Ear buds that select which sounds you hear

According to the developers, Here Active Listening ear buds, a form of “digital ears”, enable the user to filter out unwanted noise from the world around them while still being able to hold conversations or listen to music. Company CEO and co-founder Noah Kraft, explains: “You’re born, your ears turn on, they’re on 24 hours a day, and they don’t turn off until you die. It’s not like we have ear lids – there’s nothing you can do to stop that.”

The company’s solution comes in the form of ear buds that can be programmed based on the users’ choices, giving them the ability to effectively control how they hear the world. Newsweek tested the ear buds first in a busy, noisy office environment. When selecting the lowest option of -22dB on the volume dial, almost none of the office noise could be heard. The devices also make it possible to tune out individual high- or low-pitch frequencies but continue to listen to a conversation or concert. The third option lets the user select a specific environment, such as an airplane, crowded room or public transport, so as to tune out environmental noise, while amplifying human speech above other sounds.

According to the company’s website, the smart phone app associated with the ear buds offers advanced tools for dynamic control over the audio environment. Tools include volume control, a 5-band equalizer, preset filters, and layered effects like bass boost, reverb, and flange. The company is also working on other hearables.

Source: Newsweek Europe; Doppler Labs