HeardThat

Understand speech more easily in noisy social environments using AI on your smartphone and existing Bluetooth earbuds or hearing aids to isolate conversations.

HeardThat screenshot

About HeardThat

HeardThat is an AI-powered smartphone application designed to assist individuals who struggle to hear conversations in loud social settings, often referred to as the cocktail party effect. Developed by Singular Hearing, the app functions by separating speech from background noise in real-time. Unlike traditional hearing aids that sometimes struggle to isolate specific voices from ambient clatter, this software leverages the significant processing power of a smartphone to provide a clearer auditory experience. It aims to prevent social isolation by giving users the confidence to participate in family gatherings, restaurants, and other busy environments. The tool works by capturing audio through the smartphone's microphone, processing it via machine learning algorithms, and streaming the enhanced speech directly to the user's Bluetooth-enabled listening device, such as earbuds or hearing aids. Users can control the level of noise removal using a simple slider, allowing them to decide how much ambient sound they want to hear. The setup is straightforward, requiring only the app and a compatible Bluetooth device, making it an accessible software-only solution that bypasses the need for specialized, expensive hardware. This application is primarily intended for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss who find that their existing hearing aids or natural hearing are insufficient in noisy crowds. It is also suitable for people who do not yet use hearing aids but find social situations exhausting due to the mental effort required to decode speech. Because it works with standard earbuds and headphones, it is a versatile tool for anyone—from seniors attending family events to professionals in loud workspaces—who needs a temporary boost in auditory clarity. What sets HeardThat apart is its focus on high-performance software rather than proprietary hardware. While physical hearing aids are limited by their small battery and processing size, HeardThat utilizes the advanced AI capabilities of modern mobile processors. This allows for more sophisticated noise-cancellation models that are regularly updated via the app stores. Additionally, its pricing model offers a flexible entry point, including a free tier for occasional use, and a unique gifting feature that allows family members to purchase subscriptions for loved ones struggling with hearing fatigue.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Utilizes powerful smartphone processors for superior noise cancellation compared to standard hearing aids.
  • Compatible with a wide range of standard Bluetooth earbuds and hearing aids without requiring new hardware.
  • Offers a risk-free 30-day trial with no credit card required to test performance in real-world settings.
  • Allows users to customize the level of ambient sound through a simple, user-friendly slider interface.
  • Includes a unique gifting system that lets family members support loved ones by purchasing subscriptions.

Cons

  • Requires the smartphone to be actively used as a microphone, which may be inconvenient in some social settings.
  • The free tier is limited to only 30 minutes of usage per week after the initial trial period.
  • Some users report that the processed audio can occasionally sound robotic or have a slight delay.
  • Effectiveness depends on the quality of the smartphone's microphone and the Bluetooth connection stability.

Use cases

  • Individuals with mild hearing loss can use the app with standard earbuds in restaurants to filter out background clatter and focus on their companions.
  • Hearing aid users can supplement their devices at large family gatherings where standard hearing aid noise reduction technology reaches its limits.
  • Family members can utilize the gifting feature to provide a subscription for an elderly relative who is withdrawing from social situations due to hearing fatigue.
  • Professionals working in loud environments can use the app with noise-canceling headphones to clarify speech during important conversations or meetings.
  • Users who find social settings exhausting can use the app to reduce the mental effort required to distinguish speech from ambient noise.

Features

  • in-app feedback with audio attachments
  • cross-platform support for ios and android
  • no external hardware required
  • subscription gifting feature
  • directional and omnidirectional modes
  • bluetooth streaming compatibility
  • adjustable noise removal slider
  • real-time ai noise separation

Pricing

HeardThat Monthly Plan

$9.99 / month

  • Unlimited usage
  • 30-day Free Trial period
  • iOS and Android support
  • No hardware needed

HeardThat Yearly Plan

$99.99 / year

  • Unlimited usage
  • 30-day Free Trial period
  • 12 months for the price of 10
  • iOS and Android support
  • Best value option

HeardThat Free Plan

Free

  • 30-day Free Trial period
  • 30 free minutes/week after trial expires
  • No credit card required
  • iOS and Android support

FAQs

What happens after the 30-day free trial ends?

After the trial expires, you can continue using the app for free for up to 30 minutes per week. If you require unlimited usage, you must explicitly purchase a monthly or yearly subscription.

Will HeardThat work with my specific hearing aid or earbuds?

If you are able to hear phone calls through your hearing device via Bluetooth, it should be compatible with HeardThat. The app is free to try so that you can verify compatibility with your hardware risk-free.

How can I use the app if my hearing aids don't have Bluetooth?

You can use regular over-the-ear headphones on top of your hearing aids or use an induction neckloop if your device has a telecoil (T-coil). Alternatively, you can connect an audio cable to your hearing device's connection box.

Why is the app better than just using my hearing aid's built-in noise reduction?

Hearing aids are limited by small processors and battery life, whereas your smartphone has much more computing power and memory. This allows HeardThat to run more advanced AI algorithms to separate speech from noise.

Can I adjust how much background noise is removed?

Yes, the app features a noise removal slider that lets you control the balance between the original sound and the enhanced speech. This allows you to stay aware of your surroundings while still hearing clearly.

Ratings & reviews

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