10 Best Apps for People with Hearing Loss: Top Picks

Whether you're looking to transcribe speech in real time, amplify sounds, or get started with American Sign Language (ASL), there is almost sure to be an app solution that meets your needs. In this review, I'll look at apps that not only enhance communication for those with hearing loss but also foster greater independence and inclusion. Dive into this carefully curated list to discover which app can best transform your everyday interactions and help you engage more fully with the world around you.

How we chose the best mobile apps for hearing loss

We searched high and low for apps that aren’t just functional, but transformative. The goal was to find tech that seamlessly integrates into the life of someone suffering hearing loss, and can make a real difference to them. In each of our categories, we chose either a single app for both iOS and Android, or a couple of picks if each platform had a different best option. We also list some runners up. Here’s what we focused on.

• Accessibility Features: Our starting point. Does the app sport a good range of useful features that can really help in the user’s day-to-day life?
• User Interface & Ease of Use: Great functionality isn’t so great with a clunky interface. We’re interested in smooth interactions and simple, user-focused design.
• Community Ratings & Reviews: You know best! We scoured each app’s ratings and reviews to make sure they cut the mustard and have stood the test of time.
• Device & Assistive Technology Compatibility: Where relevant, we checked out compatibility with third-party hearing devices and other tech.

Best live transcription and speech-to-text app

What app can you trust when you want your phone to transcribe real-time conversation into text?

Top pick: Live Transcribe (iOS)

Live Transcribe for iOS from Mighty Fine Apps breaks down communication barriers. Built for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, it transcribes speech in real-time, is highly accurate, and even works at a distance.

• Transcribe in Real Time: Live Transcribe shows what’s said in real-time across 70+ different languages with high accuracy and low latency.
• Works Online & Offline: The app monitors your Wi-Fi or cellular connection and automatically switches offline mode on and off when the connection becomes spotty.
• Works at a Distance: Pick up voices at a distance in group settings, such as church services, lectures, and conferences.
• Great Typography: Read large, legible fonts on a dark background for the best clarity, or choose dark-on-light type for bright environments.
• Works Alongside Other Apps: The Multitask feature allows you to see what's being said while using other apps simultaneously.
• Get Notified When Your Name is Spoken: The Name Notice feature vibrates your phone whenever one of a list of names is spoken.

Please note that there is a monthly or annual subscription fee associated with Live Transcribe after the free trial.

Top pick: Live Transcribe (Android)

Google’s Live Transcribe for Android makes day-to-day interactions more accessible for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing. The app is free to download and works on most Android devices.

• Transcribe in Real Time: Live Transcribe shows what’s said in real time across 70+ different languages.
• Use in Everyday Situations: Works well when having a conversation or ordering coffee.
• Free to Download: The app is free and works on most devices with Android 5.0 Lollipop and above.

Runner-up: Google Recorder (Pixel Phones)

Google Recorder is a sophisticated voice recording app that goes beyond simple audio capture. It offers real-time transcription and the ability to search through recordings by text or sound type, making it an invaluable tool for students, journalists, and anyone needing to document conversations or meetings. This app, designed to work seamlessly on compatible devices, simplifies the process of recording, transcribing, and organizing audio files.

• Real-Time Transcription: Get instant transcriptions of your recordings in real-time, allowing you to review and annotate important conversations immediately.
• Audio Search: Easily find specific moments within your recordings by searching for words, phrases, or sounds like music and applause.
• Intelligent Organization: Organize your audio files efficiently with automatic tagging and categorization based on the content of the recordings.
• Offline Accessibility: Access all features offline, ensuring you can record and transcribe anywhere, even without an internet connection.
• Audio Editing: Edit your recordings with simple tools that let you trim and remove sections of audio without needing external software.
• Cloud Integration: Back up and sync your recordings across devices with Google’s cloud services for easy access and sharing.

For anyone who needs a powerful yet user-friendly tool to capture and analyze spoken content, Google Recorder provides a high-tech solution that enhances productivity and ensures no detail is missed.

