World Hearing Day: Best Apps for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community

March 3 is World Hearing Day, a day when the global community focuses on a future where ear and hearing care is accessible for all. This year's theme emphasizes the importance of changing societal mindsets to eliminate stigma and improve care accessibility. It's a call to action for everyone—healthcare providers, policymakers, and individuals—to collaborate and make significant strides in overcoming the challenges of hearing loss. Through this initiative, the World Health Organization (WHO) aims to highlight the critical need for inclusive policies and practices that can transform the lives of millions around the world. For more in-depth information, please visit the WHO's World Hearing Day 2024 page.

Building on the momentum of World Hearing Day 2024 and its call for inclusivity and accessibility in ear and hearing care, it is pivotal to recognize the role of technology in bridging the gap for the deaf and hard of hearing community. In the United States, a myriad of innovative apps have emerged as game-changers, offering practical solutions that enhance daily communication, provide real-time transcription, and ensure access to emergency services. These apps not only exemplify the theme of making ear and hearing care a reality for all but also represent a significant step forward in integrating technology with healthcare to meet the diverse needs of individuals with hearing loss. By spotlighting these technological advancements, we underscore a commitment to inclusivity and the importance of adopting tools that empower the deaf and hard of hearing community to navigate a world designed with hearing in mind.

1. InnoCaption

InnoCaption is a free, FCC-funded app that provides real-time captioning for phone calls, making them accessible to the deaf and hard of hearing community. Users can choose between live captioning by a stenographer or automated speech recognition (ASR) software, ensuring clear and accurate captions. Additionally, InnoCaption offers features like switching between caption modes, viewing past call transcripts, and using a captioned voicemail service, empowering users to manage their phone communication effectively.

• Keep your existing phone number: InnoCaption’s patented One Number System links your existing number to InnoCaption’s service. Set up call forwarding to have calls to your existing phone number captioned by the InnoCaption app. 
• Dual caption modes: InnoCaption provides real-time captioning of phone calls through live stenographers and automated speech recognition software. InnoCaption puts the user in control with the ability to switch between modes before or even during calls. 
• Two-sided captions: Choose whether you would like captions of only the other party's speech or yours as well. Switch between one or two-sided captions at any time, even during a call by tapping the 3-dot menu button at the top right. 
• Review past call transcripts: View your past call transcripts so you never forget your important call details. Easily save or email transcripts to yourself if needed. 
• Captioned voicemail: See full preview transcripts of voicemail messages generated by our automated speech recognition engine. You can also have your messages re-captioned by live captioners if needed.

By incorporating InnoCaption into their daily lives, deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States can experience greater independence and connection through improved phone accessibility. The InnoCaption is available for download for iOS and Android users in the App or Google Play store. 

2. Live Transcribe

‍Live Transcribe (iOS) breaks down communication barriers. Built for the deaf and hard of hearing, it transcribes speech in real time. It’s highly accurate and works at a distance. Be part of the conversation. Key features include: 

• Transcribe what’s being said in real time across 70+ different languages
• Read large, beautiful fonts on a dark background
• Works both online and offline
• Pick up voices at a distance in settings such as churches, lectures, or conferences
• Multitask allows you to see what's being said while using other apps simultaneously
• Quick launch notifications and widgets allow for quick access in any situation
• Save your conversations for later reference and sharing
• Add custom words, phrases, and names so they’re always transcribed correctly
• Voice Aware only transcribes when voices are recognized
• Name Notice vibrates the phone whenever a special name is spoken

Name Notice will be available for Live Transcribe users on March 3rd, World Hearing Day! 

Click here to download Live Transcribe for iPhone users. 

3. Live Transcribe (Android) makes day-to-day interactions more accessible for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing. This app, created by Google, allows users to use their Android phone or tablet to transcribe conversations in real time. 

• Live Transcribe uses speech recognition technology to convert speech into captions.
• Use it in situations such as ordering coffee or having a conversation.
• Live Transcribe is free to download and works on most Android devices.

Click here to download Live Transcribe for Android users. 

4. Decibel X

Frequently in loud environments? The Decibel X app is a must-have. This mobile app is designed to turn your mobile phone into a professional sound level meter. Protect your hearing by being aware of the noise levels in your surrounding area. 

• Trusted accuracy: the app is carefully tested and calibrated for all iOS and most Android devices.
• Frequency Analysis: Real-time graphs show noise level frequencies
• Work Safety: Features a dosimeter compliant with NIOSH and OSHA standards
• Free to use, with paid premium features available

Decibel X is a vital tool to help protect your hearing by helping you understand your noise exposure. 

