The Hearing Aid That Plays It by Ear
Fortell, a startup founded by former Butterfly iQ creators, has unveiled an AI hearing aid that actively filters distracting sounds. The device was beta‑tested by comedian Steve Martin and is now available at a premium price. The technology aims to improve selective hearing for those with age‑relat…
Fortell, a San Francisco‑based startup, has taken a bold step into the hearing aid market by introducing an AI‑powered device that claims to filter out background noise in real time. The product was first tested in public by comedian and actor Steve Martin, who walked through SoHo with a prototype tethered to his head. The prototype, a 3‑D‑printed plastic box connected to a laptop via Ethernet, was a large, “diesel‑powered” version of the final product the company hopes to shrink and commercialize.
From Princeton to Silicon Valley
Fortell’s founding team is a blend of former academia and medical‑device experience. Matthew de Jonge and Cole Morris met as roommates at Princeton and later co‑created Butterfly iQ, a handheld ultrasound system that now ranks among the world’s best‑selling sonograms. Their work caught the eye of a Harvard professor who recruited Russian‑born physicist Igor Lovchinsky, a Juilliard‑trained pianist turned quantum optics researcher, to design the neural networks that power Butterfly. Lovchinsky’s expertise in AI and physics carried over to Fortell, where he co‑found the company with de Jonge, Morris, and chip designer Andrew Casper.
The team’s experience in medical imaging and AI gave them a unique perspective on hearing loss. They identified a gap in current hearing aids: while many devices can reduce constant background sounds, they struggle to separate the speech you want from the speech you don’t, especially when the unwanted speech is louder. This selective listening ability, known as the cocktail‑party effect, is naturally stronger in younger people but deteriorates with age.
How the Device Works
Fortell’s hearing aid uses a combination of directional microphones and machine‑learning algorithms to identify and suppress unwanted sounds. The device analyzes incoming audio streams, classifies them in real time, and applies dynamic filtering to enhance the target voice while dampening background chatter, music, or traffic. Unlike traditional noise‑cancellation, which often relies on static filters, Fortell’s system adapts to changing acoustic environments, making it suitable for bars, clubs, or crowded public spaces.
During the beta test with Steve Martin, the prototype was wired to a laptop that processed the audio. The engineer team described the laptop as a “diesel‑powered” version because it required significant computing resources. The final product, however, will be a lightweight, battery‑powered unit that can be worn discreetly behind the ear.
Real‑World Testing and Pricing
Fortell’s inaugural fitting clinic opened at the intersection of Sixty‑first and Park, where Martin’s own artwork decorates the waiting room. The clinic offers a free assessment for potential users, followed by a fitting session that tailors the device’s settings to the wearer’s hearing profile.
The hearing aids retail for $6,800 per pair, placing them in the premium segment of the market. While the price is comparable to high‑end conventional aids, the added AI functionality may justify the cost for users seeking a more natural listening experience. Early adopters like Paul Krawitz, a 67‑year‑old retired ophthalmic surgeon from Cold Spring Harbor, have expressed enthusiasm. Krawitz, who struggled with conventional aids, praised the device’s ability to provide “cognitively transparent improvement” rather than merely boosting volume.
What’s Next for Fortell?
Fortell plans to refine the hardware to reduce size and power consumption, making the device more user‑friendly. The company is also exploring partnerships with audiology clinics to broaden distribution. As the product moves from prototype to commercial release, regulatory approval and user feedback will shape its final form.
While the technology shows promise, it remains to be seen how it performs across diverse listening scenarios and long‑term wear. Nevertheless, Fortell’s approach marks a significant shift toward intelligent, adaptive hearing solutions that go beyond traditional amplification.
For now, the company’s next steps involve scaling production, securing additional funding, and conducting larger clinical trials to validate the AI’s effectiveness in real‑world settings.
Why It Matters
Age‑related hearing loss affects millions, and current aids often fail to replicate the natural ability to focus on a single conversation amid noise. Fortell’s AI‑driven approach could restore that selective listening, improving communication and quality of life for older adults.
Key Takeaways
- Fortell’s AI hearing aid actively filters background noise in real time.
- The prototype was beta‑tested by Steve Martin in public settings.
- Founders bring experience from Butterfly iQ and quantum‑optics AI.
- Device uses directional microphones and adaptive neural networks.
- Retail price is $6,800 per pair, comparable to premium conventional aids.
- Early adopters report improved clarity without volume boosts.
FAQ
- What makes Fortell’s hearing aid different? It uses AI to separate desired speech from unwanted background sounds in real time, unlike conventional noise‑cancellation.
- Who can benefit? Older adults with age‑related hearing loss who struggle with selective listening.
- Is it FDA approved? The product is still in the beta phase; regulatory approval is pending.
- How long does it last? Battery life and durability are being refined; current prototypes require frequent charging.
- Will it work in all environments? Designed for dynamic settings like bars and clubs; performance in quiet rooms is comparable to standard aids.
Why it matters
Age‑related hearing loss can isolate individuals socially and cognitively. An AI‑driven hearing aid that restores selective listening could significantly improve communication and overall well‑being.
Key points
- Fortell’s AI hearing aid filters background noise in real time
- Steve Martin beta‑tested the prototype in public
- Founders have a background in medical imaging and AI
- Device uses directional microphones and adaptive neural networks
- Retail price is $6,800 per pair, similar to premium aids
- Early users report clearer hearing without volume boosts
Frequently asked questions
What makes Fortell’s hearing aid different?
It uses AI to separate desired speech from unwanted background sounds in real time, unlike conventional noise‑cancellation.
Who can benefit?
Older adults with age‑related hearing loss who struggle with selective listening.
Is it FDA approved?
The product is still in the beta phase; regulatory approval is pending.
How long does it last?
Battery life and durability are being refined; current prototypes require frequent charging.
Will it work in all environments?
Designed for dynamic settings like bars and clubs; performance in quiet rooms is comparable to standard aids.
