Sonos introduced an enhanced dialogue feature to one of its soundbars via software update on May 13, 2025 after collaborating with the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID).
Working with the UK-based institute, the prosumer company carried out research across 37 participants for nearly a year to test Speech Enhancement before debuting the tool on its Arc Ultra soundbar.
The AI-powered feature offers four levels of control via the Sonos app home screen, the highest option managing the dynamic range of non-speech elements for those with hearing loss.
Matt Benatan, principal research scientist at Sonos, said: “It’s not just practical, it's emotional.
“One of the most important aspects of TV and movie watching is the opportunity to bond over cultural and entertainment events watched in real time.”
Sonos also worked with award-winning film sound mixer Chris Jenkins to bring speech extraction techniques used in the studio into people’s homes.
Benatan explained the company’s research efforts were motivated by the lack of effective solutions offered by existing TV soundbars with basic speech enhancements.
Jenkins added: “Sonos' new Speech Enhancement feature is a huge step forward in addressing dialogue challenges that come with the breadth of content available to people today.
"It's also testament to the importance of retaining human touch when building with AI - there were countless hours of listening sessions where we worked through the details together, adjusting each setting to make sure it delicately enhances dialogue while remaining true to the creator’s intent.”
Source: Sonos