If you are an iPhone user, click here to download Decibel X from the App store or click here to download from Google Play for Android. 

5. Hearing Aid Control Apps

MyPhonak

Packed with features and unique personalization options, myPhonak is a free, easy-to-use smartphone app that empowers you to take control of your hearing, promotes well-being, and fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.

• Quick access to most popular features using widgets
• Directly connects to your Phonak hearing aids for a personalized hearing experience
• Captures health data and monitors your hearing aid usage
• Connects remotely to your hearing care professional

If you are an iPhone user, click here to download myPhonak from the App store or click here to download from Google Play for Android. 

ReSound Smart 3d

ReSound Smart 3D is a free smartphone app that allows users with hearing loss to control and customize their ReSound hearing aids settings, change volume settings, and manage tinnitus using a sound generator. Additional app features include: 

• Monitor the battery status of your hearing aids
• Remote fine-tuning by a hearing care professional
• Find lost hearing aids

If you are an iPhone user, click here to download Resound Smart 3d from the App store or click here to download from Google Play for Android. 

Signia App

If you have hearing loss and wear Signia hearing aids, the Signia App can be your pocket-sized hearing companion. This app puts control of your hearing right at your fingertips, allowing you to discreetly adjust volume, sound balance, and even manage tinnitus therapy directly from your smartphone.  Additionally, the app offers 24/7 support from a hearing care professional and tracks your overall well-being, making it a valuable tool to enhance your daily hearing experience.

• Remote control: Discreetly adjust volume, change listening programs, and control other settings directly from your smartphone.
• Streaming: Stream audio from your phone, TV, or other devices directly to your hearing aids for a richer listening experience.
• Signia Assistant: This AI-powered assistant helps you personalize your hearing experience and provides tips and tricks for using your hearing aids.
• Face Mask Mode: Enhance speech clarity when people around you are wearing masks.
• Battery monitoring: Keep an eye on your hearing aid battery life and receive alerts when they need replacing.
• Personalized settings: Tailor the app to your individual preferences and create custom programs for different listening situations.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, the Signia app can be a valuable tool to help you manage your hearing aids and improve your hearing experience. The app allows you to control your hearing aids remotely and discreetly, so you can adjust the volume, change programs, and make other adjustments as needed. It also offers features like tinnitus therapy adjustments and directional hearing adjustments, which can help you hear more clearly in different listening environments.

If you are an iPhone user, click here to download the Signia App from the App store or click here to download from Google Play for Android. 

Rexton App

The Rexton App is a must-have tool for all Rexton hearing aid owners. It provides simple on-the-go adjustments for volume and sound settings directly from your smartphone. The app even features a built-in assistant for troubleshooting and support from a hearing care professional. With features like battery monitoring and feedback sharing tools, the Rexton App puts greater control over your hearing health in the palm of your hand.

• The Rexton hearing aid app allows users to control their hearing aids from their phone.
• Users can adjust volume, change listening direction, and check battery life.
• The app also allows users to connect with Rexton Assist, a 24/7 AI-powered assistant that can troubleshoot and make adjustments.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, the Rexton app can be a valuable tool to help you manage your hearing aids and improve your hearing experience. The app allows you to easily adjust the volume of your hearing aids, change listening direction, and check battery life. It also allows you to connect with Rexton Assist, a 24/7 AI-powered assistant that can troubleshoot and make adjustments to your hearing aids. Additionally, the app can provide insights into your hearing aid usage and allow you to share feedback with your hearing care professional.

If you are an iPhone user, click here to download the Rexton App from the App store or click here to download from Google Play for Android. 

6. Sound Amplifier(iOS)‍

Use Sound Amplifier (iOS) to amplify your hearing while eliminating background noise. This easy-to-use app can amplify sound by up to 100 times, making it easier to hear conversations and sounds in noisy environments. Some of the best features include:

• Amplify sound up to 100 times: Hear conversations and sounds more clearly, even in noisy places.
• Eliminate Background Noise: Improves clarity of amplified sounds by eliminating background noise
• Loudness Protect: Prevents hearing damage from loud noises
• Free to Download: Try the app for free, with in-app purchases available for additional features.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, Sound Amplifier is definitely worth trying out. It has the potential to significantly improve your ability to hear and participate in conversations. Use Bluetooth headphones to bring back the enjoyment of watching TV or movies. With its user-friendly interface and free basic features, Sound Amplifier is a valuable tool that can help you stay connected to the world around you.

If you are an iPhone user, click here to download Sound Amplifier from the App store. 

