CatEar Privacy Policy
CatEar (the “App”) is a local-first hearing test, training, and hearing-tool app. This policy explains how we handle information when you use the App. Please read it before you start.
1. Information we process
1.1 Microphone and speech
The App asks for microphone access when you use hearing tests, speech training, oral scoring, or noise measurement. Audio is analyzed and scored locally on your device.
- Practice recordings you choose to save are stored on your device for playback and comparison; you can delete them in the App at any time.
- We do not upload raw recordings to our own servers.
- Some speech-synthesis and real-time conversation features use ByteDance Volcano Engine (Doubao) cloud speech services. When you use those features, the text to be synthesized or the microphone audio is sent over an encrypted connection to that service for processing. That service handles data under its own privacy policy; we do not store those audio files on our servers.
1.2 Hearing tests and training records
Hearing test results, training records, audiograms, and the error book are stored locally on your device to show your history and progress. We cannot read them remotely.
1.3 Purchases and entitlements
On Android, PLUS memberships and heart packs are paid through Alipay. Our server records the order ID, product, amount, payment status, Alipay trade number, Alipay buyer_id, and the random client ID generated when the App is installed (clientUserId), in order to deliver purchases, restore purchases, process refunds, and reconcile accounts. We do not receive your bank card number, Alipay login password, or payment password.
On iOS, subscriptions and one-time purchases are handled by Apple’s App Store; we do not receive your card number or billing address.
1.4 Device, network, and remote configuration
To sync entitlements, check for updates, and fetch App configuration, the App sends the necessary client ID, order information, and version number to our servers. We do not collect advertising identifiers (such as IDFA), run behavioral analytics, or serve ads.
The App downloads training audio and model files from our resource service. Those requests do not include your hearing data or recordings.
1.5 Notifications and alarms
Training reminders use local notifications and system alarms; reminder content stays on your device and is not uploaded.
2. Permissions
| Permission | Purpose | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Microphone | Hearing tests, speech training, oral scoring, noise measurement | Required for those features; you can turn it off in system settings |
| Notifications | Training reminders | Optional |
| Precise alarms / start at boot | Remind you at the time you set | Optional |
| Network | Payments, entitlement sync, update checks, training-resource downloads | Required for those features |
The App does not request contacts, location, photos, camera, or health-data permissions.
3. Third-party services
- Alipay SDK (Android): payment processing. Alipay handles payment information under its own privacy policy.
- ByteDance Volcano Engine / Doubao speech services: some speech synthesis and real-time conversation features, called only when you use those features.
- On-device speech models (sherpa-onnx, Matcha TTS, and similar): run locally and do not connect to the network.
- The App contains no advertising SDK, third-party analytics SDK, or social-login SDK.
4. Storage and retention
- Local data (training records, audiograms, error book, practice recordings, settings) is stored on your device and removed by the system when you uninstall the App.
- Server data (orders, entitlement bindings, refund records) is stored on servers in mainland China (Shanghai). Order and refund records are kept as required by law and for financial reconciliation, usually for at least three years; entitlement bindings are removed when you ask us to delete them or when they are no longer needed.
- We do not transfer data across borders.
5. Sharing, transfer, and disclosure
We do not sell or rent your personal information. We share information only:
- with the third-party services listed above, as needed to complete payments or speech processing;
- when required by law, court order, or a competent authority;
- when necessary to protect your or another person’s life, property, or other vital interests.
6. Your rights
- Access and correction: view and edit training records and audiograms in the App.
- Delete local data: delete records in the App or uninstall the App.
- Delete server data: email 651333646@qq.com with your clientUserId or order ID. We will respond within 15 business days.
- Withdraw consent: turn off microphone, notification, or other permissions in system settings, or stop using the relevant features.
7. Children’s privacy
The App is intended for a general audience and is not directed at children under 14. We do not knowingly collect children’s personal information. If a guardian believes a child has used the App without consent, please contact us and we will delete the relevant data.
8. Changes to this policy
If this policy changes materially, we will update the version and effective date on this page and notify you in the App or in the release notes. Continuing to use the App means you accept the updated policy.
9. Contact
For privacy questions, deletion requests, or complaints, contact 651333646@qq.com. We will reply within 15 business days.