EDINBURGH: A team of scientists in Scotland has developed an artificial intelligence–powered smart glasses system that can significantly enhance the wearer’s ability to hear, offering a breakthrough for people with hearing impairments and those struggling to communicate in noisy surroundings.
The prototype, created through a collaboration between Heriot-Watt University, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University and the University of Stirling, uses a discreetly embedded camera to track lip movements and convert them into speech in real time. By integrating advanced AI lip-reading algorithms with noise-filtering technology, the device is capable of delivering clear audio to the wearer even amid disruptive background sounds such as traffic or household appliances.
Unlike conventional hearing aids, which simply amplify all sounds—including unwanted noise—the smart glasses are designed to focus on the speech of the person the wearer is looking at. This targeted approach makes conversation possible in environments where ordinary hearing devices often struggle.
The AI behind the system was trained on a wide variety of noise samples, ranging from the hum of washing machines to the blare of urban traffic, enabling it to recognize and priorities human speech with remarkable accuracy. Researchers say the technology could benefit more than 1.2 million people in the UK alone who suffer from severe hearing difficulties.
Dr Mathini Sellathurai, an engineer at Heriot-Watt University and a member of the development team, said the goal was not to reinvent traditional hearing devices but to give them “superpowers.” “Our aim is to empower people with hearing loss to engage fully in conversations, regardless of the background noise,” she said.
The glasses’ design is intentionally discreet, looking similar to ordinary eyewear while housing sophisticated sensors and processing units. The developers believe this approach will help encourage adoption, as many people with hearing loss hesitate to use conspicuous assistive devices.
You Might Also Like
Govt to cover expenses of delegation traveling for Aafia’s case
Arrest warrant issued for Fawad Chaudhry in land transfer case
Private Pakistani cargo airline signs cargo flight agreement with Chinese state-owned company
Early trials have shown promising results, with test users reporting significant improvements in communication during social interactions in cafes, busy streets, and open-plan offices. Researchers are now working on refining the technology for commercial release, with hopes to make it lightweight, affordable, and compatible with prescription lenses.
If widely adopted, experts say the AI-powered smart glasses could mark a turning point in assistive hearing technology, transforming daily life for millions of people worldwide—making bustling cities, crowded gatherings, and noisy households far less of a barrier to clear communication.
We welcome your contributions! Submit your blogs, opinion pieces, press releases, news story pitches, and news features to spotpakistan25@gmail.com
