Deaf News: Mobile app aimed at reducing background noise launches in UK

A new smartphone app which uses artificial intelligence to control background noise has been made available on iOS devices.

Chatable, launched this week, identifies the specific voice a user wants to hear, before creating an identical sound without any interference.

Individuals can then use two sliders within the app to increase or decrease the volume, and the level at which background noise is reduced.

Giles Tongue, CEO of ChatableApps, said: “Following successful preclinical trials, we have decided to launch immediately due to urgent demand from audiologists to help people struggling because of coronavirus.

“With many unable to lipread due to face masks or unable to visit a hearing clinic in an emergency, our app provides a lifeline that will help people communicate.”

While some hearing aids can focus on specific sounds in noisy environments, background noise can still be an issue to many deaf people using the technology.

In early trials of Chatable, 86% of participants reported that the app was better for conversations than their hearing aid, with 76% saying discussions were easier because of the app’s background noise slider.

The app relies on access to the smartphone’s microphone to pick up the conversation, as well as earphones or headphones to play the adjusted sound.

The free version of the app allows users to adjust both sliders, with the full version enabling individuals to raise voice amplification and noise reduction to their maximum levels.

Paid subscriptions are available on monthly or annual plans, priced at £9.99 and £59.99 respectively.

Chatable is available to download now on iOS devices and is due to be released on Android “imminently”.

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is a mildly deaf freelance journalist and blogger from Bedfordshire. He wears bilateral hearing aids and can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.