# IHSIM — Impaired Hearing Simulation

> Real-time simulation of hearing loss and cochlear implant processing for research. (iPhone/iPad app by Hack Audio LLC.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ihsim/id1421965944 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Hack Audio LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1276914003)
- Category: Education, Medical
- Price: Free
- Rating: 3.00/5 from 3 App Store ratings · 2 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 9.3 · 5 MB
- Released: 2018-08-15
- Data updated: 2026-06-01
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ihsim/id1421965944/reviews.md

## What is IHSIM?

IMPAIRED HEARING SIMULATION (IHSIM)
This app performs separate simulations of acoustic hearing loss and cochlear implant processing. These simulations process the audio input from the iOS device in real-time. 

In the acoustic hearing loss simulation, a user can achieve custom spectral filtering based on a listener's audiogram. Six presets are also provided of common audiogram functions. A dynamic range compressor is included, along with a frequency smearing algorithm to flatten the signal's spectrum and perform subtle pitch modulation.

In the cochlear implant simulation, a filterbank vocoder is implemented. The number of frequency bands is selectable, along with the carrier signal (noise or sine wave vocoder), the frequency divisions (Logarithmic or Greenwood function), and the overall bandwidth. Electric-only and "hybrid" acoustic-electric cochlear implants are modeled. Several monaural and binaural stimulation options are selectable. 

HEADPHONES AND SENNHEISER SMART AMBEO HEADSET
This app was created as part of the Sennheiser Developers Program for the Smart AMBEO Headset. The app is capable of processing a stereo input signal, taking advantage of the "augmented reality" features of the headset. The app is also fully-functional using a conventional set of headphones with a mono microphone input. It is highly recommended to use headphones of some type with the app.

FOR RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
The intended use of the app is for auditory perception research. The app may have additional educational purposes related to hearing loss. The app should not be used for medical purposes. 

INFORMATION
Resources related to the app are available at: hackaudio.com

## Key features

- Acoustic hearing loss simulation
- Cochlear implant simulation
- Custom spectral filtering
- Filterbank vocoder
- Binaural stimulation options
- Research and educational use

## Recent user reviews (2 of 2)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ihsim/id1421965944/reviews.md

### 3/5 — Interesting concept

*2020-11-26, version 1.0.1*

I have not been able to get this to work with wired headphones, is it possible to update it for airpods? Thanks!

### 1/5 — Do Not have permission

*2019-12-23, version 1.0.1*

Set to Mono

Set to CI and Hearing Aid on default

## Frequently asked questions about IHSIM

### What is IHSIM used for?

IHSIM is designed for auditory perception research and educational purposes related to hearing loss. It simulates acoustic hearing loss and cochlear implant processing in real-time.

### Can IHSIM be used for medical diagnosis?

No, the app explicitly states it should not be used for medical purposes. Its intended use is for research and education only.

### What kind of hearing loss can IHSIM simulate?

IHSIM can simulate acoustic hearing loss with custom spectral filtering based on an audiogram, and also offers six presets for common audiogram functions.

### What are the features of the cochlear implant simulation in IHSIM?

The cochlear implant simulation includes a filterbank vocoder with selectable frequency bands, carrier signals, frequency divisions, and bandwidth. It models electric-only and hybrid acoustic-electric implants with monaural and binaural stimulation options.

### Does IHSIM require special hardware?

While created as part of the Sennheiser Developers Program for the Smart AMBEO Headset, IHSIM is fully functional with conventional headphones with a mono microphone input. Using headphones is highly recommended.

### What is the update frequency for IHSIM?

The app was last updated on September 10, 2018, with version 1.0.1. There have been no updates since then, indicating a low update frequency.

### What is the user sentiment for IHSIM?

Based on the available data, IHSIM has a rating of 3.0 stars from 3 ratings, suggesting a mixed to slightly negative user sentiment.

### Is IHSIM available on multiple platforms?

IHSIM is available for iOS devices, specifically iPhone, iPad, and iPod, as indicated by its supported devices list.

## Version history (last 2 releases)

### 1.0.1 — 2018-09-10

Versions for iPad and iPhone are now available.

Minor bug fixes

### 1.0 — 2018-08-14

No release notes.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-01.*