Last updated: May 10, 2020

AppHearing is a personal hearing assistance app. It captures ambient sound from the bottom microphone of the iPhone, processes it through noise reduction and amplification, and then outputs it to the earphones. This helps users with mild to moderate hearing loss hear more clearly. According to WHO, both hearing and vision decline after age 40. While many people use glasses to address vision issues, fewer people use hearing aids due to high costs and mild hearing loss being tolerable with louder sounds. To address this, PSAPs (Personal Sound Amplification Products) such as Bose Hearphones and Sony SMR10 have emerged in the U.S. AppHearing offers similar functionality but runs on a smartphone, leveraging more advanced signal processing algorithms including deep learning-based noise suppression. AppHearing also supports synchronized recording so users can replay and understand unclear audio later.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

A. Who are the target users of AppHearing?

AppHearing is designed for users with mild to moderate hearing loss, including younger users who have experienced hearing degradation from prolonged exposure to loud environments (e.g., clubs, loud music through headphones), or age-related hearing loss. These users can benefit from amplified ambient sounds via AppHearing.

It can also help students sitting far from the lecturer by placing the phone on the podium and using Bluetooth earphones remotely to listen. Any scenario involving distant sound reception can benefit from AppHearing.

AppHearing is not suitable for users with severe hearing loss, especially those with frequency loss. For them, amplification may not help and could even worsen hearing. Please consult a doctor for professional treatment if you experience severe hearing loss.

B. Can AppHearing replace a hearing aid?

AppHearing helps users with mild to moderate hearing loss. If you have severe loss or frequency-specific loss, please consult a medical professional. AppHearing is not a hearing aid and has not been certified as one. It is a PSAP-type mobile app.

C. Does AppHearing support TWS Bluetooth earbuds?

Yes, but detection of Bluetooth connection may occasionally fail. In such cases, try playing music via Bluetooth, then return to AppHearing. Note: Bluetooth latency (~100ms) can result in echo perception (direct sound + processed sound). Wired earphones offer better experience. ANC-enabled or over-ear headphones can help reduce direct sound.

D. Why is there no hearing test in AppHearing?

We believe hearing tests should be conducted by trained professionals in controlled environments. App-based tests lack precision and can mislead users. If you suspect hearing loss, please visit a medical facility for proper assessment. WDRC algorithms based on inaccurate tests are meaningless.

E. Can I use AppHearing to listen to music or make calls?

No. Due to system-level security restrictions on iOS, AppHearing cannot access audio output streams for these purposes.

F. What is the "Strong" mode in noise reduction?

This refers to our deep learning noise reduction mode. It requires significant computational resources and is not recommended for devices older than iPhone X. It works well for nearby voices but may cause occasional artifacts. It’s an experimental feature and will be improved in future updates.

G. Does AppHearing support recording?

Starting from version 1.2, AppHearing includes recording features. You can choose between "Record & Listen" (record while listening through headphones) and "Record Only" (just record, no playback). Noise reduction and volume settings still apply. Recordings are shown in the recordings list.

H. How can I contact you for more questions?

Email us at: [email protected]