In today’s digital age, technology has become a valuable resource for individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Innovative apps are breaking down communication barriers, making everyday interactions more accessible and inclusive. From real-time transcription to amplified sound, these apps are designed to support and enhance daily life. These tools provide practical solutions that empower users to engage with the world around them.
Live Transcribe
Live Transcribe is a free, powerful app, available for Android (although similar apps under the same name are available for iOS, by different creators) designed to assist individuals by providing real-time transcription of spoken words. It supports over 120 languages and dialects, allowing users to follow conversations in their preferred language. The app can be customised to recognise specific words and names, and activate a vibration function, enhancing its accuracy and usability. Users can also type responses directly within the app, facilitating smoother interactions. Additionally, Live Transcribe offers sound notifications for important sounds like alarms or baby cries.
RogerVoice
Rogervoice is an app designed to assist individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing by providing real-time captions for phone calls, on both Android and iOS phones. It transcribes spoken words into text, allowing users to read conversations directly on their mobile screens. The app supports multiple languages and offers visual voicemail, ensuring users can read missed messages. Another useful feature is that it saves transcripts for later review, making it easy to keep track of important conversations.
Similar is the Bixby Text Call feature that is inbuilt in Samsung devices. Although designed as a tool to help avoid spam calls, it allows for a voice call to be translated to text, including using template messages (quick responses) to support interactions.
Otter.Ai
Otter.ai is a versatile app that provides real-time transcription of spoken words, similar to Live transcribe, but with the additional feature of being able to use it in online contexts. It captures and converts speech into text during meetings, lectures, and conversations, allowing users to follow along effortlessly, by assigning speaker’s names to the transcribed text. Users can also record and save transcriptions for later review, ensuring they don’t miss any critical information. The basic version, which gives 300 minutes of use, is free, with subscription options for those who require more time and advanced features.
Sound Amplifier Apps
Sound Amplifier (free) on Android and Volume Boost (free trial and then subscription) on iOS are apps designed to enhance audio for individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. They work by filtering, amplifying, and clarifying sounds from your environment using your smartphone and headphones. Users can adjust sound settings to reduce background noise and focus on specific sounds, making conversations and media more accessible. The apps are particularly useful in noisy environments, allowing users to hear more clearly. Both apps also support Bluetooth headphones, providing flexibility and convenience.
Live Listen, built into the iOS accessibility settings, is another way of amplifying sounds directly to earphones or hearing aids.
Music Haptics
Although not an app, but an inbuilt feature available from iOS 18 onwards, Music Haptics is an innovative feature designed to help individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing experience music through vibrations. Using the iPhone’s Taptic Engine, the feature translates audio into subtle taps and vibrations that sync with the rhythm of the music. This allows users to feel the beat and nuances of songs in a tactile way. Music Haptics is available on iPhone 12 and later models running iOS 18. Supported apps include Apple Music, Apple Music Classical, and Shazam, with the API available to other music streaming engines.
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