Projektdetails

Hearing aids improve auditory perception – but these small devices have much more to offer: as a health center at the ear, they could take on numerous additional functions in the future. Over the next five years, the Universities of Oldenburg and Bremen – including Prof. Karin Wolf-Ostermann from the Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research (IPP) at the University of Bremen – will pursue concrete approaches to make this vision a reality.

The researchers aim to equip hearing aids with advanced functionalities that can warn users of potential fall risks, detect cognitive changes, and document the progression of conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, the devices are expected to enhance perception, communication, and mobility by integrating technical and social networking capabilities. The ultimate goal is to improve quality of life and participation, especially for older adults and vulnerable groups, by addressing health-related challenges.

The German Research Foundation (DFG) is supporting this ambitious initiative with approximately €6.5 million as part of the HEARAZ graduate program (Hearable-Centered Assistance: From Sensor to Participation), jointly proposed by the two universities. During the initial funding phase, 15 doctoral researchers will be given the opportunity to contribute to this groundbreaking project.

To achieve these objectives, the universities are pooling their expertise: Oldenburg offers extensive experience in hearing aid research and medical disciplines, while Bremen provides leading expertise in biosignal and speech processing as well as nursing science. The program also emphasizes the importance of addressing ethical, legal, and social considerations in the development of these technologies. The active involvement of end-users ensures that the devices are both practical and acceptable in real-world applications.