to find the best hearing aids for your needs—AI-powered or traditional.
Still have questions? Reach out at hello@soundly.com or get in touch via phone 1 (213) 460 1310. We help people through this decision every day and we’d love to support you in your process.
