KQED's Forum Hearing Aids Work. So Why Don’t More People Wear Them?
Feb 2, 2026
Christopher Null, tech journalist who reviews hearing aids, explains market shifts and device tradeoffs. Dr. Konstantina Stankovic, ear surgeon and auditory neuroscientist, breaks down inner ear biology and surgical options. Nicholas S. Reed, audiologist and epidemiologist, covers links between hearing loss and cognition. They discuss causes, why devices can frustrate users, OTC vs prescription choices, AI noise reduction, implants, prevention, and access.
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Hearing Loss Affects Brain And Social Life
- Hearing loss harms communication, emotional well-being, and correlates with social isolation and cognitive decline, though not everyone develops dementia.
- Konstantina Stankovic recommends speech-in-noise tests to identify those at higher cognitive risk.
Software And Training Help Adjust
- Gene (83) missed a thermometer beep and turned up the TV before getting Widex hearing aids that included software modes for parties and music.
- He adapted to new loud household sounds and used training software (LACE) to improve speech-in-noise perception.
AI Enhances Speech-In-Noise
- AI and machine-learning algorithms are emerging to separate speech from noise and markedly improve hearing-in-noise performance.
- Nicholas S. Reed reports early demos from companies like Sonova show dramatic gains in simulated noisy scenes.
