Comparison

IHSIM vs VitalCore

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

IHSIM

This application simulates acoustic hearing loss and cochlear implant processing in real-time. It allows for custom spectral filtering based on audiograms and offers various cochlear implant simulation parameters. Designed for research and education, it helps users understand auditory perception.

Highlights
  • Acoustic hearing loss simulation
  • Cochlear implant simulation
  • Custom spectral filtering
  • Filterbank vocoder
  • Binaural stimulation options
  • Research and educational use
Features
Read full description

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

About

VitalCore

This educational simulator provides hands-on training for cardiac perfusion, cardiopulmonary bypass, and ECMO. It features interactive labs for hemodynamic monitoring, pharmacology, and device study, designed for students and instructors.

Highlights
  • Hemodynamic monitor simulator
  • CPB training simulator
  • ECMO mode simulator
  • Pharmacology study lab
  • ECMO Guide Book
  • Device study guides
  • Interactive clinical simulation lab
Read full description

VitalCore Sim is a free educational training simulator for cardiac perfusion, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and critical care coursework. BUILT FOR LEARNERS Designed for perfusion students, cardiac surgery trainees, nursing educators, and simulation instructors — not for patient care, diagnosis, or clinical decision-making. WHAT'S INSIDE Training Simulators • Hemodynamic monitor simulator with fictional waveforms and alarm scenarios • CPB training simulator with teaching checklists and fictional bypass runs • ECMO mode simulator with VV/VA configuration drills • Mock code lab for emergency scenario practice • Interactive clinical simulation lab with timed drills Study Reference Tools • Pharmacology study lab with illustrative dosing math (not prescribing) • ECMO Guide Book — educational content adapted from published critical care literature • Device study guides for VAD, IABP, cannulation, and perfusion equipment • Valve selection teaching tool with hemodynamic concepts • Pathway library with literature-based clinical protocols • Normal values reference and universal checklist templates ---- https://vitalcore.web.app/privacy-policy.html https://vitalcore.web.app/eula.html

Screenshots

IHSIM4 screens
VitalCore4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: VitalCore at 5.0 against IHSIM's 3.0. VitalCore also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs monthly). IHSIM's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. VitalCore sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. IHSIM asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

VitalCore holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

IHSIM ships an update monthly, VitalCore every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
IHSIM versus VitalCore: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterIHSIMVitalCore
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.0 (3 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings3 — better1
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 2 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS9.3 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB50 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperHack Audio LLCAbdulrazaq Alonazi

Customer experience

IHSIM

All ratings3 ratings
Positive33.3%
Neutral33.3%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral50.0%
Negative50.0%

VitalCore

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

IHSIM

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

VitalCore

One-time1
  • Remove Ads$4.99

Questions

Is IHSIM free?
IHSIM is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is VitalCore free?
VitalCore is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, IHSIM or VitalCore?
VitalCore is rated higher. IHSIM averages 3.0 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while VitalCore averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do IHSIM or VitalCore have ads?
VitalCore shows ads; IHSIM does not.
Which is updated more often, IHSIM or VitalCore?
IHSIM ships an update monthly, and VitalCore every 2 days. Most recently, IHSIM was updated on September 29, 2026 and VitalCore on October 5, 2026.

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