HearAngel (a LimitEar company) and Sonical, Inc. today announced a software licensing agreement to integrate the HearAngel smart hearing safeguarding solution into Sonical’s CosmOS operating system for headphones. This collaboration allows manufacturers using the Sonical platform to offer hearing safeguarding either as a standard feature or a user option.
Stephen Wheatley, CEO of HearAngel, said, “CosmOS is enabling the next generation of headphone platform, allowing for personalised and updated devices through downloadable cloud apps. The functionality needed from your headphones can be changed anytime based on preferences and usage”.
Gary Spittle, CEO of Sonical, added, “Hearing safeguarding is increasingly important, with extended listening at high volumes potentially causing permanent hearing damage. HearAngel provides easy-to-use information on sound exposure, enabling informed choices to safeguard hearing.”
Developed by LimitEar, HearAngel utilises patent-protected algorithms initially designed for the professional broadcast industry. The software integrates into mobile phones and wireless headphones, measuring sound exposure with the user interface and controls on a mobile phone.
It offers dual modes: managing personal exposure or parental control enabling the management of children’s exposure. The patented technology tracks listening duration and sound levels, providing awareness and management options. Users can also opt for optional automated protection, adhering to ITU/WHO H.870 or EN62368-1:2018 safety standards.
Research indicates that at birth, each ear has 15,000 auditory hair cells, which do not regenerate. Exposure to high sound doses, particularly from recreational headphone use, can lead to permanent hearing damage. Deafness Research UK reports that 1 in 3 individuals under 35 has chronic hearing damage due to headphone use.
HearAngel continuously monitors and profiles hearing exposure, alerting users to make informed decisions. Parental control features enable the management of children’s listening habits, limiting peak exposure levels and listening periods.
The integration of HearAngel into CosmOS emphasises the importance of hearing protection in the audio industry, catering to both professional users and general consumers. This collaboration aims to set new standards for safe listening practices, ensuring long-term auditory health.
Sonical’s CosmOS offers a customisable operating system for headphones. It supports various audio applications and enables dynamic personalisation of headphone functionality through downloadable plugins.
The partnership will showcase smart hearing safeguarding on the Remora PRO module, compatible with wired and wireless headphones, earbuds, or headsets, enhancing the flexibility of the CosmOS environment.
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