Matthew de Jonge: Reinventing Hearing Aids with AI
Written by Admin • 2026-09-24 01:57:00
Matthew de Jonge is rethinking hearing technology through AI, building Fortell around a simple idea: assistive devices should understand the world around their users, not simply make it louder.
Matthew de Jonge and Fortell: Making Hearing Aids More Intelligent, Natural and Human
Reinventing hearing technology through AI for a more natural listening experience.
The Problem Behind Traditional Hearing Technology
Hearing aids have long been designed around a fundamental principle: simply amplifying sound. However, this approach often fails to create a satisfactory listening experience, particularly in complex environments where background noise can overwhelm important sounds. Traditional devices may amplify all sounds equally, making it challenging for users to focus on conversations or sounds they care about most. This limited functionality can lead to frustration and a reluctance to wear hearing aids. Fortell is challenging this norm by utilizing artificial intelligence to interpret and prioritize sounds, enhancing the user experience and making hearing aids feel more like a natural extension of one's senses rather than just a medical device.
Matthew de Jonge's vision for Fortell goes beyond mere amplification. By integrating AI into hearing technology, he aims to provide users with devices that can discern their acoustic environment in real time. This innovative approach allows hearing aids to not only amplify sound but also filter and prioritize based on the user's needs and preferences. As a result, users can experience a more nuanced and enjoyable listening experience that aligns with their daily interactions.
Teaching a Hearing Aid to Understand Its Environment
Fortell's groundbreaking technology leverages machine learning algorithms to identify important sounds within a noisy backdrop. This capability is crucial for enabling users to engage in conversations without being distracted by irrelevant noises. The AI processes sound data, allowing the device to adjust settings dynamically based on the user's surroundings. This means that whether at a bustling café or a quiet room, Fortell's hearing aids adapt in real time, enhancing clarity and reducing strain for the user.
De Jonge's approach emphasizes the importance of making assistive technology feel intuitive and socially acceptable. Unlike traditional hearing aids, which can be perceived as cumbersome or stigmatizing, Fortell's devices aim to seamlessly integrate into everyday life, resembling more conventional technology that people willingly adopt, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers. This shift in perspective could significantly change how society views hearing aids, promoting broader acceptance and use.
Six Years From Idea to Product
Matthew de Jonge's journey with Fortell was not without its challenges. Over the course of six years, he dedicated himself to researching and developing this innovative hearing technology. Navigating an established industry presented hurdles, from technical obstacles to market acceptance. However, De Jonge's commitment to creating a device that feels natural and user-friendly kept him focused on the goal.
The culmination of this effort was highlighted by Fortell's recent funding success, raising $163 million to further advance their technology. This investment not only confirms the market's confidence in Fortell's approach but also emphasizes the growing recognition of the importance of user-centered design in assistive technology. The substantial financial backing will enable Fortell to refine their product further, enhance its capabilities, and broaden its reach to users worldwide.
Why Assistive Technology Needs Better Design
The evolution of assistive technology is about more than just functionality; it's about creating products that harmoniously fit into users' lives. Fortell's focus on design acknowledges the behavioral and emotional aspects of technology use. By making hearing aids more appealing and intuitive, Fortell aims to reduce the stigma often associated with such devices, allowing users to feel more confident and empowered in their everyday interactions.
Assistive technology must not only compensate for limitations but also enrich the lives of its users. If successful, Fortell's innovative approach could set a new standard for what assistive devices can achieve. It suggests a future where technology is not just a tool for overcoming challenges but a facilitator of richer, more engaging experiences in social and personal contexts.
Beyond Hearing Aids
Fortell's advancements in hearing technology pave the way for future innovations in AI-powered assistive devices across various domains. As AI continues to evolve, the potential applications extend beyond hearing aids to other areas of assistive technology, such as vision aids, mobility devices, and cognitive support tools. The principles of understanding user environments and enhancing natural interaction can apply across these technologies, leading to products that are more attuned to human needs.
The implications of Fortell's work challenge the existing paradigms of how assistive devices are designed and perceived. By embracing a more holistic and human-centered approach, the industry can create innovative solutions that not only meet functional needs but also enhance quality of life and personal dignity.
Facts & Insights
- Matthew de Jonge spent six years developing Fortell before the company reached its current stage.
- Fortell recently raised $163 million from investors including Founders Fund, Thrive Capital and Valor Equity Partners CEO Antonio Gracias.
- Fortell announced in September 2026 that its hearing aids achieved a 6.0 overall SoundScore and 6.4 speech-in-noise score in HearAdvisor testing.
Why do I have to beg my grandparents to put on their hearing aids, but no one has ever needed to ask me to put on my glasses?— Matthew de Jonge, quoted by TechCrunch.
$163M
Recent funding
6
Years of Development journey
6.0
Overall SoundScore
6.4
Speech-in-noise score
Fortell’s work highlights a wider opportunity in assistive technology: designing products that do not merely compensate for a limitation but integrate naturally into everyday life. If successful, this approach could contribute to reducing the stigma sometimes associated with assistive devices while improving how people interact with complex sound environments.
When Technology Learns to Listen
The evolution of assistive technology is increasingly becoming a story about design, intelligence and dignity. Matthew de Jonge’s work with Fortell illustrates how technological innovation can move beyond simply solving a functional problem and begin addressing how people actually experience products in everyday life. As AI becomes embedded in more personal technologies, the most meaningful innovations may be those that quietly make life easier without asking users to change who they are. It is precisely this intersection of innovation, human experience and lasting contribution that makes stories like Fortell’s relevant to the kind of progress BritishPEDIA seeks to document.
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