Many people are surprised to learn that hearing is not just about the ears. Our brain plays an equally important role in understanding sound. Even with excellent hearing aids or cochlear implants, many people still struggle to follow conversations in restaurants, cafes, family gatherings, or busy workplaces. This is because the brain must quickly sort, filter, and interpret speech from background noise. As we get older, or after years of hearing loss, these listening skills can weaken.

At Pittwater Hearing, we are excited to now offer LACE AI — an innovative auditory training program designed to help people hear and communicate better, especially in noisy environments.

LACE AI, which stands for Listening and Communication Enhancement, is designed to retrain and strengthen the brain’s listening abilities. Developed from more than 20 years of auditory neuroscience research, LACE AI uses short, interactive listening exercises that adapt to your performance in real time.

The program can be completed at home on a smartphone, tablet, or computer, making it easy to fit into daily life. Most people complete sessions of around 10–20 minutes per day. The exercises are specifically designed to improve important communication skills such as:

• Understanding speech in background noise
• Following rapid speech and fast talkers
• Focusing on one voice when multiple people are speaking
• Improving auditory memory and listening concentration
• Reducing listening fatigue

Research has shown that auditory training programs like LACE can improve speech understanding in noise and help people gain greater confidence in social situations. Many users report that conversations become less exhausting and more enjoyable after training.

One of the most exciting aspects of LACE AI is its connection to cognitive health. Hearing and brain function are closely linked. When hearing becomes difficult, the brain has to work much harder to process sound, which can increase mental fatigue and place strain on memory and concentration. People who avoid conversations because listening is difficult may also become more socially isolated, which is known to affect overall brain health.

Auditory training helps keep the brain actively engaged in listening, attention, processing speed, and working memory — all important cognitive skills. LACE AI effectively acts like a “workout” for the hearing brain, encouraging neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s natural ability to adapt and strengthen through practice.

Importantly, LACE AI is not only for hearing aid users. It may also benefit people with auditory processing difficulties, cochlear implant users, people who struggle in noisy environments despite “normal” hearing tests, or anyone wanting to sharpen their listening skills.

At Pittwater Hearing, we believe the best hearing care combines technology with rehabilitation and education. Hearing aids help make sounds audible, but programs like LACE AI help train the brain to make better sense of those sounds.

Better hearing starts not just with the ears — but with the brain.