OrCam Hear: Leveraging AI Sound Source Separation to Tackle the Hearing in Noise Problem

OrCam is leveraging its expertise in AI-based devices to address the cocktail party problem in hearing technology with the introduction of OrCam Hear. The device, which made a notable debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), uses advanced AI to isolate and enhance specific voices in noisy environments. This innovation aims to significantly improve the speech-to-noise ratio, making it easier for users to participate in conversations even in loud settings.
The OrCam Hear consists of earbuds, a smartphone dongle, and an app that allows users to select and focus on particular speakers while filtering out background noise. The technology, rooted in OrCam's successful development of assistive devices for the visually impaired, offers a groundbreaking solution for those with hearing difficulties, including individuals who do not require traditional hearing aids but struggle in noisy environments.
To learn more about the OrCam Hear device, visit: orcam.co/ThisWeekinHearing
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introductions
02:34 OrCam experience in AI-based solutions for low vision people
04:10 Components of the OrCam Hear & how people use it in a loud restaurant
09:33 Role of the simple user interface
10:39 Latency of the system
13:10 Overcoming occlusion
14:17 Can the device be used while standing at a cocktail party?
16:26 Future integration with other hearing aids
18:58 Value for people with hidden hearing loss
22:19 Moving the ML algo from phone app to dongle or earbuds
22:58 Further developing a seamless interface
24:12 Availability, value for situational use in restaurants without stigma
28:57 Closing thoughts, contacts
‪@OrCam‬