As we near the phase of getting into the new “normal” – the social distancing of two meters can prove difficult in communication for many. There are going to be many changes throughout the entertainment and hospitality industry where social distancing may have to be implemented.
Individuals with a hearing loss already struggle in these environments and in group settings, whether it’s listening to an individual talking at one end of a table to another or trying to hear throughout background noise.
Today we are thrilled to be able to tell you about an app which you can use on your iPhone: Chatable – Hearing Aid. ‘ChatableApps’ Groundbreaking Neuroscience-led AI, turns your smartphone into a next generation hearing aid, without the need for a hearing test
ChatableApps
ChatableApps has launched the world’s first universal hearing aid, using neuroscience-led artificial intelligence to enable those suffering from hearing loss to hear one-to-one conversations clearly, using an everyday smartphone and a standard pair of earbuds.
We had the chance to meet Giles Tongue ChatableApps CEO and was able to try Chatable – Hearing Aid in a cafe.
It was a great surprise when sitting at the table next to the front door which was also very close to the cafe coffee machine, that we could turn down the background noise and hear the conversation with the person in-front of us.
This means that for the short periods you are in an environment where you normally struggle to hear the person talking, you could use Chatable and hear them with ease.
Now you might be trying to figure out what the is difference between a traditional hearing aid compared to Chatable.
A traditional hearing aid which we all know so well, is a device that is used to be able to hear more clearly for the long period of time throughout the day and it is fine tuned to an individual’s audiogram.
From having used Chatable if we were to use it in our everyday lives it would be for the short periods where we need better ease to hear a person in a noisy environment.
ChatableApps
Those with a hearing aid with bluetooth connectivity could use Chatable as an addition to their hearing aid to get rid of background noise, but also have the audio processed through their hearing aid settings for greater details in the person’s voice.
We are very excited to see many of our readers use Chatable and we believe it will prove useful for many.
“Our unique ground-up AI makes our universal hearing aid the first app capable of addressing the global hearing epidemic.” Giles Tongue, ChatableApps CEO, commented. “Following successful preclinical trials we have decided to launch immediately due to urgent demand from audiologists to help people struggling because of Coronavirus. With many unable to lipread due to face masks or unable to visit a hearing clinic in an emergency, our app provides a lifeline that will help people communicate.”
Ideal for noisy enviroments
Despite the complex science and AI at work in the app, the user interface is simple. Once downloaded, the user simply moves two sliders up and down to find their desired balance. The volume boost slider enables clear and loud voice, while the background noise slider removes background noise, allowing users to hear conversations no matter where they are.
Ahead of launching on the app store, the app attracted investment from US entrepreneur Mark Cuban. Mr Cuban, who appears on the US version of Dragon’s Den said:
“Chatable is using AI to address growing health care inequality by providing an affordable hearing aid app that helps with conversation.”
The app is free to use, with the option to subscribe to unlock maximum voice amplification and reduction of background noise. The full version is available for £9.99 ($12.99) /monthly, £59.99 ($79.99) /annual.
This flaky delight couples sweet leeks, fresh asparagus, succulent pancetta and nutty Parmigiano-Reggiano with an egg! Pleasing both the eye and the appetite, these delicious tarts are perfect for a celebratory brunch or lunch or even a picnic. Enjoy hot or cold!
Asparagus, Leek and Parmigiano-Reggiano Puff Pastry Tarts
Butter (approx. 15-20g for sautéing the leeks and another 10g for the asparagus)
70g pancetta cubes
125g asparagus tips (between 6-8 stalks per tart)
50g grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
3 eggs (2 medium or large and one small for glazing the edges of the dough)
Cracked black pepper and salt to taste
Parsley (optional)
Instructions
Pre-heat the oven.
Unroll a sheet of ready-made puff pastry. Cut the dough in half. Then roll up each side to create a barrier of about 1-1.5cm width.
Alternatively, instead of rolling up the sides, take a knife and lightly score a smaller rectangle into the dough. With a fork, prick the inside of the rectangle of each tart.