Best real-time phone call captions app

Looking for an easy and convenient way to get captions of a live conversation on your smartphone? Check out the following apps and also some of HearingTracker's top smartphone captioning picks in the article 8 Best Hearing Aid Accessories.

Top pick: InnoCaption (iOS & Android)

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.

Runner-up: CaptionMate (iOS & Android)

CaptionMate is a cutting-edge app designed to assist individuals with hearing loss by providing real-time captioning for phone calls. This service is completely free for those who qualify, and it operates across various devices, ensuring accessibility and convenience. With CaptionMate, users can read what is being said in near real-time during calls, with captions available in multiple languages. The app also maintains privacy by not storing conversations.

• Real-Time Captioning: Receive instant captions for your phone conversations, allowing you to follow along and respond without missing a word.
• Multi-Device Support: Use CaptionMate on any of your devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, for seamless communication.
• Multi-Language Support: Access captions in a variety of languages, making it easier to communicate in non-native languages or with international callers.
• Privacy First: Enjoy complete confidentiality as CaptionMate does not save or store your call content, ensuring your conversations remain private.
• User-Friendly Interface: Navigate easily through a simple and intuitive interface designed to enhance usability for all ages.
• Customization Options: Personalize caption font size, color, and display settings to match your reading preferences and enhance visibility.

Best volume booster and voice isolation app

In truth, there are quite a few good apps for getting a little help hearing help or enhancing the voice of a conversation partner. Here are two you might want to check out.

Top pick: Sound Amplifier (iOS)

Use Sound Amplifier for 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 by Up To 100×: 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.

Top pick: Sound Amplifier (Android)

Sound Amplifier for Android 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 better understand how the app works.
• Free to Download: The Sound Amplifier app is available for free on the Google Play Store.

Runner-up: Hear Boost (iOS & Android)

Hear Boost is a versatile app designed to enhance the sound quality and volume for headphone users. It serves as a comprehensive solution for hearing tests, noise reduction, and amplifying hearing capabilities.

• Advanced Amplify Function: Boost the sound quality and volume of your device, ideal for use as a voice recorder or listening aid.
• Effective Noise Reducer: Eliminate background noise for a clearer audio output, suitable as a headphone volume booster or a live listen tool.
• Custom Listening Modes: Enjoy tailored audio settings that optimize your device for different environments, enhancing your overall listening experience.
• Hearing Test: Generate an audiogram to personalize your listening settings, making it an effective sound booster for those with hearing impairments.
• Microphone Integration: Utilize your device's microphone to enhance conversational clarity and further reduce noise interference.

The app is compatible with a wide array of devices, including AirPods, Beats earbuds, and other Bluetooth or wired headphones, making it your ultimate tool for improved hearing and volume control.

Also check out HearingTracker's recent review of the HeardThat app and remote mic system.

Best hearing test assessment app

Want to know your hearing status, or would you like to obtain an approximated audiogram that shows your hearing ability, frequency by frequency, like you might find at a hearing care office (albeit without pro care or a sound booth)? Here are two of the best DIY hearing test apps. Additionally, HearingTracker recently reviewed what it considers the best online hearing tests.

Top Pick: Mimi Hearing Test (iOS)

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:

• Fast & Easy to Use: Complete the test in just 6 minutes. With no special equipment or real-life appointment needed.
• 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 to Download: The app and all its functionality is completely free to use.

Naturally, 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.

Runner-up: Hearing Test & Ear Age Test (iOS)

This Hearing Test & Ear Age app is much more basic than Mimi, but it does the job and we thought it was worth a mention.

• Fast: Only takes around 6 minutes to complete a test.
• Seems Accurate: The charts provided contain good detail of your hearing ability at different frequencies and seem to match up with what Mimi suggests.
• Good Value: This one isn’t free, but the in-app purchase to unlock full functionality doesn’t cost too much.

Best companion hearing aid app

Most modern hearing aids are now connected to an app via Bluetooth, offering volume and program controls for the hearing aids, fine-tuning and balance, video tutorials, and even telecare. Here are my two favorites.

