App launched to help hearing impaired people

Mumbai, May 18: A Pune-based Startup has launched an App that uses mobile technology to enable hearing impaired people customise their listening experience by using results of a simple, interactive hearing test.

The app 'Q+' developed by Quadio Devices Pvt Ltd offers different modes which optimise hearing in different situations like when at a restaurant, or while driving.

It also has a mode which makes it easier to watch TV, or watch videos. According to the company, the hearing test in the app is calibrated for accuracy, as per ANSI standards of audiometry. "Hearing loss is the second largest disability in the country that affects more than 120 million lives with majority sufferers over the age of 60.

There are less than 2,000 practicing audiologists in India and therefore most people have never actually received treatment until their hearing has degraded severely with age," Neeraj Dotel, CEO, Quadio Devices told reporters here today.

"The flexibility of controls offered by a smartphone app is much more than that offered by conventional hearing aids and, along with the affordability of smartphones, the reach of app store, and the inbuilt test, this gets us closer to achieving our objective," Anurag Sharma, Co-Founder and CTO Quadio Devices said.

The app is available for free on Google Play, and iTunes and according to Dotel, the app comes in two versions - Pro and Lite.

PTI