Decreased hearing is one of the most common functional limitations in old age. Modern hearing systems provide help, but require a period of several weeks of stressful adaptation. State of the art, networked hearing systems that connect the hearing aid to a smartphone enable new solutions, but also lead to fundamental changes in traditional business models in the hearing aid industry.

The Audio-PSS project, therefore, has two objectives: first, to increase the acceptance and comfort of modern hearing systems for the hearing-impaired; and, secondly, to examine new business models in the hearing aid industry. Innovative services based on a networked hearing system are developed and evaluated for this purpose.

Based on hearing situations experienced by the user and the experience of further users, the users of the hearing aids are assisted in the adaptation and long-term use, anytime and everywhere. Furthermore, additional services can be implemented: for example, restaurants or cultural centres with good acoustics can be presented, and noise maps for environmental research or city planning can be created. Using the example of the hearing aid industry, the project shows how the digital transformation can be successfully achieved by means of personal services.