Unitron Blu hearing aids featured in groundbreaking study

Study to measure the impact of hearing aids on brain activity is done using Unitron’s Moxi Blu hearing aids.

WATERLOO, ON | December 5th, 2024 –  Unitron is proud to announce that the Unitron Moxi™ Blu hearing aids have played a pivotal role in a study conducted by The Sonova Innovation Centre in Toronto, ON. The study explores the neural underpinnings of listening effort using an emerging tool called functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). 

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a non-invasive imaging technique that measures changes in blood flow in the brain, providing valuable insights into brain activity during auditory tasks. By examining how hearing aid users process sound, researchers were able to demonstrate the significant impact that hearing aids have on reducing cognitive load. 

“Our investment in research and development continues to yield profound insights into the capabilities of our hearing aids.” said Douglas Baldwin, Sr. Manager Global Audiology Marketing. “The findings from this study not only highlight the efficacy of the Unitron Moxi Blu with a promising new method, but also reinforce our commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss.” 

Participants were asked to repeat sentences with varying background noise levels, both with and without the Unitron Moxi Blu hearing aids. The results were compelling: when using the hearing aids, less blood flow was detected in areas of the brain associated with auditory processing, indicating that the brain was not needing to work as hard. This reduction in effort corresponded with improved speech and intelligibility, underscoring the benefits of Unitron’s advanced hearing technology from a neurophysiological perspective. 

Dr. Jonathan Vaisberg, PhD, lead researcher of the study, added, “These findings reveal the remarkable interplay between hearing technology and brain function. Our research illustrates how, by reducing the effort required to understand speech, advanced hearing aids can truly transform how we use our brains to listen.” 

The results of this study advance our understanding of how hearing aids assist users, ultimately supporting better communication and social interaction. As we continue to push the boundaries of auditory technology, we remain dedicated to enhancing user experience through innovative solutions. 

The journal article providing details about this research can be accessed here.

About Unitron

Unitron makes life vibrant with amazing hearing solutions designed to make the experience easy. Because everyone deserves to Love the experience™. 

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