Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Wind Noise Sound Quality Preference and Claims Study

This study is looking into a new technology designed to make hearing aids better at dealing with wind noise. When wind blows across hearing aid microphones, it can create an unpleasant, rumbling sound, even though it's not a 'real' sound like speech or music. Our new technology aims to reduce this annoying wind noise more effectively than older systems, while also keeping other sounds – like someone talking – clear and natural. We need to gather evidence to show that this new wind noise canceller works better, so people with hearing loss can enjoy clearer listening experiences, even on windy days.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Jonathan Vaisberg

Enrolment target

Start

04 May 2026

Estimated completion

31 May 2026

Hearing Loss

What is this study about?

Imagine you're wearing hearing aids on a breezy day. Sometimes, the wind blowing across the tiny microphones can create a really annoying, rumbling sound that makes it hard to hear what people are saying, or just makes listening uncomfortable. This isn't actually the sound of the wind itself, but rather the wind making the microphone parts vibrate in a way that the hearing aid picks up as sound.

Historically, hearing aids have had features to try and reduce this wind noise. However, sometimes these older methods might make the wind noise less loud, but they could also make speech or other important sounds a bit muffled or less clear. We've developed a new, updated technology – think of it as a clever computer programme inside the hearing aid – that we hope will be much better at dealing with this problem.

The main goal of this study is to compare our brand-new wind noise reduction technology with the older version. We want to prove that the new one does a better job of making wind noise less noticeable, while also keeping everyday sounds clear and natural. This will help us confidently say that our new technology offers a real improvement for people who use hearing aids.

Key takeaways

Tests new technology for reducing wind noise in hearing aids.
Aims to make listening clearer and more comfortable on windy days.
Compares a new system with an older one for better sound quality.
Looks for improvements in how speech is heard even with wind.
Helps improve future hearing aid designs.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult, between 18 and 99 years old. You must have hearing loss that affects both of your ears, and it needs to be what doctors call 'sensorineural hearing loss', ranging from mild to moderate-severe levels. It's also important that you can speak and understand English fluently.

You cannot take part if you are under 18 years old or if you have very severe hearing loss. Also, if your hearing is completely normal or if your hearing loss doesn't fit the 'sensorineural' type or the specified range, you wouldn't be able to join this particular study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older, up to 99?
Do you have hearing loss in both ears?
Is your hearing loss 'sensorineural' (nerve-related) and not too mild or too severe?
Can you speak and understand English well?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The detailed description of what taking part involves is not provided in the summary. However, generally in studies like this, participants might have several appointments where their hearing is tested, and they try out hearing aids with different settings or technologies. They might be asked to listen to sounds in various wind conditions and give their opinion on the sound quality. The total duration of the study, details on specific visits, or whether any medication is involved, are not mentioned.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefits include helping to improve hearing aid technology for people with hearing loss, specifically making windy environments more comfortable and improving sound clarity. As this is a sound quality preference study, direct medical risks are expected to be low, but the exact known risks are not detailed here. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your future medical care.

Locations (1)

Sonova Canada Inc.
Verified postcode
Kitchener, Canada

Common questions

What is 'wind noise' in a hearing aid?

It's the annoying sound you get when wind blows across the hearing aid's microphone, making it hard to hear other things clearly.

What is this study trying to achieve?

We want to check if a new technology reduces wind noise better and keeps other sounds clearer compared to older methods.

Will I get to keep the new hearing aid technology?

The information provided doesn't say if you will keep the technology. The study focuses on testing and gathering evidence.

Is this a new type of hearing aid?

It's not a whole new hearing aid, but rather an upgrade to the way hearing aids handle wind noise.

Who is funding this research?

The information provided does not specify the funding source for this clinical trial.

How to find out more

Jonathan M Vaisberg, PhD

jonathan.vaisberg@sonova.com 905-745-6785 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.