Perception, Stigma, and Ergonomics in Hearing

Let’s address the stigma "thing." Is it "awkward" to wear standard consumer earbuds (e.g., AirPods) to compensate for hearing loss? Are standard hearing aids a visible sign to informs others that a person has a disability? Are we supposed to have to explain that "these things are actually hearing aids"? This article discusses product design, hearing aids, the stigma associated with its use, and how that could complicate the ongoing convergence with consumer-oriented hearing assistance and enhancement.

With the launch of the latest AirPods 4 with ANC, Apple just proved that Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and Adaptive Audio can be done effectively in an open design. Thanks to the H2 chip, now both the AirPods 4 ANC and the existing AirPods Pro 2 in-ears support the same level features. This is a big deal and it changes everything in this competitive product segment, about to enter the age of hearables.

Following a few intense days in the extremely warm and dry environment in Berlin, attending IFA 2024 - the Big CE Supermarket as I called it in my 2015 report - it felt great to move on to Amsterdam and attend the vibrant International Broadcasting Convention (IBC). Great, if it wasn't for the sudden change in weather with unexpected rain and a sudden drastic drop in temperature. IBC 2024 was a vibrant show with historical announcements from Sennheiser and Genelec, but our report also highlights the impressive expansion of Dante audio networking in this important industry segment. And many other reasons why everyone was happy to be at IBC.

A first impressions report focused on the audio side of IFA Berlin, where there is still plenty to see. From the Auracast Experience to a vibrant B2B environment. The largest consumer electronics and home appliances marketplace where “retail” and “resellers” meet is still alive and well. Celebrating 100 years of the Internationale Funkausstellung (IFA) Berlin (International Radio Exhibition Berlin), this vibrant trade show has evolved over decades into the world’s largest appliances and consumer electronics marketplace.

Apple confirmed that the latest AirPods Pro 2 - the ones with the new H2 processor - will offer improved Hearing Protection, a scientifically validated Hearing Test, and have a clinical-grade, over-the-counter Hearing Aid capability for users with mild to moderate hearing loss. This, with a simple software update, and on top of all the leading features that make Apple’s AirPods Pro the global best-selling product in its category. The new hearing health features will be available in fall 2024 for AirPods Pro 2 users in more than 100 countries and regions.

This article explores the significance of the Rds(on) specification of a MOSFET in a linear voltage amplifier and implications on Thermal Design - dissipation, thermal resistances, and heatsinking. It may be of interest to put this in perspective and highlight the connection between these subjects.

Last week I received the very sad news about the passing of Peter Janis, the founder of Radial Engineering. I always admired Radial Engineering for its ability to always surprise and delight with inventive and practical solutions that solved real issues for musicians and audio engineers, in many fields of application. Every time I had the chance to meet Peter Janis at any trade show around the world, I would find that he enjoyed as much to surprise and delight with those inventive and practical solutions.

Fear of Missing Out on Bluetooth LE Audio? Are We There Yet? How many more days? When should you trigger that OTA firmware update? Should you ship Auracast-enabled products now? Should you be the first? No one wants to be the first.

Series voltage regulators are a great way to provide almost-noise free and rock-stable DC to your audio circuits. But the load current often has distorted signal components that can generate a ‘dirty ground’ across the supply ground wires and tracks. This can introduce distortion components in other circuit sections using this ground. With shunt regulators we can keep the dirty ground localized and largely avoid the problem. Technical Editor Jan Didden explains.

Driven by the need to maximize battery life in portable devices, Class-D efficiency at low output levels is receiving greater attention. This is particularly important to achieve longer battery life in designs such as true wireless earbuds. Power optimized amplification is precisely the goal for Multilevel Class-D, and now there's also Fractal Class-D, a new technology developed by SiliconIntervention, a Canadian company formed in 2019 as the result of the pioneering research and development of its founder Martin Mallinson, the former Chief Scientist at ESS Technology.