Sounds and noises are omnipresent. Our natural ability to filter and process these sounds – our brain acts as an equaliser to prevent overwhelm – diminishes with hearing loss. To preserve this ability, it’s essential to address hearing loss promptly. Unfortunately, traditional hearing aids are often unsatisfactory in terms of effectiveness, are extremely expensive, and carry a significant stigma. Consequently, many people are reluctant to use them and gradually adapt to their decreasing hearing ability. These challenges highlight the need for innovative and attractive solutions that can improve hearing experiences. Since some situations can be difficult even for people without hearing issues, we need solutions for everyone, regardless of their hearing ability. This approach would also lower the threshold for using a device for enhancing one’s hearing experience.

After researching key problems and needs related to hearing difficulties and hearing aids, I identified one key insight: Many hearing issues stem from environmental factors in specific situations, like background noises, often beyond the user’s control. Unlike the human brain, a hearing aid can’t subjectively prioritise, amplify, or weaken signals. It lacks the ability to discern what the user wants to hear in a specific situation. This insight led to the concept of a product capable of recording and modifying sounds, tailored to the user’s needs and hearing profile. The product would learn and store user preferences over time.

It was crucial to adopt a user-centric approach and conduct user tests. The focus wasn’t solely on the technical functionality of sound amplification, but on how the product could be used effectively in everyday contexts.

Through prototype testing with users, I learned that the structure and information architecture of the app was yet too complicated. The functions of “better listening” and “filter” were not easy to distinguish and were therefore combined. Furthermore, I gained the insight that the “saved modes” should be quickly accessible.

In the hear-menu one can find the two main options „Selective Hearing“ for amplifying selected sounds and „Noise Cancelling“ to suppress all surrounding sounds. The different settings in the „Selective Hearing“-Menu can be combined to provide users with the best possible adaption in every situation. By saving own settings, Luui ensures customisation and makes listening more enjoyable and understanding others less stressful.

Furthermore, it also serves as transfer of knowledge, raising awareness for listening experiences. The app can be used with the LUUI-device (a microphone accessory) or the built-in microphone of a smartphone.