Question
What are the main components and benefits of Bernafon’s Smart Sound Processing™ technology in their hearing aids?
Answer
The Smart Sound Processing™ technology in Bernafon hearing aids is designed to enhance natural sound quality, speech clarity, and overall listening comfort for hearing aid users.
This system is comprised of two primary components: Smart Noise Management™ and Smart Amplification™. Smart Noise Management preserves speech while reducing background noise, and Smart Amplification enhances the refined sound for improved clarity.
1. Smart Noise Management integrates several features, including Smart Directionality, Smart Noise Reduction, Smart Sensor, and Transition Handling.
a. Smart Directionality dynamically adjusts the microphone’s pickup pattern based on the listening environment. It seamlessly shifts from omnidirectional in quiet settings to directional in noise, reducing background distractions and enhancing speech clarity.
b. Smart Noise Reduction, powered by machine learning, distinguishes between speech and noise in real time, minimizing obtrusive sounds while preserving speech.
c. Transition dynamically adjusts Smart Directionality and Smart Noise Reduction in real-time based on ambient noise levels. This allows for smooth shifts from an omnidirectional setting—ideal for quiet surroundings—to more focused directional and noise-reducing settings in challenging environments, helping users stay engaged and supported wherever they go.
d. The Smart Sensors, available in Encanta 400 and Encanta 300, further personalize the hearing experience by detecting the wearer’s movements and environment. Whether walking through a busy street or sitting in a quiet café, the hearing aids adjust accordingly to help improve clarity and comfort throughout the day.
2. Smart Amplification utilizes both broadband amplification and a 24-channel amplification system.
a. Broadband amplification ensures that the nuances of speech are preserved, delivering clear and natural sound by capturing fast-modulated signals like speech.
b. The 24-channel amplification system is specifically tailored to manage noisy environments by separating slow-modulating background noise from speech, making speech more audible and improving listening comfort even in challenging settings.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the CEU course, 'Discover Bernafon's Managed Care Portfolio', (2025), presented by Krysta Goolsby, AuD., Bernafon