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Insects inspire next generation of hearing aids

April 21, 2015

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An insect-inspired microphone that can tackle the problem of locating sounds and eliminate background noise is set to revolutionise modern-day hearing aid systems.
Ground-breaking research by the University of Strathclyde, and the MRC/CSO Institute for Hearing Research (IHR).

Scottish Section at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, will test an innovative design using a miniature directional microphone — similar to the ear of an insect. Despite remarkable advances in sound analysis in hearing aids, the actual microphone itself has remained essentially unchanged for decades.

Current directional microphone technology adds cost, weight and power requirements to hearing aids compromising their design. But collaborative research between Strathclyde and MRC/CSO IHR at the University’s Technology and Innovation Centre is set to offer an alternative design approach.

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