New grant strengthens AAU’s research in future hearing technology (1)
News
Published online: 13.01.2026
New funding from the William Demant Foundation amounting to nearly DKK 15 million lays the foundation for the Center for Acoustic Signal Processing Research (CASPR) at Aalborg University. The center will bring together research and education in advanced audio processing for hearing technologies.
By Matilde Albrektsen, AAU Communication and Public Affairs
Professors Jan Østergaard, Zheng-Hua Tan, and Jesper Jensen from Aalborg University have just received a total of DKK 14,752,000 from the William Demant Foundation. The funding will be used to establish and operate the Center for Acoustic Signal Processing Research (CASPR).
The purpose of CASPR is to drive and develop new, advanced methods for audio processing, especially with the aim of supporting people with hearing challenges. The researchers work with statistical signal processing and AI technologies that can improve the listening experience in devices such as hearing aids, headsets, and earpods.
CASPR project is a close collaboration between Aalborg University and the hearing aid company Oticon. The partnership aims to ensure that the latest research results can reach society and make a real difference for users.
The need for better hearing technology is growing, as more and more people experience hearing difficulties, making this research particularly timely and relevant. With recent advances in chip design and audio algorithms, it is now possible to run advanced solutions on small, battery-powered devices such as hearing aids. The major challenge will be to develop algorithms that work in practice and make a noticeable difference in users’ everyday lives.
The project will run from November 2026 to November 2031.