The UCL-led study, published in Science Advances, introduces an intelligent hearing system that uses piezoelectric nanofibers (ultra-fine fibers that can convert mechanical energy, such as vibrations and pressure, into electrical energy), and AI to process sound in a way that closely mimics how humans capture, process, and understand sound.

Conventional hearing aids can help amplify sound, but their effectiveness can be limited in real-world situations, particularly when users are in noisy environments or when precise sound localisation is needed. They also tend to require frequent adjustments and consume significant power. The new system, developed by Professor Wenhui Song and colleagues at UCL, is designed to overcome these limitations by replicating the dynamic functions of natural hearing. 

The team created a programmable spiral-shaped, trampoline-like structure made from aligned piezoelectric nanofibers of varying lengths and orientations. This structure picks up sound vibrations from the environment and converts them into electrical signals at different frequencies in a process similar to how the human cochlea separates sounds. These signals are then processed by AI neural networks that interpret and classify the sounds, enabling highly accurate recognition of both sound and direction.

illustration showing an outline of a human head with a colorful brain and soundwaves. Illustration shows radially aligned piezoelectric nanofibres (PVDF-TrFE/ BTO) with tuneable lengths transmitting and converting acoustic signals for hearing sound and direction with the assist of AI
Schematic of an AI-assisted piezoelectric nanofiber hearing system

Tests showed that the system could not only match but even exceed human capabilities in localising the direction of sounds. The device is also self-powered, thanks to its piezoelectric properties, which generate electricity from mechanical vibrations, reducing the need for batteries or recharging. 

Professor Song says: “This advancement marks a significant step towards next-generation artificial hearing. We’ve designed a system that doesn’t just capture sound but interprets it in a human-like way – offering a more natural hearing experience that could significantly improve quality of life for people with hearing loss.” 

In addition to being used in hearing disorders, researchers say the underlying technology has potential applications in critical communications, monitoring, and intelligent systems across various sectors, including robotics, defence, aerospace and green energy. 

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