Privacy Policy for HearMate

Privacy Policy for HearMate

Last Updated: October 28, 2024

1.     Introduction
HearMate ("we," "us," or "our") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard data when you use HearMate (the "App"), which enhances audio input through earphones to assist with hearing. By using the App, you agree to the terms of this policy.

2. Information We Collect
a. Personal Information
·  Account Data: If you create an account, we collect your name, email address, gender and age.
·  User Preferences: Hearing profiles, volume settings, and custom audio adjustments.

b. Audio Data
·       Microphone Input: The App processes real-time audio from your device’s microphone to amplify and adjust sound via your earphones.

o   Note: Audio is processed locally on your device unless you enable cloud-based features (e.g., saving settings to an account). We do not store raw audio recordings.

c. Technical and Usage Data
· Device Information: Device model, OS version, Bluetooth status, and earphone compatibility.
· Performance Metrics: App crash reports, battery usage, and connection stability.

d. Health-Related Data
· Optional Hearing Tests: If you use in-app hearing tests, results are stored to personalize audio profiles.
· Usage Patterns: Frequency/duration of App use and environmental sound preferences (e.g., "noisy vs. quiet" modes).

e. Location Data
· Optional: GPS data only if you enable location-based features (e.g., auto-adjusting settings in specific environments).

3. How We Use Your Information
Provide and personalize hearing assistance features.
Improve App performance and develop new functionalities.
Respond to support requests and troubleshoot issues.
Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms and Conditions.

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
If you reside in the European Economic Area (EEA), we process your data based on:
Consent: For health-related data (e.g., hearing test results).
Contractual Necessity: To deliver App features as outlined in our Terms.
Legitimate Interests: For analytics and fraud prevention.

5. Data Sharing
We do not sell your data. We may share it with:
Service Providers: Third-party vendors for cloud storage, analytics, or customer support.
Healthcare Providers: Only with your explicit consent (e.g., sharing hearing test results with an audiologist).
Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect our rights.
Business Transfers: In case of mergers, acquisitions, or asset sales.

6. Data Security
We implement safeguards to protect your data, including:
Encryption: Audio data in transit (if applicable) and sensitive user information.
Local Processing: Audio is processed on-device by default to minimize data exposure.
Access Controls: Restrict employee access to user data.

7. Your Rights
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may:
Access, correct, or delete your personal data.
Withdraw consent for health-related data processing.
Request a copy of your data (portability).
To exercise these rights, contact us at info@hearmate.app .

8. Data Retention
We retain data only as long as necessary to:
Provide App services.
Comply with legal obligations (e.g., tax records).

9. International Data Transfers
Data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your jurisdiction. We ensure safeguards (e.g., GDPR Standard Contractual Clauses) for international transfers.

10. Children’s Privacy
The App is not intended for users under [16/13] years old. We do not knowingly collect data from children without parental consent.

11. Medical Disclaimer
The App is not a medical device and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure hearing loss. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional for medical advice.

12. Third-Party Links
The App may link to third-party services (e.g., hearing aid manufacturers). We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

13. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance.

14.  Contact Us
For questions, contact us at:

BesTel, LLC
121 W. Lamberth Road, Suite A
Sherman, TX 75092
USA

info@hearmate.app
+1 408 641 6811

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