Smart earplugs let users customize their sleep

Currently seeking funding on Kickstarter, Hush is a set of wireless earplugs that help users get a better night's sleep through personalized ambient sounds and noise cancelation.

Consumers typically haven’t previously been able to customize the devices that improve our health. Those in need of hearing aids usually stick with the one their doctor has recommended, or whichever one is cheapest. Digital technologies are changing this however, and we recently wrote about Soundhawk, a smartphone-controlled sound enhancer for the hard of hearing that helps users adjust its capabilities for different situations. Now using similar technology, Hush is a set of wireless earplugs that help users get a better night’s sleep through personalized ambient sounds and noise cancelation.

Many people already use basic earplugs to help block out snoring partners, city sounds and plane noises when they’re trying to get some rest. Sometimes, however, they’re just not enough. Currently seeking funding through Kickstarter, Hush is a set of wireless earphones that feature a range of digital add-ons to make them more effective.

When connected to users’ smartphones, the noise-canceling devices can be configured to allow only certain sounds through — for example, a partner’s voice or the sound of a burglar alarm. Since the earplugs double as headphones, they can also be used to play soothing music or sounds to lull users to sleep, while also sounding an alarm in the morning without waking up anyone else. The app also lets them customize which notifications are blocked and which are allowed through while they’re asleep. The earplugs come in a charging case that powers them for about 7 days and doubles as a portable charging station for the phone.

Watch the video below to learn more about Hush:

Although the Kickstarter campaign is already funded, backers can still pre-order a pair from USD 115 until 23 December. Are there other basic devices that could use smart capabilities to make them more effective?

Kickstarter: www.kck.st/1ubPENH