Hearing loss is a complex condition impacting nearly 20% of the global population in one way or another. Some people have difficulty hearing higher-pitched sounds, while others may have difficulty hearing all sounds. Regardless, one of the earliest signs of hearing loss is having difficulty hearing speech in noise. Because hearing loss can affect people differently, one-size-fits-all amplification technologies are not helpful for everyone. In fact, many amplification hearing aids functions and headphones or earbud settings are falling short.

How can hearing loss affect me? 

There are several ways even slight hearing loss impacts people. Some effects can be recognized by the individual, like avoiding outings in crowded, noisy places. Others are more subtle and have slower onsets. There’s a strong correlation between hearing loss and social isolation and loneliness. Without intervention or treatment, social isolation and loneliness can have mental and cognitive effects. The CDC reports that it can cause: 

• A 50% increased risk of dementia

• A 29% increased risk of heart disease

• A 32% increased risk of stroke

• Higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide

The potential impacts are significant. Yet, what can one do if they pass a hearing test and still have trouble holding a conversation in a noisy place? This is where assistive technologies come into play.

What tech can help me better hear conversations through the noise? 

It can be challenging to find the right solution when there are so many technologies and apps on the market that amplify all sound, including noise, which isn’t helpful. Likewise, noise cancellation tech suppresses all noise, including voices. Neither amplification nor noise cancellation provides the solution, which is true noise removal. 

HeardThat set itself apart to help those who have trouble having conversations in noisy social settings by removing background noise and delivering only the voice(s) of those the user wants to hear. The app leverages the computing power of your smartphone to run sophisticated AI algorithms and the listening devices you already own to separate speech and noise. 

Try HeardThat for free today and use it the next time you’re at a noisy restaurant.