![\"Spider](\"https:\/\/thehearinginstitute.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/pexels-pixabay-39494-1280x960.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHearing aids<\/a> make it easier for you to process speech and sound in any environment. However, users can still struggle to understand speech in places with background noise, especially if you have to locate where a specific voice is coming from in a crowded environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This dilemma is commonly referred to as the \u201ccocktail party problem\u201d and it\u2019s one that researchers are working hard to solve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To that end, researchers at the University of Toronto are studying the unique hearing ability of\u00a0a small fly known as Ormia ochracea<\/em><\/a>. These flies have extremely accurate directional hearing due to the design of their ears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike most other animals, Ormia\u2019s <\/em>eardrums are connected. This allows them to quickly figure out which direction sound is coming from. Engineers hope to create sensor technology that could mimic the fly\u2019s eardrum and improve the ability of hearing aids to localize sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flies are not the only creepy crawler that may offer insight into how to optimize hearing aids in noisy environments. Spiders are getting in on the game as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Studies have shown that spider silk could serve as an ideal material to create better directional microphones in hearing aids<\/a>. The fibers are light yet strong, a rare combination that can improve sound quality at all frequencies and make it easier to follow conversations at:<\/p>\n\n\n\nImprove Ability to Locate Sound<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Spider Silk for Better Hearing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Treat Your Hearing Loss Now<\/h2>\n\n\n\n