We’re considering running an AMA (“Ask me anything”) with experts from Phonak on the topic of Artificial Intelligence / Deep Neural Networks / Noise Removal tech. Before we commit to this, I thought it would be a good idea to ask the community whether or not they would be interested in joining the AMA. We would look to create a 1-2 hour window where the experts were actively participating, so it really only works if people join in real time. It also helps to come prepared with burning questions! I would make myself available, and would invite Dr Steve Taddei, HearAdvisor’s lab director as well. In the comments below, please let me know what time of day would be most preferable, and your time zone.
The topic is interesting. I’m skeptical of the technology because every time the manufacturers claim that their product is the best available, I still struggle in difficult listening conditions. I no longer believe the hype. I am in the Eastern Standard Time Zone and would be available just about anytime
Yes, I’d be very interested as I currently have a pair of Phonak Sphere HAs on trial and so far I’ve not gained much benefit for understanding speech in background noise. Working with the audiologist I’ve changed from open to closed domes and I’m now on my third lot of settings which were programmed using real ear measurement. I’m hoping with different earpieces and/or settings I might get to experience something more like the speech in noise demonstrated in this Phonak Spheric Speech simulation: https://youtu.be/jcd3jKE9Oxs I’d be extremely grateful for any advice that a Phonak expert could provide.
Yes, interested. I’m in California so currently Pacific DL Savings Time. The earlier in the day the better for me. Perhaps request questions in advance? I’d love to hear any technical specs they can offer about the processors. (Process size, cores, threads or anything else they could share)
Anything related to disposable batteries, Naida, and roger system.
Is this AI will be available in Naida and Audeo?
Is it going to be with 675 batteries?
What about Audeo 312?
Is roger going to have AI too?
AI is more of software and chip, do Sonova/Phonak have any earth chattering new tech in their microphones and receivers? graphite!!! new composite material?
Any new ways of improving the microphnes in the hearing aids, maybe by using the shell as microphone membrane or array (see the beautiful animal kingdom for inspiration)? because this is the main source of data, or like Widex SmartRIC boomerang shaped hearing aids!
I beleive that is ReSound that implemented microphones in the receiver to take advantage of the pinna!, will phonak do the same?
How did your engineer assemble spoken words around the globe to train your AI? or did you use AI to do it?
Have you recorded the Inuits?
Would you add a BS detector to AutoSense?
Hang on a minute:
Will AutoSense be obsolete I suppose that AI will be doing the heavy lifting?
Are the prices of your hearing aids will come down or it is a wishful thinking?
Last but not least; We consumer want you back at Costco, is this feasible or is it a broken marriage beyond recovery? KS12 and Brio12 perhaps.
Does Phonak plan release HAs with L-shaped housing (as in Oticon Intent or Widex SmartRIC) to make microphones placed more horizontally for better directivity? I found this could provide even 1-2 dB better SNR, possibly even in Spheric in Loud Noise program. See my post:
Do they plan to invent recording the length and timing of the acoustic feedback in DataLogging for Target software or the myPhonak app? It would be very useful tool for audiologist.
Do they plan to produce a new type of receiver, similar to the Resound M&RIE, with a microphone placed in the concha, especially considering that the another Sonova brand, Advanced Bionics, sound processor has a similar T-mic solution?
Do they anticipate releasing receivers with xMEMS technology?
Will the AI feature be in the newest Advanced Bionics sound processor?
Do they see the possibility to include another noise cancellation feature which would involve making a sound that is opposite in phase to the noise, as in some earbuds?
Regarding artificial intelligence in AutoSense, I propose adding a live monitor graph (may e with percentage numbers) to the myPhonak app. This graph could show which AutoSense element is currently active, as in their picture.
I can be flexible most dates and times as long as I know in advance. I am on the East coast of USA.
But wouldn’t it be much more efficient ( especially in the HOH community ) to have a dedicated thread where the Admin could review the salient posts and show them to the Phonak expert .
The written word is more exact, and quicker.
It can be distilled, confirmed, and documented.
It can be copied and transmitted upstairs.
Not sure how a ‘round table’ is likely to achieve more - but enthusiastic to participate.
In connection to what @Bimodal_user has said, will AI bring a new generation of fitting software, with less dependency on the particular skills of our Audi? The reality is that fitting software has become very complex, and many Audis (not all, of course), are unable to take maximum advantage from it. AI may become a very useful tool, also getting feedback from the user in real scenarios and reprogramming to adapt to real user needs.
I am in Central European time zone.
Yes, please! I am definitely interested. I am on PDT, so Pacific Time. My question is: Why is Phonak discontinuing the Paradise Naidas? That means there are no CROS-compatible UP (ultra power) BTE (NOT RIC) hearing aids available in the Phonak Naida lineup. I specifically need the BTE (behind the ear) form factor with UP ULTRA POWER CROS because I am profoundly deaf in my left ear, and severe > profound in my right ear. I have been using this configuration since 2016 (the Naida B belong platform, which I am wearing now).
I am in a massive panic because I can’t afford new aids for another couple of months (May-ish), and I need the BTE UP plus CROS available then. Not in August. And can’t do it now. I am screwed unless Phonak has an alternative (like a BTE Lumity Naida UP CROS) coming up sooner than August.
Why are we not allowed to have our hearing aid configurations as of late?
