Mobile app developer Essency has launched version 2.2 of its iOS app that aims to improve safety for headphone users. Dubbed Awareness! The Headphone App, the headphone app allows users to listen to music, while continuing to monitor sounds from the outside world via the iPhones microphone. Any sound that exceeds a user-defined threshold is then played through the headphones. According to the company, Awareness! gives users peace of mind, as it makes sure important sounds – such as warnings, shouts, sirens, alarms, or conversations – wont be missed.

The app uses in-app purchases to allow users to “build their own version of the app” according to Essencys Rob Follis. In-app purchases cost 59p, and features for sale include ClearVoice, which enhances speech picked up by the microphone, AutoPause, which stops music when the noise threshold is reached, and a decibel noise meter. The new version also includes a user interface that works with iOSs VoiceOver voice-recognition features. 

Built-in features include a bypass function, which switches the microphone on regardless of the threshold setting, and ducking, which lowers the volume of your music when the mic. is triggered, and turns it back up again when the external noise levels return to normal. You can also set compatible iOS devices to vibrate when the mic threshold is exceeded. The company sees this being used to warn users that they are being exposed to dangerous environmental noise levels.

“Just Google killed wearing headphones to see the extent of the dangers,” says Follis. “Various US States are planning legislation to combat the headphone oblivion problem. We believe our technology offers a better answer.”

Awareness! The Headphone App costs £1.19 from the Apple App Store. It is compatible with the iPhone 4 and 3GS, the iPod touch from version 3, and the iPad. Version 2.2 is expected to ship next week.