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Darlington-based digital company Desifa have created a revolutionary new app, HearClear, to improve virtual communication for those with hearing difficulties.
Combining video with real time automated transcription, the intercontinental closed-caption app is proving particularly helpful through the Covid-19 lockdown and has seen over 100 downloads in just two weeks, as far away as the US and Australia.
Described as FaceTime with live subtitles, the app allows users to access sound, subtitles, speech reading and sign to support them in making telephone calls.
The innovative idea came from Desifa – a talented tech company with an ambition to harness smart technology to improve telephone conversations. Founded by Martin Philips and Steve Tinkler in 2018, the dexterous duo were prompted by Martin’s wife’s hearing difficulties to provide a solution for people who struggle to hear on the phone.
With the support of the Teesside University-led initiative, DigitalCity and its Accelerator Programme, their business idea was validated. This was followed by coaching, connections and access to funding, all of which helped to fast-track the development of the HearClear App.
“We have a simple ambition to help half a billion people world-wide, including the 11 million people in the UK with hearing loss who have been left behind by the technology that has revolutionised the way the rest of us live our lives. We want to enable everyone to stay in touch with family, friends and services.” Martin said.
“It’s a versatile app that’s needed now more than ever, first-and-foremost for loved ones to stay in touch throughout the social distancing measures. It can also help businesses and employers to adjust so that they can better connect with all their customers and staff,”
HearClear is available to download on iOS with plans underway to make the app accessible to Android users in the coming months. Download today, with a free trial until the end of June 2020 > HearClear App
Do you have an innovative idea for a new tech product? We are looking for more early-stage tech companies to take part in the next Accelerator Programme, submit your application here.
