Listen is a research-based auditory training game for iOS that uses sound cues to stimulate the auditory cortex.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
The app serves users seeking cognitive health benefits through perceptual learning, but it currently fails to provide the necessary audio feedback required for the training to function.
For Individuals interested in brain fitness and auditory training, specifically those seeking research-backed methods for cognitive health.
What does it look like?
Key features
Algorithms measure individual performance thresholds and adjust sound cue difficulty to maintain training efficacy.
Integrates perceptual learning tasks into a navigation game where players control a wisp to absorb energy from sound cues.
Sound cues utilize language primitives and specific features designed to drive neural activity in the auditory cortex.
How much does it cost?
Listen operates as a free research-based tool with no visible in-app purchases or subscription tiers.
Velocity
Dormant developmentopaqueShow more...
Listen - Auditory Training has been inactive for 818 days, falling well outside the threshold for active development. The last release was a minor update focused on bug fixes, and no subsequent feature builds or maintenance patches have been deployed. The development status is effectively dormant.
Who built it?
Northeastern University Information Services
3 apps tracked · Games
BGC Science
Northeastern Admissions EventsUser Sentiment
What do users think recently?
Review voice lately leans frustrated. Users appreciate clear instructional design helps users understand the progression path and feel encouraged during training sessions.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- Clear instructional design helps users understand the progression path and feel encouraged during training sessions
- Total loss of audio output across multiple devices prevents users from engaging with the core training
7 of 7 recent reviews analyzed · limited sample · Frustrated overall
Read the full review analysisUnlock 1 more frustration theme and 1 user request, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for Listen - Auditory Training
How's the Games market?
Listen maintains a 3.08-star rating across 12 total reviews, reflecting significant user frustration with technical stability. The lack of any store update since May 2024 signals that the app is currently in a zombie state, failing to address basic audio-output regressions.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
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Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Listen - Auditory Training
Where is it heading?
Listen is currently in a dormant state with no meaningful development activity for over two years. The lack of technical support for basic audio functionality will continue to erode the user base until the app is either updated or removed from the store.
- Persistent audio output failure on iOS devices prevents core training engagement, which drives negative sentiment and user churn.
- The 27-month release gap indicates a lack of active maintenance, leaving the app exposed to OS-level compatibility regressions.
The SWOT
- Research-backed auditory cortex stimulation provides clinical utility
- Manual difficulty settings would broaden user accessibility
Next best moves
Audit audio engine because total sound failure is the primary churn driver → restore core functionality
+ 1 more prioritized moveThe counter-intuitive read
The app's research-based origin is its greatest liability…
Read the full takeSince the last report: The app's competitive position remains unchanged due to a lack of development, though the analytical narrative now explicitly attributes the product's failure to a lack of commercial incentive.
Bottom line
Listen requires an immediate technical audit to resolve audio-output failures, as the current state prevents the app from serving its primary research-based function. Resolving these regressions would unlock the tool's utility for the target audience.
Unlock 2 critical frictions, 1 market threat, 1 more prioritized move and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Is Listen effective for auditory processing issues?
Does Listen work on the latest iPhone or iPad?
Are there free alternatives to Listen for auditory training?
Sources
- [1] App Store, source
Report last updated