Place the tarts in the oven and bake on the middle-rack for about 10 minutes at 190°C (fan) or Gas Mark 5 and then another 10 minutes on low heat (100°C, Gas Mark 1).
In the meantime, wash the leeks and cut into thin slices.
Place the slices in a colander and separate all individual rings by pushing them out with your fingers. Then wash the rings again under cold water.
Melt butter in a pan. Then add the pancetta cubes and let them sizzle for a minute.
Add the leek rings and cook until soft. Add a dash of salt if needed (the pancetta already adds saltiness) and some black pepper.
Place the cooked leeks on a plate to cool.
In the frying pan, melt some more butter. After washing the asparagus and cutting off the wooden lower part, place the stalks in the pan and sauté them for several minutes to slightly soften them. Take them off the heat and let them cool.
Remove the tarts from the oven. If the middle of the dough has risen, take a fork or tablespoon and carefully push the dough down and let the risen edges stay up. Then divide the cooked leeks among the two tarts.
Sprinkle half of the grated parmesan on top.
Place either 3 or 4 sautéed asparagus stalks on the left and right side of each tart. T
hen carefully crack open one egg over the middle of each tart.
Crack the third egg in a bowl and whisk with a fork. Take a pastry brush and coat the edges of each tart with the egg for better browning in the oven.
Place the tarts in the oven and bake for a further 15-20 minutes until the eggs are cooked. If after 10 minutes in the oven the edges are getting too dark, reduce the heat and leave in the oven for the remaining time.
Remove from the oven and serve with parsley (optional). The tarts can be enjoyed warm or cold.
Wonderbirds is a brand new chat show launched by National Treasure Sherrie Hewson, alongside Television and Soap royalty Debbie Arnold, Harriet Thorpe and our very own Dee Anderson.
It was originally devised as four ‘birds’ having a chat over a cuppa which they shared with their fans and followers transmitted from their own homes on Zoom. But little did they realise that this chat show created for women in lockdown, would become a worldwide overnight sensation, with over 400k hits in the first six weeks.
Described by many as their ‘go to’ as a happy place within all of the doom and gloom, and a fabulous way of keeping in touch with others going through similar difficulties in turbulent times.
The show which is online Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4.30 is rapidly growing in stature with magnificent celebrity guests, such as Gok Wan, Gaby Roslin, Bob Barrett and Sally Dyvenor to name but a few. Plus a weekly half hour show with Richard Arnold on a Saturday morning at 10am.
The Wonderbirds panellists have been compared to the Land Girls during World War 2 when they reached out to the Nation in need and provided a light relief and genuine support to those in despair.
A spokesperson from the Wonderbirds Show told us ‘It is now evident that there is major audience out there who can benefit from this exciting new show, which is why it has been decided to take it beyond lockdown and become a household happening for everyone to share and join in. As well as the UK we have viewers from all over the Globe from the USA to the continent and even an audience in Japan and the Far East’.
A question and answer special will also be hosted every Sunday to respond to the the requests pouring in for information and tips and advice, ranging from makeup and beauty to fashion, food and spirituality.
‘Sometimes we are quite outrageous’ say the Wonderbirds, ‘but nothing the audience can’t handle as we talk about problems and issues everyone is facing in a lighthearted way and how to overcome them, and from the feedback we have been getting, it is all very welcome in these strange times.’
So as the audience grows every day, so does the banter and advice of the Wonderbirds ladies, who are delighted that from their initial concept Wonderbirds is already becoming an international phenomenom.
Check out The Wonderbirds on Facebook & Youtube and don’t forget to contact them – you can ask the Wonderbirds anything.
October 13, 2026 1915 Cornell Wilde 1921 Yves Montand 1923 Cyril Shaps 1925 Baroness Margaret Thatcher 1940 Chris Farlowe 1941 Paul Simon 1946 Edwina Currie 1959 Marie Osmond 1965 Cherelle
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