System and method for alerting a user of preference-based external sounds when listening to audio through headphones

An apparatus for alerting a listener of an external sound of interest while listening to headphones, the apparatus comprising:

• a server programmed to:
• receive ambient noise indicative of external noise to headphones from a mobile device;
• extract a speech component from the ambient noise;
• derive an intent from the speech component of the ambient noise;
• compare the intent to at least one user defined preference;
• and
• transmit an alert to notify a listener that the intent of the speech component matches the at least one user defined preference,
• wherein the server includes memory that is programmed to store the intent as a rejected intent in response to determining that the intent of the speech component does not match the at least one user define preference, and
• wherein the server is further programmed to transmit a signal that is indicative of an inquiry or a recommendation on interest for the resected intent to the listener.

An apparatus for alerting a listener of an external sound of interest while listening to headphones, the apparatus comprising:

• a mobile device programmed to:
• transmit ambient noise indicative of external noise of headphones to a server;
• receive an alert from the server in response to extracted speech on the ambient noise providing an intent that matches at least one user defined preference;
• audibly or visually notify a user of the headphones that the intent of the extracted speech matches the at least one user defined preference in response to the alert;
• and
• receive a request to add a rejected intent after determining that the intent does not match the at least one user defined preference.