The Best Apps for People Experiencing Hearing Loss
Technology like hearing aids and assistive devices are continuously getting upgrades and becoming more advanced. In addition to the hearing technology that’s available, there are also certain apps you can download to help make your everyday life easier! All of these apps are free and available for download on both Android and iPhone!
SOUNDPRINT
SoundPrint is an app similar to Yelp, but for noise levels. The app gathers user-submitted data to help you determine the best places to eat, drink, and socialize when considering noise level. You can use the app’s “SoundCheck” feature to record the ambiance of a bar, restaurant or other public space. Once the location’s decibel level has been determined, that data is submitted and stored in the app’s database. Then when you search for a spot through the app, you can see if it’s “quiet,” “moderate,” “loud” or “very loud” based on other users’ data.
ROGERVOICE
Rogervoice works as a phone and video conversation subtitler and helps caption them in real-time and in more than 100 languages. During a call, you can hold your phone in front of you to read the conversation’s transcribed text and can reply by talking or typing as well. While the other person you are talking to has to be a user of the app as well (ask your family members and friends to download it) for it to remain free, you can also use the paid version to use it with non-Rogervoice users.
MIMI MUSIC
Mimi Music is a great app for adjusting your music volume. The app assesses your hearing with a quick test then hooks up to your iTunes, Spotify or preferred music platform and when you play a song, the app’s technology personalizes the playback for your hearing, adding more clarity and detail to the vocals and instrumentals. This means you get better sound but at a safer volume level.
SOUND ALERT
Sound Alert is a great app for helping you stay aware of important sounds around your house. This app uses your smartphone to detect and alert you to the sounds you don’t want to miss. You can use the app to prerecord alarms, oven and microwave timers, doorbells and other environmental noises and set the app to “detection mode” to have your phone listen for them. You can choose multiple alert methods, such as phone vibrations, flashing lights and smartwatch notifications. So you’ll never miss another alert again!
MIMI HEARING TEST
From the creators of Mimi Music, Mimi Hearing Test is a simple, straightforward app for testing your hearing at home. These tests can be fun and informative but we do recommend requesting an appointment to learn more in-depth about your hearing and possible solutions or tips.