7. Sound Amplifier (Android)

Sound Amplifier helps improve hearing clarity by filtering out background noise and amplifying important sounds. It can be used in situations such as noisy restaurants, lectures, and while watching television. The app has recently been updated with new features, including an audio visualization tool that helps users see how the sound is being changed. The app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.

• Filter Background Noise: Remove unwanted background noise to clarify speech
• Customize Your Listening Experience: Set noise filter and frequency preferences
• Audio Visualization: This new feature shows users how the sound is being changed, which can help them to better understand how the app is working.
• Free to Download: The Sound Amplifier app is available for free on the Google Play Store.

If you are an Android user, click here to download Sound Amplifier from the Google Play store. 

6. Mimi Hearing Test

The Mimi Hearing Test app allows you to easily and accurately assess your hearing health from the comfort of your own home. The app is free to use and takes only a few minutes to complete. Mimi Hearing Test is able to provide the following: 

• Easy to use: No need for special equipment or appointments.
• Fast: Complete the test in just 6 minutes.
• Accurate: Get personalized results about your hearing health.
• Track your hearing over time: Monitor your hearing health and see how it changes over time.
• Export results: Share your hearing test results with your doctor or hearing professional.
• Free: The app is free to download and use.

Note: The app does not replace a diagnosis from a physician and is not intended to be used for monitoring, treatment, or alleviation of any disease or disability. It is recommended to consult with a professional if you think you have hearing problems.

You can download the Mimi Hearing Test app for iOS by clicking here, or download the app for Android by clicking here. 

7. ReSound Tinnitus Relief

Struggling with tinnitus? The ReSound Tinnitus Relief app can help you manage your symptoms and find relief. This app offers a combination of sound therapy and relaxation techniques to help you ease the discomfort and stress associated with tinnitus. With the Resound Tinnitus Relief app you can: 

• Personalized sound therapy: Create a custom soundscape from a library of nature sounds and music to distract and soothe your tinnitus.
• Relaxation exercises: Learn and practice guided meditations and breathing exercises to reduce stress and improve sleep, which can help manage your tinnitus.
• Learn about tinnitus: Gain valuable knowledge about what tinnitus is, its causes, and different management strategies through the app's educational resources.
• Track your progress: Monitor your tinnitus symptoms and the effectiveness of the app's tools over time.
• Free and paid versions: Try the app for free to access basic features, or upgrade to the premium version for additional soundscapes, exercises, and personalized plans.

Note: The ReSound Tinnitus Relief app is intended for supportive management of tinnitus and should be used in conjunction with a professional tinnitus management program.

Click here to download the ReSound Tinnitus Relief app from the App store, or click here to download from the Google Play store.

8. MindEar | Tinnitus Relief App 

Need a more personalized solution for tinnitus relief? The MindEar app, developed by a team of audiologists, psychologists, and researchers, can help. It provides a comprehensive and personalized approach to managing tinnitus, combining clinically-proven techniques like sound therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you understand your tinnitus, develop coping mechanisms, and improve your overall well-being. Key features include: 

• Customizable Sound Therapy library, change levels according to your preference
• Podcast Series including better breathing, sleep relief, healthy habits and more
• Guided Meditations including full body scans, mindfulness, relaxation and more
• AI-powered chatbot to help and support you 24/7
• In-App Hearing Evaluation providing results in minutes
• Free 15 minutes consultation with a Tinnitus expert

Note: It's important to note that the MindEar app is not a replacement for professional medical advice or treatment for hearing loss. However, it may be a helpful tool to supplement other strategies and improve overall well-being.

Click here to download the MindEar app from the App Store, or click here to download from the Google Play store.

9. Make It Big (iOS) 

Are you looking for a way to communicate more easily with others? Introducing Make It Big, a free app designed specifically for the deaf and hard of hearing community. With Make It Big, you can simply type a message and enlarge it to fill the screen of your iPad, making it easier for others to read and understand. Whether you're having a conversation with a friend, giving a presentation, or simply want to get someone's attention, Make It Big is a helpful tool that can make communication more accessible. Key features include: 

• Large text display: Make It Big allows you to type a message and enlarge it to fill the screen of your device, making it easier for others to read and understand.
• Customizable appearance: You can change the font, text and background colors to personalize the appearance of your messages.
• Shake to flash mode: Enable the shake to flash mode to get someone's attention by flashing the screen.
• Widgets: Add the Make It Big widget to your home screen for quick and easy access to the app.
• Save recent messages: Save frequently used messages for easy access.

Overall, the Make It Big app offers features that can simplify communication for people who are deaf and hard of hearing by providing clear visual aids and easy-to-use functionalities.

Click here to download the Make It Big app from the App Store.