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Advancements in hearing health: how OTC hearing aids, AI, tinnitus management are transforming audiology

Jenelle Sandy, Au.D., CCC-A

As winter settles over the serene landscapes of Lake Tahoe, people in our community are not only adjusting to the chill in the air, but also new developments in the audiology world. Tahoe Family Hearing Clinic is bringing insights to some prevalent topics in hearing care: over-the-counter hearing aids, AI-driven advancements, and innovative tinnitus management.

Each of these topics represents an important step in the evolution of hearing health, merging accessibility, advanced technology, and personal care to support individuals in maintaining a rich quality of life.

1. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids



The accessibility of over-the-counter hearing aids marks a significant shift in the audiology landscape. Historically, hearing aids required prescriptions and professional fitting sessions. With the FDA’s approval, OTC hearing aids are now widely available for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.

While this has advanced accessibility for hearing aids, Tahoe Family Hearing Clinic urges that OTC hearing aids offer a ‘one size fits all’ approach, and its oftentimes a temporary solution for a larger problem.



OTC Hearing Aids
Provided

OTC hearing aids offer flexibility, enabling users to adjust them independently, and they tend to come at a lower cost. However, while OTC aids bring convenience to users, they also come with limitations.

“Without an audiologist’s guidance, recommendations, and customizations, users may find it challenging to select and fine-tune the devices for optimal results,” Tahoe Family Hearing Clinic stated. “We always offer guidance to help users make informed decisions that best support their hearing needs.”

2. AI and Machine Learning in Audiology

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are transforming hearing health by making devices more adaptive and responsive to users’ unique needs. These advanced technologies enable hearing aids to “learn” from auditory environments, effortlessly adjusting to varying soundscapes—whether it’s a bustling restaurant or a serene forest trail. AI-equipped hearing aids enhance users’ ability to adapt to changing environments, making conversations and ambient sounds much clearer and accessible.

The clinic explains that everyone’s hearing needs differ depending on the setting, and AI’s adaptability means that even in fluctuating auditory environments, users experience consistent, personalized support.

“With this technology, people can easily adjust volume, walk from one room to another with shifting audio levels, and experience an environment-specific hearing experience that adapts to them,” the clinic adds.

AI’s role in audiology is only set to grow, providing more precise customization for each user. As hearing devices are exposed to more diverse environments, they will continue to refine and optimize sound experiences for individuals, enabling an increasingly tailored and immersive hearing journey.

3. Tinnitus Management

For many, tinnitus—the perception of ringing or buzzing in the ears—can become significantly noticeable. For some, tinnitus can be a significant distraction, disrupting sleep, focus, and overall quality of life. Audiologists are now exploring a variety of tinnitus management techniques, from sound therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to advanced hearing aids designed specifically to alleviate the effects of tinnitus.

“There’s no definitive cause, and no definitive cure for tinnitus,” Tahoe Family Hearing Clinic stated. “For some, tinnitus can be managing their specific environment.”

With tinnitus, many individuals are overall okay to manage it throughout the day, but it often becomes increasingly prevalent at nighttime and when trying to sleep, making it difficult to live with.

“There are masking solutions [for tinnitus] in some hearing aids that assist in injecting white noise and sounds to help retrain the brain on those sound elements,” Tahoe Family Hearing Clinic stated.

Provided

Recent advances in tinnitus management integrate with hearing aids and even smartphone apps, creating an accessible treatment pathway for patients seeking relief.

“At Tahoe Family Hearing Clinic, we work with each patient to tailor solutions that suit their specific tinnitus experience,” Tahoe Family Hearing Clinic stated.

As these topics evolve, they paint a picture of audiology’s future: accessible, personalized, and tech-driven. The interaction between OTC hearing aids, AI advancements, and tinnitus management is empowering patients to take an active role in their hearing health, while also allowing audiologists to provide an effective, customized care approach to each patient.

Tahoe Family Hearing Clinic is dedicated to supporting each patient’s unique hearing journey, offering personalized solutions and the highest quality of care to enhance their hearing health. For more information on Tahoe Family Hearing Clinic, visit: https://www.tahoefamilyhearing.com/.


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