Top pick: myPhonak (iOS & Android)

The myPhonak app is a free, user-friendly smartphone application that enhances your hearing experience with Phonak hearing aids. It offers extensive customization options, allowing for efficient device management and improving overall well-being via a health and fitness tracker.

• Remote Control: Adjust volume, switch programs, and manage settings directly from your smartphone.
• Customization: Tailor noise reduction, bass, and treble to suit different listening environments like restaurants or music settings.
• Health Tracking: Monitor daily hearing aid usage and log experiences useful for consultations with your audiologist.
• Remote Fitting: Allows your audiologist to fine-tune settings remotely, avoiding in-person visits.
• Battery Monitoring: Check your hearing aids' battery status easily through the app.

To begin using the myPhonak app, you'll need to pair your hearing aids via Bluetooth, which is a straightforward process guided by the app. Once paired, you can start exploring all the functionalities available to customize your hearing experience.

Runner-up: Signia (iOS & Android)

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. The app also 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.

Best sign language learning app

Do you want to learn sign language? Today, several apps are available that can help you!

Top pick: SignSchool for American Sign Language (iOS & Android)

SignSchool is a dynamic online platform dedicated to teaching American Sign Language (ASL) through a variety of interactive tools and resources. The service offers customizable learning paths to accommodate learners at all skill levels. From video lessons featuring deaf instructors to engaging practice sessions, the app provides a comprehensive and accessible learning experience.

• Interactive Lessons: Engage with ASL through user-friendly lessons that include clear video instruction from experienced deaf teachers.
• Customizable Learning: Adjust the learning experience to fit your pace and preferences, with options to focus on specific topics or signs.
• Practice Tools: Utilize practice tools like flashcards and quizzes to reinforce learning and test comprehension.
• Sign Dictionary: Access an extensive video dictionary that illustrates a wide range of ASL signs with proper technique.
• Daily Sign Challenge: Take part in daily sign challenges to keep your learning fresh and apply new knowledge regularly.
• Community Features: Connect and learn alongside a community of ASL learners, enhancing both motivation and practical skills.

For individuals seeking to learn American Sign Language for personal enrichment or to communicate more effectively with the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, SignSchool offers an innovative and engaging platform to achieve fluency.

Runner-up: Lingvano for British Sign Language (iOS & Android)

For users across the pond, Lingvano is an engaging platform designed specifically for learning British Sign Language (BSL) effectively and enjoyably. This intuitive app not only offers a structured learning experience but also incorporates interactive quizzes and a video dictionary to reinforce your understanding and retention of BSL signs. Whether you're a beginner or looking to polish your skills, Lingvano adapts to your learning pace, making it a suitable choice for anyone eager to learn.

• Interactive Lessons: Experience hands-on learning with interactive lessons that are designed to teach you BSL in real-world contexts.
• Video Dictionary: Quickly look up signs with an extensive video dictionary that demonstrates proper handshapes and movements.
• Personalized Learning: Tailor your learning experience according to your pace and preferences, with adjustable difficulty levels and review sessions.
• Community Interaction: Connect with other learners in the community to practice and improve your sign language skills together.
• Progress Tracking: Keep track of your learning journey with detailed progress reports and achievement milestones.
• Sign Language Games: Engage in fun and educational games designed to test your sign language skills and accelerate your learning.

Best Tinnitus Relief and Management App

If you have tinnitus that you find debilitating, you should definitely seek help from an audiologist or medical professional. However, by going online, you'll also find a huge range of sound therapy apps that can be very helpful. Here are a couple to get you started on the right path.

Top Pick: ReSound Tinnitus Relief (iOS & Android)

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.

• Relaxation Exercises: Learn and practice guided meditations and breathing exercises to reduce stress and improve sleep, which can help manage your tinnitus.
• Personalized Sound Therapy: Create a custom soundscape from a library of nature sounds and music to distract and soothe 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 & Paid Versions: Try the app for free to access basic features, or upgrade to the premium version for additional soundscapes, exercises, and personalized plans.

