RA 2: Advanced hearing devices

The primary goal of this research area is to significantly enhance the intelligence of hearing devices in complex acoustic environments, and to drastically improve hearing outcomes with auditory implants.

To achieve this we are developing technical solutions that combine generative AI-based sound processing with advanced auditory stimulation strategies, supported by protective interventions for drug delivery and neuromodulation. Leveraging the recent revolution in generative AI and large language models, we develop algorithms for hearing devices to provide fully individualized hearing and communication support in complex acoustic environments. These advanced algorithms empower intelligent hearing devices to understand the user’s environment, dynamically enhance relevant sound sources, optimize neural excitation patterns, and adaptively learn individual listening preferences.

To reduce the number of patients experiencing limited benefits from auditory implants, we explore novel anatomical modeling approaches to individually tailor the implant towards its target location, develop a visionary concept for autonomous surgery, and enhance the electrode-neural interface with the auditory nerve implant. As a supporting biological therapy, we pursue protective interventions based on drug delivery implants, creating a microenvironment that retards neuronal damage in the auditory pathway. To support the neural processing of information provided by auditory implants, we develop and clinically explore a range of neuromodulation strategies. These include invasive neural stimulation with central auditory and frontal electrodes, vagus nerve stimulation, non-invasive transcranial pulse stimulation and cochlear stimulation through the ear canal.

By combining our expertise in auditory neuro science, surgical procedures, biomedical engineering, signal processing and machine learning, we aim to substantially improve the effectiveness of hearing devices for all levels of hearing loss.