HEALTH

A WORLD first hearing aid has been “trained” using 12 million real-life sound scenes to support how the brain works.

The device was developed after research revealed people with hearing loss needed access to all sounds for their brains to make sense of their environment.

The Oticon More aid uses artificial intelligence (AI), rather than a focus on speech which allows the wearer to hear more and helps the brain interpret and focus on what it needs to hear.

It uses one of the most advanced technologies, a Deep Neural Network platform, which has been trained using 12 million everyday-life sound scenes, collected in nature using a special 360-degree spherical microphone.

As a result, the hearing aid has learned to recognise all the varying types

A NEW research centre to tackle stroke and heart disease will boost prevention strategies, treatments and cures for diabetes and cardiovascular disease which includes stroke and transient ischaemic attacks.

“Research into chronic disease is needed now more than ever as our population grows and ages,” Stroke Foundation research advisory committee of sounds, their details and how they should ideally sound.

“Most people think we hear with our ears, but our brains are our main tool for hearing,” Oticon Australia national audiology manager Jonathan Constantine said. “This new hearing aid uses the Deep Neural Network to help the brain hear sound in the most natural and effective way.

“Traditional hearing aids block out surrounding sound, but Oticon More scans and analyses a sound scene at 500 times per second allowing the brain to process key sounds, such as someone else speaking or a bird chirping, even in a noisy, crowded environment.”

The device, which can be linked to compatible smartphones, also allows users to directly stream music and phone calls into their ear.

chairman Professor AmandaThrift said. “The opportunity is there to save lives and improve the health and wellbeing of our community for generations to come. High quality research holds the key.”

More than 445,000 Australians are living with the impact of stroke, yet it can be largely prevented and outcomes can be improved if people can access timecritical treatment and care.

CENTRE BOOSTS STROKE RESEARCH

Enjoy your best life with clear vision

Insight Eye Surgery provides the highest quality eye care to enhance, preserve and restore vision. We do this by combining state-of-the art technology with the latest techniques. We provide a personalised service with clear communication in a friendly, caring environment.

Dr Madeleine Adams (MB ChB BSc(Hons) PhD FRANZCO) is an experienced refractive cataract surgeon and comprehensive ophthalmologist.

Insight Eye Surgery takes care of: • Cataracts • Refractive lens exchange • Pterygium • Glaucoma • Macular degeneration • Diabetic eye disease

Ask your GP or optometrist for a referral today.

Insight Eye Surgery is a Known Gap Provider, conveniently located at Suite 203, Westside Private Hospital, 32 Morrow Street, Taringa QLD 4068. www.insighteyesurgery.com.au | Telephone: 07 3154 1515