Starkey Hearing Technologies has released the Livio AI, a hearing aid that doubles up as a physical activity monitor and cognitive tracker, according to New Atlas.
The Livio AI utilizes the ears to help users improve their health, while treating hearing loss.
The hearing aid uses Hearing Reality technology to cut background noise by as much as 50 percent, while also increasing speech clarity and enhancing overall hearing. The device also includes feedback cancellation called “Multiflex Tinnitus Technology” to provide relief to individuals who suffer from ringing in the ears. The water, wax and moisture repellent system is intended for long-term users.
“What makes today a pivotal moment in the hearing industry, is that with Livio AI, we have transformed a single-use device into the world’s first multi-purpose hearing aid, a Healthable with integrated sensors and artificial intelligence,” said Starkey’s Brandon Sawalich. “Livio AI is so much more than just a hearing aid, it is a gateway to better health and wellness.”
Starkey said the ear provides more accurate fitness tracking data, and the Livio AI system can track both physical activity and cognitive health. It pairs with the Thrive Hearing mobile companion app to provide a brain and body health score, but can also be used with Apple Health and Google Fit apps for physical activity measurements from the inertial sensors. The inertial sensors can detect if the user has fallen and will send out a call for help. It also utilizes Alexa and has real-time language translation built in.
Additionally, the dual-radio wireless technology allows the person wearing the hearing aid to take calls, listen to music or increase the volume on compatible TVs. If the user is wearing two hearing aids, the system uses near-field magnetic induction technology for ear-to-ear comms and binaural noise reduction.