Of course, the app is intended for supportive management of tinnitus, and should be used in conjunction with a professional tinnitus management program.

Runner-up: myNoise (iOS & Android)

The myNoise app is a unique, versatile sound generator designed to improve focus, relaxation, and sleep through the use of customizable soundscapes. The platform features an extensive array of high-quality sound environments, from natural sounds to industrial noises, tailored to suit various needs and moods. Each soundscape can be fine-tuned with individual sliders to adjust the components to your personal preference, providing a highly personalized auditory experience.

• Customizable Soundscapes: Create your ideal auditory environment by adjusting the elements of each soundscape to match your mood and needs.
• High-Quality Audio: Experience professionally crafted sounds designed for optimal auditory comfort and effectiveness in noise masking or meditation.
• Diverse Sound Catalog: Explore a wide variety of sound themes including nature, urban, synthetic, and even unusual or specific ambiences like a Tibetan choir or a spaceship engine room.
• Calibration Tools: Calibrate soundscapes according to your hearing profile or the specific noise environment you’re in, ensuring maximum effectiveness.
• Sleep and Relaxation Aids: Utilize specially designed soundscapes that promote relaxation and sleep, aiding in better overall health and well-being.
• Community Contributions: Enjoy new and innovative soundscapes regularly added by the MyNoise community, offering fresh and effective noise solutions.

Best automatic subtitles app

Are you looking for an app that provides subtitles for movies and TV shows? Here are a couple of great options.

Top Pick: Subtitles Viewer (iOS)

Subtitles Viewer is an innovative app designed to enhance your viewing experience by providing real-time subtitles for movies, TV shows, and other video content. Ideal for those who are deaf or hard of hearing and viewers watching content in a foreign language, this app syncs subtitles directly from your device or from an online database. It's compatible with iOS devices and offers a user-friendly interface that makes it simple to use anytime, anywhere.

• Real-Time Subtitles: Enjoy synchronous subtitles for your favorite movies and TV shows, ensuring you never miss a moment of the dialogue.
• Offline Functionality: Download subtitles to your device for offline viewing, perfect for situations where internet access is unavailable.
• Broad Language Support: Access an extensive database of subtitles in multiple languages, enhancing your ability to enjoy foreign media.
• Simple Interface: Navigate the app with ease thanks to its clean, intuitive design that's accessible for all users, including those with hearing impairments.
• Adjustable Settings: Customize subtitle size, color, and font to match your viewing preferences and ensure optimal readability.

Runners-up: iOS & Android Built-In Features

iOS and Android now both have basic real-time captioning for on-device content. While this will never be as good as an app like Subtitles Viewer that matches content up with pre-written subtitles, it can help a lot and may be worth a look.

• Enable the Live Captions Feature on iOS
• Enable the Live Caption Feature on Android

Best sound alerts and notifications app

Imagine receiving a notification or having your device buzz in your pocket when a certain sound, such as a doorbell, is identified — without having to purchase a dedicated device and keep on top of charging its batteries.

Example: SoundAlert

In an ideal world, our first pick in this category would be something similar to Sound Alert, an app that was designed for the safety and awareness of anyone—but particularly useful for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Unfortunately, this app currently can't be downloaded on Google Play and is essentially non-functional on iOS.

Frankly, we're surprised similar apps don't exist. One reason could be that listening continuously for audio is tricky to implement in a mobile app, because platforms place strict limits on what they can do when in the background and when a device is locked.

The great news is that both iOS and Android now offer their own built-in sound with various notification and haptic feedback options.

- Common Sounds: Both platforms offer recognition of the main sounds most people are likely to need, including alarms, doorbells, appliance beeps and landline phone ringers.
- Personalized Sounds: iOS can also be trained to recognize specific alarms, doorbells, and appliances for greater pick-up accuracy.
- Custom Alerts: Both platforms provide a good choice of sound and vibration options for each alert, and Android also has a flashing light option.
- Privacy Promises: Both platforms perform sound recognition on-device, so there’s no need to worry about audio being sent to their servers.

