Hearing aids to reduce background noise

• Noise-canceling technology dates to the 1930s.
• While noise-canceling technology is popular in headphones, it is also popular in many modern hearing aids.
• Noise cancellation in hearing aids helps mask background noise so that people can better hear and focus on other sounds, such as conversation.
• Noise cancellation can be passive or active. Active noise cancellation works by neutralizing sounds and is common in many devices.
• People who have other hearing issues, such as tinnitus, may benefit from noise-canceling hearing aids.

Noise-canceling technology has been around for many decades. The concept was first developed back in the 1930s by physicist Paul Lueg. In the 1950s and 1960s, this technology began being implemented in the military. Because aircraft cockpits were so noisy, people needed a way to block out the background noise so soldiers could communicate with each other effectively. Noise-canceling hearing aids started becoming available around the 1970s.¹ While these early devices worked well, they also had many limitations. Technology has since come a long way, especially in hearing aids.

Today, noise-canceling hearing aids offer many more features. Digital noise reduction (DNR) technology works by identifying background noise and dimming it while amplifying the sounds of speech. Because sound waves that come from speech spectral design than noise, these hearing aids can distinguish the difference and adjust accordingly. However, it’s important to note that noise-canceling hearing aids cannot fully eliminate background sounds. Certain sounds, such as music or noises that suddenly change in volume, might be harder for these hearing devices to catch and filter out.

Hearing aids offer many features that make them easy and convenient to use. Noise-canceling hearing aids work by using directional microphones that pick up sounds from different areas. The device then processes each of the sounds. Advanced algorithms can tell which sounds should be amplified and which sounds should be reduced. Noise-canceling hearing aids often have other features as well.

Hearing aids with Bluetooth and noise canceling are standard across many devices today. This allows hearing aids to connect to a person’s phone. Rechargeable noise-canceling hearing aids are also popular since many people prefer to charge their devices rather than changing the batteries. Additionally, AI integration is now being used in many hearing aids. This technology can help hearing aids adapt more quickly to new sound environments to better filter out background noise.  

Because noise-canceling hearing aids can be customized, they work for a wide range of people and their hearing loss. However, they are not the best fit for everyone. Some people find noise-canceling technology to be calming, while others claim that it makes speech sound muffled.² However, there are a few people who may specifically benefit from using this hearing technology.

• People who hunt: Hearing aids with noise canceling for shooting help people hear their surroundings while reacting when a weapon is fired to protect the user’s ears from the loud sound. (Though it’s always recommended to wear hearing protection when hunting or at a shooting range.)
• People with tinnitus: Hearing aids are considered a type of sound therapy for those with tinnitus.³ Noise-canceling hearing aids for tinnitus can help mask the sound of the ringing in the ear.
• People with autism: Those with autism can benefit from devices such as noise-canceling hearing aids. Autism can cause a person’s hearing to be extra sensitive.