Hearing Innovations: Listening For the Future of Sound

Hearing loss is no longer an invisible barrier with new technology and bold ideas. Research into this critical issue is closing the gap and transforming lives. In this episode of Emerging Tech Unpacked, host Lucy Lin sits down with Nicky Chong-White, Principal Engineer at the National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL), to reveal how hearing innovations are improving the way we listen for the future of sound.

The Global Impact of Hearing Loss

Did you know that by 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people will be living with some degree of hearing loss? Today, more than 700 million people need rehabilitation for hearing issues, and unaddressed hearing loss costs the world almost a trillion dollars each year (World Health Organisation). Yet, as Nicky shares, “Technology has never been more powerful or accessible for those who need help reconnecting with sound.”

What’s New in Hearing Tech?

The podcast episode dives deep into the innovations leaders like NAL are bringing to life:

AI-Powered Hearing Aids: Making speech clearer, even in crowded spaces - these smart devices learn from users and environments, delivering custom sound.
Wearables & AR Glasses: From discreet audio solutions to glasses that provide live captions, technology is making hearing support stylish and accessible.
Apps & Digital Tools: Self-assessment, teleaudiology, and captioning apps mean help is just a tap away, breaking down barriers to better hearing care.

AI Hearing Aids & Real-Time Captioning: Hope in Noisy Places

Hearing aids and hearing tech have come a long way. Nicky explains the leap in innovation:

“We’re putting AI in hearing aids, not just for better noise reduction, but to personalise settings in every environment. Speech-in-noise is the big challenge, and AI makes speech clearer even in the busiest café.”

She also highlights how captioning tools like NALscribe are changing clinical care:

“We put it out during COVID. Audiologists would use it in their clinic, and they’d see patients start crying … just from the emotion of being able to understand what someone’s saying when they couldn’t before.”

Empathy-Driven Engineering

It’s not just technical skill driving progress, it’s empathy and lived experience:

“I have a couple of family members who were born with hearing loss. That’s been a fundamental driver to my passion, and how I myself need to learn more so I can help them make the right decisions and communicate better,” says Nicky.

Design thinking and user-centred innovation are front and centre at NAL. As Nicky puts it:

“We do a lot of design thinking, talking to the end user from right at the beginning, and throughout development. That feedback loop ensures we’re creating solutions that people actually want.”

Fun Facts and Career Advice

Did you know your ears never actually turn off, even while you sleep? Or that ears and noses keep growing as you age?

Nicky also offers advice for young engineers and women entering STEM:

“Adaptability and problem-solving are key. AI will play a huge part - everyone needs to know how to use it safely and effectively.”

Expert Advice and Pro Tips

It’s not just about tech for its own sake. Nicky shares actionable advice:

Protect your hearing early: prevention is easier and smarter than a cure.
Embrace new devices and apps: whether you’re curious, cautious, or ready for a change, there’s something for everyone in today’s market.
Don’t wait if you’re struggling: timely hearing checks and tailored support make a world of difference.
Hearing well isn’t a luxury: it’s a necessity for social connection, confidence, and wellbeing, so look after it.

Tune In for Inspiration

Whether you’re navigating noisy environments, testing the latest hearing apps, or just curious about the future of audiology and hearing health tech, this episode delivers powerful stories, practical advice, and a front-row seat to the innovations redefining what it means to listen and be heard.

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We Thank Our Sponsor

The National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL) proudly sponsored this episode. NAL is the research division of Hearing Australia, and are world leaders in hearing research, committed to transforming the lives of people with hearing loss through groundbreaking research, evidence-based innovation, and global collaboration. Since 1947, NAL’s work has delivered significant advancement in knowledge and practical tools for the hearing community – benefiting other researchers, clinicians, industry experts, product developers and ultimately impacting the lives of millions of people with hearing difficulties. We are grateful to them for sponsoring this episode of Emerging Tech Unpacked. If your organisation is interested in collaborating with us or supporting the podcast, we’d love to hear from you, please reach out to explore partnership opportunities.

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Podcast: Hearing Innovations