We’re on a mission to radically improve hearing technology

Breakthrough innovation depends on high integrity scientific research.

Read the studies

Spatial AI Improves Speech Intelligibility for Hearing Aid Wearers in Challenging Multi-talker Noise

Spatial AI Consistently Preferred to State-of-the-Art Hearing Aids in Multi-talker Noise

Our research interests

Understanding speech in noise

We study word recognition across increasingly complex multi-speaker environments.

Performance in real-world noise

We evaluate Fortell in everyday noise scenarios like restaurants and streets to confirm our AI responds appropriately.

Reduced listening effort

We measure subjective inputs to ensure wearers love our products. 


Our commitmentto scientific integrity

Studying hearing is complex, and we don’t cut corners.
Fortell clinical trials follow gold-standard research practices.

  • 01

    Double-blind randomized study designs to ensure unbiased results

  • 02

    Collaboration with outside academics to uphold the highest standards

  • 03

    Real-world listening scenarios to verify results in everyday conditions

  • 04

    Controlled lab environments to ensure precision and repeatability

Our research findings

Proven in controlled studies

Signal-to-noiseimprovements enhance
speech understanding

Our sound-processing technology uses AI to identify the voices that matter (the signal) and suppress unwanted sounds (noise) in near real-time.

50x
clearer speech with Fortell vs the leading AI hearing aid
Speech
Noise
Fortell
17 dB SNR
Speech is much louder than noise, making speech easier to understand
Control
1.9 dB SNR
Speech and noise are nearly the same volume, making speech difficult to understand

Clinically measured

Fortell’s Spatial AI reduces distracting noise

Spatial AI uses an array of synchronized microphones and advanced directional processing to map your surroundings. It isolates the human voice while softening distracting sounds, mimicking the way a healthy brain naturally filters noise.

98%
of background noise eliminated
10x more words understood with Fortell
Words understood with Fortell
Words understood with control

Clinically validated

Wearers prefer Fortell over competitors

Objective measures like signal-to-noise (SnR) ratio describe the relative loudness of speech versus noise. We use subjective testing to confirm SnR improvements translate into the experience of improved clarity.

95%
of participants indicated easier understanding with Fortell versus all top five competitors
99/100
listening scenarios were rated in favor of Fortell compared to other premium hearing aids

Our advisors

Our external research advisors bring deep expertise across audiology, hearing science, and patient advocacy. They work closely with our internal team to shape study design, strengthen interpretation, and ensure our research meets a high standard of evidence.

Dr. Jan Blustein, MD, PhD
NYU Langone
Dr. Kevin Franck, PhD
Former Harvard Medical School
Dr. Matt Fitzgerald, PhD
Stanford University
Dr. Joseph Montano, EdD
Weill Cornell
Dr. William Shapiro, AuD
NYU Langone
Dr. Mario Svirsky, PhD
NYU Langone
Dr. Barbara Weinstein, AuD
CUNY Graduate Center

Our researchers

Fortell’s research team spans clinical audiology and hearing science, AI, and signal processing. Together, they lead our scientific strategy and translate research into product innovation.

Dr. Nathan Agmon, PhD
Mark Berry
Dr. Christina Callahan, AuD
Dr. Igor Lovchinsky, PhD
Kaitlyn Lyngaas
Israel Malkin
Cole Morris
Dr. Bess Nagler, AuD
Dr. Kathleen Wallace, AuD

Frequently asked questions

Both studies were designed to provide statistically meaningful insights while maintaining a manageable scope for rigorous testing. The study on speech intelligibility included 30 participants and the study on listening preference included 20 participants.

Yes. The study on listening preference compared Fortell against the five top-spec hearing aids on the market. The study on speech intelligibility compared Fortell to the leading AI-powered hearing aid. This ensures that Fortell’s performance is measured against the best options currently available.

To ensure a fair comparison, competitor devices were programmed to their maximum settings for directionality and noise cancellation.

A “gold standard” clinical trial represents the highest level of scientific rigor and credibility in testing medical devices. Key components include:

  • Double-blind methodology: Neither the participants nor the researchers knew which device was being tested at a given time, eliminating bias. 
  • Randomized controlled trial design: Participants are randomly assigned to different testing conditions, ensuring results are not skewed by participant selection or external factors.
  • Proper comparison groups: testing is conducted against the best available alternatives on the market, so that any performance claims are meaningful and relevant. 

We are constantly conducting research to better serve the needs of our patients.