SoundAMP App Turns The iPhone Into A Makeshift Hearing Aid
Two facts: The iPhone’s microphone is fairly decent as far as mobile phones go; there are lots of people who can’t hear very well. Hence SoundAMP, an iPhone app that amplifies and filters noises for ears that need a little help.
The app takes sound from a mic—be it the built-in, in a headset or standalone—and amplifies it according to your demands: you choose the level, as well as which tones to jack up the most (useful for isolating a particular voice, or eliminating a constant background noise). The app also stores the last 30 seconds of audio in a temporary cache, in case you missed anything the first time around.
“But,” you might say, “all this app does is pump up the volume on a microphone, which is probably the simplest possible idea for a non-novelty app, ever.” And you’d be right! But it’s useful in the same charming way that your DSLR serves as an improvised monocular, or your in-ear headphones work as earplugs when disconnected. Plus, it’s not difficult to imagine situations in which the app could be useful for non-hearing-impaired folks. One issue: it’s $US10, which is too much even with the semi-medical pretense. [Techcrunch]
- Next Post: The Universe Is Made Of Atoms And Lego Blocks »
- « Previous Post: Asus Eee Keyboard Opened And Fully Naked
Comments (AU Comments | US Comments)
@wanago:
That was exactly what I first thought. I already like to put in earphones to trick people into thinking I can't hear them...
absolofdoom
How about a "Jitterbug" app to go along with this and you can turn the iphone into something all old folks will love.
thepunisher0032
I think i would turn it into a listening device, ala Sonic Earz. Have it constantly record where you could save it after the fact. And maybe show a soundwave on the screen.
[www.seen-on-tv.ws]
Maybe not so good as a hearing aid, but if you ever want to listen to your parents going at it, this is the app for you! $10 is a small price to pay for the honor!
aja175
This could be used to listen to other people's conversations. It would be total unnoticed by anyone nearby as you sat there with your headphones on "listening to music".
wanago
I think this is a great idea... $10 for the app may be a real bargain compared to a real hearing aid or one of those sonic ear things as seen on tv.
However, I don't think my grandparents would carry an iPhone.
clearbox
hahaha @ $10
Wow, I didn't think this would be possible without some sort of accessory (Amplifier accy available from Apple Store). It's a wonder it took 2 years for someone to take the plunge and develop and app for the idea. If it's anything like Beejive, I'll pay the premium price, however, I don't see this as being likely. :-\
OprahBabb