Seeking to optimize the listening experience

A wide range of hearing styles

We usually analyze the sounds picked up by our ears with our nerves and brain and recognize them as sounds.
For example, the reason why there is a difference between those who have absolute pitch perception and those who don't is because of the difference in the cognitive flow.

People who are sensitive to consonants and people who are sensitive to low frequency sounds have different ways of hearing even if they have the same "ear".

We didn't know how much of an impact these differences would have on our lives until we started working on "αble" .

In October 2018, before we launched "αble-aid" through crowdfunding, we were able to conduct depth interviews with them.

We interviewed approximately 60 of the listening group participants who were aware of the challenges they faced in purchasing the product and Different machines (hearing aids and sound collectors) have completely different ways of hearing. Expensive ones are not always better. We have received many comments that "expensive is not always better".

In the audio world, Bose and Sony are often cited as manufacturers of excellent sound quality, but for those who are aware of the challenges of hearing, I learned that it is impossible to evaluate the quality of the product until you use it (or listen to it).

On the other hand, I also discovered that there are few products in the same price range as the "αble-aid" that specialize in this hearing adjustment.

If it was a hearing aid, it could be adjusted in the store, but as we wrote in our previous articles, "Our thoughts on the price" and "Helping people who can't go to the store", they wanted an easy solution. "Thoughts on product pricing"  "Helping people who can't go to the store"

　＜Actual voice (excerpt)＞

• It's hard to keep up with a conversation when you're not listening...
• If you can't keep up with the conversation, you'll lose your chance at a meeting or business meeting...
• If I don't do well at work, my personal life will be affected...
• You feel more lonely and less likely to talk to people...

Development of a comfortable audio filter

In order to find a better way to hear, we worked on "αble-EQ" (a smartphone app).

We analyzed a variety of products and services in Japan and abroad and learned from scratch how to process audio and the characteristics of a good listening voice filter.

Specifically, we have developed and optimized the following filters

• Development of a non-linear filter (NAL prescription formula): Proprietary algorithms to enhance 'clarity'
• Development of Bikewad Filter (aka IIR Filter): a process to decompose and analyze sound by frequency
• Development of a peaking filter: a process for finely controlling the sound preferences (the amplification value of a specific frequency band)

With the support of our partner Silent Voice, we were able to create a new product for the Dozens of people have listened to dozens of hearing patterns (tones) that we have developed, and We have chosen the most comfortable one to listen to.

 

"αble-EQ" was not tested on thousands to tens of thousands of people, but it is a product that has been
It's not simply a matter of using a microphone to amplify the sound and making it louder.
This is a product that focuses on "listening comfort".

Please listen to it!

About "αble-EQ"

I only want you to be able to hear better when you need to.
It's also easy. Easily.
"αble-EQ" is a smartphone app that allows you to optimize each function of the "αble" series.
iOS：http://u0u1.net/qw1y
Android：https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.able

Author

Sosuke Kubo

freecle Inc. / Chief Exective Officer

After working at IBM to develop products using advanced technologies such as AI and IoT
In April 2017, he founded freecle Inc. with six patents pending.
As product manager for the "αble" series of
We lead product development.

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