International Academic Journal "Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro Effective for Hearing-Impaired Patients"

Joint Research by Samsung Electronics and Samsung Seoul Hospital
Published in International Journal 'CEO'
Listening to Ambient Sounds Benefits Patients with Mild to Moderate Hearing Loss

[Asia Economy Reporter Minyoung Cha] A study published in an international academic journal has found that the 'Ambient Sound Listening' feature of Samsung Electronics' wireless earphones, the 'Galaxy Buds Pro,' can help people with hearing loss.

According to Samsung Electronics on the 22nd, the joint research results by Samsung Electronics and Samsung Medical Center were published on the 18th in the international otolaryngology journal 'CEO (Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology)'.

The Ambient Sound Listening feature of the Galaxy Buds Pro amplifies surrounding sounds in four levels up to a maximum of 20 decibels (dB), allowing users to have conversations or listen to announcements without removing the earphones from their ears.

This study was conducted through comparative tests of the Galaxy Buds Pro, hearing aids, and personal sound amplifiers on patients with mild to moderate hearing loss, averaging 63 years old. This is the first study to include wireless earphones in the clinical performance evaluation of hearing devices.

The research involved electroacoustic analysis, sound amplification evaluation, and performance testing. The Galaxy Buds Pro met the four key criteria required for hearing aid evaluation: output sound pressure level, frequency range, equivalent input noise, and total harmonic distortion. It was confirmed that sound was amplified at seven different frequencies along with hearing aids and personal sound amplifiers.

In performance tests, changes in individual hearing levels and word and sentence comprehension were measured while wearing the devices. Statistical significance was observed at three frequencies: 1,000Hz, 2,000Hz, and 6,000Hz, indicating that the Galaxy Buds Pro significantly amplified sound at the three frequencies that determine hearing levels.

More than 57% of participants responded that wearing the Galaxy Buds Pro helped them when having conversations in quiet environments. Significant results were also shown in tests measuring the difference in word recognition before and after wearing the device.

Professor Iljun Moon of the Department of Otolaryngology at Samsung Medical Center said, "With the rapid aging of the population, it is expected that by 2050, one in ten people will suffer from hearing loss. However, due to cost burdens and other factors, the actual usage rate of hearing aids among those who need auditory rehabilitation is relatively low. The initial findings of this study are very useful and can inform alternative devices like the Galaxy Buds Pro that can assist in daily life."

Master Han-gil Moon of the Advanced Audio Lab at Samsung Electronics' Wireless Business Division said, "Samsung strives to introduce products and services that help people overcome limitations and realize more possibilities. The results of this study demonstrate Samsung's commitment to continuous innovation so that everyone can enjoy better everyday experiences, and we plan to expand the scale of future research."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.