• Enable the Sound Recognition Feature on iOS
• Enable the Sound Notifications Feature on Android

Best hearing loss simulator app

Hearing loss can be frustrating. It can also be difficult for spouses, friends, and associates to understand how it affects communication. Here are two simulators that allow people to experience hearing loss and its impact on speech and sound reception.

Top Pick: Hearing Loss Simulator (iOS)

Hearing Loss Simulator is a technical but insightful tool designed to help you understand the effects of different types and degrees of hearing loss. The app simulates auditory impairments, allowing users to experience how hearing loss can impact the perception of speech and other sounds. The simulator serves as an educational resource both for those who want to develop empathy for the hearing impaired and for professionals in hearing healthcare looking to better explain the impact of hearing loss to patients.

• Hearing Loss Simulation: Offers a range of simulations that replicate various degrees and types of hearing impairments.
• Adjustable Settings: Allows users to control the severity and specific characteristics of the simulated hearing loss to better understand its nuances.
• Educational Content: Provides information about hearing loss, including explanations of how and why it occurs, enhancing the educational value of the simulations.
• Easy-to-Use Interface: Features a straightforward and intuitive design, making it accessible for users of all ages and backgrounds.
• Valuable Insights: Whether for personal use, educational purposes, or professional training, the Hearing Loss Simulator app provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by those with hearing impairments, promoting greater understanding and empathy.

Top Pick: Hearing Loss Sounds Like (Android)

The Hearing Loss Sounds Like app is a practical educational tool designed to simulate various types of hearing loss for users on Android devices. This app allows individuals to experience firsthand the auditory challenges faced by those with hearing impairments through a variety of simulations that affect the clarity and volume of sounds.

• Realistic Simulations: Experience what hearing loss might sound like, with detailed simulations that adjust the quality of audio to mimic different types and severities of hearing impairments.
• Customizable Scenarios: Choose from a selection of audio scenarios to better understand how hearing loss impacts everyday situations, such as conversations in noisy environments or listening to music.
• Interactive Learning Tool: Utilize the app as an educational resource to learn more about hearing loss, ideal for students, healthcare professionals, or anyone interested in audiology.
• User-Friendly Interface: Navigate the app with ease thanks to a simple, intuitive interface designed to make learning about hearing loss as accessible as possible.

Whether you're an educator, a healthcare provider, or someone looking to gain empathy and insight into the world of hearing impairments, Hearing Loss Sounds Like offers a valuable and educational glimpse into the effects of auditory disabilities.

Integrating hearing tech into your daily life

With the right apps, hearing tech can blend seamlessly into your routine and enhance your ability to interact with the world around you. Why not set up a reminder or location-based notification to make sure you remember to use an app at the best time or in the most appropriate place? Or even try experimenting with Shortcuts on iOS to automatically launch apps when certain triggers occur.

Personalizing app settings to match your hearing preferences can also really pay off. Find an app’s settings screen, read through every menu, and toggle for customization options that can be tailored to your specific needs. Make the technology work for you, and not the other way around!

What’s next for apps designed for people with hearing loss

As hard as life can be for those with some level of hearing loss, the future looks brighter than ever with the latest generation of apps and services. Emerging technologies like AI-driven audio processing and augmented reality are set to revolutionize how these apps function. For instance, upcoming apps might use AR to project subtitles over everyday conversations or public announcements directly into the user's field of vision.

And user feedback is playing a pivotal role in this evolution. Developers are increasingly engaging with communities to ensure their technologies are not only functional but also inclusive and user-friendly.

Give them a try!

As surely as traditional hearing aid hardware is improving by leaps and bounds every year, the functionality and quality of the software that is being built alongside it is also expanding at an exciting pace. New consumer-focused apps are the latest part of this story, and there are some really great products out there. We encourage you to download and try some of our picks now, and find out which ones best suit your needs and routine.