Deaf "hearing" companion- Alerts for people who can't hear sounds they should
9 comments
·April 5, 2025Cthulhu_
How does this compare (or complement) iOS's built-in Sound Recognition system?
(seriously I would recommend anyone to have a good browse of the accessibility features, it's several layers of user interface that most people are unaware of)
Aardwolf
> Detect sounds & get custom alerts via vibration, notification, or flashlight—even when phone is off.
What is meant by off here? Can an app detect and do these things when the phone is fully switched off?
voiper1
I assume they mean when the phone is "turned off" meaning the screen is off, not powered down.
lukeatkins
My deaf friend passed away in a house fire because they couldn't hear a fire alarm. Sickening.
I built an app that listens to sounds and alerts deaf people with a flash, vibration, and notification. Emergency alerts are free (fire alarm, police siren, et). Convenience sounds like baby crying and door knock are $5/month.
Someone please be my 1st customer or tell someone deaf. Might save their life. Just wanna help people who can't hear and feed myself :)
giulianopz
Judging from the Apple Store, the app author seems to be a certain "Micah Roberson," while your HN nickname matches this Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-atkins/. Are you impersonating someone else, or are you the "co-author" of this app?
112233
Explain monthly payments for something that works completely offline.
Zealotux
It would be easier if you posted the name of your app :)
whiteandnerdy
Looks like the app is Taptic: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/taptic-d-deaf-support/id647898...
Great idea, although perhaps the use of "should" here ever so slightly carries a negative connotation that might be best avoided with alternate wording. Maybe something like:
"Alerting people to important sounds they cannot hear"?