Last Updated: November 17, 2025
Effective Date: November 17, 2025
HearScribe uses ONLY essential cookies required for authentication and platform functionality. We do NOT use advertising cookies, tracking cookies, social media cookies, or third-party analytics cookies. Your privacy is protected by design.
1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how The Hearing Lab Store Ltd ("HearScribe," "we," "us," "our") uses cookies and similar technologies on hearscribe.com. By using HearScribe, you consent to our use of essential cookies as described in this policy.
This Cookie Policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. Cookies allow websites to:
- Remember your login status and preferences
- Understand how you use the website
- Provide personalized experiences
- Maintain security and prevent fraud
Cookies can be "persistent" (remain after you close your browser) or "session" (deleted when you close your browser).
3. Cookies We Use
✓ Privacy-First: Essential Cookies Only
HearScribe uses ONLY essential cookies necessary for the platform to function. We deliberately avoid non-essential cookies to protect your privacy.
3.1 Essential Cookies (Required)
These cookies are strictly necessary for HearScribe to function and cannot be disabled without breaking core functionality:
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| sb-access-token | User authentication and session management | 1 hour (auto-refresh) | Supabase Auth |
| sb-refresh-token | Maintains login session without re-authentication | 30 days | Supabase Auth |
| __stripe_mid | Fraud prevention for payment processing | 1 year | Stripe |
| __stripe_sid | Payment session security | 30 minutes | Stripe |
3.2 Cookies We DO NOT Use
HearScribe deliberately avoids invasive tracking technologies. We do NOT use any of the following:
- ❌ Advertising Cookies: No targeted ads or remarketing
- ❌ Third-Party Tracking: No Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, or similar tracking
- ❌ Social Media Cookies: No social media tracking widgets
- ❌ Marketing Cookies: No behavioral profiling or marketing automation
- ❌ Cross-Site Tracking: No tracking across other websites
4. How We Use Cookies
4.1 Authentication & Security
Supabase authentication cookies allow HearScribe to:
- Keep you logged in during your session
- Remember your login for 30 days (if you choose "Remember Me")
- Protect your account from unauthorized access
- Maintain secure communication with our servers
4.2 Payment Processing
Stripe cookies help us:
- Prevent payment fraud and detect suspicious activity
- Maintain secure payment sessions
- Process subscription payments safely
- Comply with payment security standards (PCI DSS)
4.3 Local Storage (Browser-Based)
In addition to cookies, HearScribe uses browser local storage for:
- AI Preferences: Your customized note generation settings
- Organization Settings: Your clinic information and branding
- UI Preferences: Interface customization choices
Important: Local storage data remains on YOUR device and is never transmitted to our servers except when you explicitly save settings to your account.
5. Third-Party Cookies
5.1 Supabase (Authentication)
- Cookies: sb-access-token, sb-refresh-token
- Purpose: User authentication and session management
- Privacy Policy: supabase.com/privacy
- Control: Essential for platform functionality - cannot be disabled
5.2 Stripe (Payment Processing)
- Cookies: __stripe_mid, __stripe_sid
- Purpose: Fraud prevention and payment security
- Privacy Policy: stripe.com/privacy
- Control: Essential for secure payments - cannot be disabled
5.3 Netlify (Hosting)
- Cookies: Basic hosting session cookies (minimal)
- Purpose: CDN routing and DDoS protection
- Privacy Policy: netlify.com/privacy
- Control: Essential for platform delivery - cannot be disabled
6. Your Cookie Choices
6.1 Essential Cookies (Cannot Disable)
Because HearScribe uses ONLY essential cookies, you cannot disable them without losing access to core functionality. Disabling these cookies would prevent you from:
- Logging into your account
- Recording consultations
- Generating clinical notes
- Managing your subscription
- Accessing any HearScribe features
6.2 Browser Cookie Controls
You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies will prevent HearScribe from functioning:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and Site Permissions
6.3 Clearing Cookies
You can clear cookies at any time through your browser settings. Note that clearing HearScribe cookies will:
- Log you out of your account
- Remove your "Remember Me" preference
- Require you to log in again
- NOT delete your account or clinical data (which isn't stored on our servers anyway)
7. Do Not Track (DNT) Signals
Some browsers offer "Do Not Track" (DNT) settings. However, since HearScribe:
- Does NOT use tracking cookies
- Does NOT use analytics or advertising cookies
- Does NOT track user behavior across websites
DNT signals are essentially unnecessary - we're already respecting your privacy by default. We do not respond to DNT signals because we're not tracking you in the first place.
8. Cookie Consent
8.1 Implied Consent (UK Law)
Under UK law, websites may use essential cookies without explicit consent if they are strictly necessary for the service. All HearScribe cookies fall into this category.
By using HearScribe, you provide implied consent to our use of essential cookies. This is similar to how you consent to door locks being necessary to enter a secure building.
8.2 No Cookie Banner Required
Because HearScribe uses ONLY essential cookies and NO tracking or marketing cookies, we are not required under UK GDPR or PECR (Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations) to display a cookie consent banner.
This is a deliberate design choice that benefits your user experience while respecting your privacy.
9. Children's Privacy
HearScribe is designed for professional healthcare use by adults. We do not knowingly collect information from or set cookies on devices used by individuals under 18 years of age.
10. Changes to Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Changes will be:
- Posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date
- Emailed to registered users for material changes
- Effective immediately upon posting
If we introduce non-essential cookies in the future, we will update this policy and provide appropriate consent mechanisms.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions about our cookie usage:
Email: contact@hearscribe.com
Subject Line: "Cookie Policy Inquiry"
The Hearing Lab Store Ltd
Company Registration Number: 13464826
VAT Number: GB384197168
12. Additional Resources
For more information about cookies and privacy:
- UK ICO Guidance on Cookies: ico.org.uk
- About Cookies: aboutcookies.org
- All About Cookies: allaboutcookies.org