speech to text devices for hearing impaired

A new type of assistance

Speech To Text Technologies for the Everyday of Hearing Impaired

INTRODUCTION

Real-time speech-to-text comes of age.

As many amongst us suffer from reduced hearing, our mission is to help make everyday-life better for the hearing impaired, using cutting-edge technologies. Of all the modern developments in technology, real-time speech-to-text translation is the most exciting for people who are deaf or have hearing loss. TextHear is a partnership subsidiary of Geemarc and of WellSource. As such, it has a complete set of in-house capabilities both in electronics hardware and software. This way, we can develop and deliver unique and complete solutions. Although speech-to-text applications have been available for a number of years, most with various limitations, TextHear Personal, looks set to be the most promising and versatile. It doesn’t need to be ‘trained’ to a particular voice – it works straight out of the box. Furthermore the app adds automatic punctuation & spacing to aid comprehension. Processing is carried out on remotely hosted high accuracy speech-to-text engines.

What our customers say

"i use this app every day my doctor looked at me funny when i placed my phone on the table to record what he said..." lee, "really very pleased. congratulations for developing this app. it was much needed for people like us." kinnari, "absolutely superb i say brilliant the continuous speech without having to press a microphone is awesome. the best i've used. thank you very much" junior, we focus on solutions that help people with every day tasks. and we take pride in making them easy and intuitive to use too., conversations.

Using a good microphone in combination with our app - you can now SEE what everyone is saying. It is much easier than lips-reading and you won't miss a word. Simply place the microphone in front of them, click the mic - and let our app transcribe for you in real-time what they are saying.

Over the Phone

Turn any regular land-line phone into a captions phone. Simply connect our adapter to the phone using its existing cables, and plug the adapter into your device running TextHear's app and you have it. Now - in addition to hearing on the phone - you will see in clear text what the person on the other side is saying.

You can use it at home, at work or when traveling. No need for clumsy infrastructure, 2 lines and no one in the middle.

Receptionists

Based on Geemarc's iconic LoopHear this device facilitates both real-time speech-to-text on screen together with amplification for wearer/s of T-coil hearing aids. The product is ideal for one to one applications such as at service counters, railway stations, banks, in vehicles and at small meetings. This unit includes: a real-time transcription device with WiFi and screen, an induction loop, a built-in amplifier and an external earpiece.

Over traditional solutions

Smart speech to text.

Continuous and non-stop. Click the mic once. Speak as much as you like. Enhanced with smart automatic spacing and capitalization, such that manual editing is reduced to min.

AUTOMATIC PUNCTUATION

Our goal is to help you understand natural-speech in real-time. That's why we insert punctuation automatically. The result is that speech is transcribed in an easy-to read and comprehensible manner.

No Interpreter in the conversation. No one listens to your most private conversations.

MOBILE & ADVANCED

Take it anywhere. Save the text for later use and archiving. Clear display, adjustable fonts and look.

LOW COST, HIGH QUALITY

Automated conversion – faster and more accurate than most existing relay services.

MULTILINGUAL

Supports more than a 100 languages & accents. Supports real-time translation for advanced applications.

Phone Adapter Technical Details

Download the following PDF file, that has all the technical details for the land-line to captioning app adapter.

Adapter Manual - Short English Version

The adapter works great with our TextHear app, but, you can also use it with any other Speech-to-Text app you prefer.

Get it at Our Certified Distributors

Usa & canada, +   hearing direct, usa.

-> Click here for the product's page on Hearing Direct website

+   Hearing Direct, UK

-> Get it now online

+   ALLY Gesellschaft für Systemlösungen, Germany - Ships Internationally

ALLY Gesellschaft für Systemlösungen, Software- und Datenbankentwicklungs mbH Buckower Chaussee 106-107 D-12277 Berlin, Germany Tel.: + 49 30 762 89-210 Fax.: + 49 30 762 89-299 email: [email protected]

+   Geemarc, through Amazon - Germany - Order Online

-> Get it Now Online, on Amazon Germany

+   Hoerhelfer, Germany - Ships in Europe - Order Online

E-Mail: [email protected] phone: 0049-821-20709620

-> Get it Now Online

Are you a distributor?

Want to be added to the distributors list on our website interested in a new cooperation selling our products.

We'll be happy to get in touch and assist!

TextHear App - Android

FREE on Android. Unlimited minutes without charge. Enjoy ;)

TextHear App - iOS

Unfortunately, we cannot provide the free service on iOS too, because of our own costs chain for providing this service. Pricing for iOS is generally $0.3 per minute. It might differ a bit between countries, and VAT applied. It is sold in 30-minutes packages.

Downloading the app is free though, and it comes loaded with a free half a minute, so you can at least test it before purchasing more minutes.

TextHear Landline Adapter

Prices differ between countries and VAT applied. It's best to contact our distributors (see above) or see the listed price on their website.

PRIVACY & TERMS

We very much value and protect your privacy. We don't store any of your data. We don't share it 3rd parties, other than Google, for the speech-to-text engine. We use the Android's native speech-recognizer - so Android's and your device's maker's privacy policies apply.

This app is given for your usage and enjoyment AS-IS. We do our best to develop the best apps, but, as with any software, we might have errors and furthermore, we rely on Google as our service provider, which might change its software without notice. Therefor, we cannot be responsible for any data loss, or failure in the software's performance. Furthermore, we rely on Google and Android as our speech recognition engine, so changes in their APIs might affect our app's performance. Failures might happen without notice. We encourage you to test the app before purchasing. In general, purchases are not refundable. Subscriptions can be stopped at any time.

  [email protected]

Accurate subtitles.

The award-winning Speaksee device subtitles and translates what's said, even in groups.

We believe in using technology to change society for the better.  We believe that technology can help transform disability to ability.  Welcome to our mission to make conversations accessible for all.

Professional

Home/social, events and venues, see what you cant'hear, in-person meetings.

Speaksee (patented) is the first microphone system able to accurately transcribe group conversations. Speaksee shows you in a different color per person what's being said so that you can easily see who says what. Beam forming microphones ensure high accuracy also when there is background noise.

Speaksee Microphone Kit

Speaker Identification

Speaksee shows what's being said in different colors for each person, In less than a second. Each speaker can have their own name corresponding with the microphone they are wearing. This way the Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing person can distinguish who says what.

background noise

Speaksee microphones are equipped with an array of sensors which intelligently isolate and capture speech from the right speaker and reject noise from other sources. This results in better accuracy in noisy environments.

Digital meetings

Speaksee AutoCaption live captions what's being said in a digital meeting in real-time so that you can fully participate. AutoCaption can also be used for online trainings, webinars, podcasts or online video's. AutoCaption works seamlessly with all conferencing platforms, including Zoom, MS Teams, Google Meet, WebEx and all others.

Speaksee AutoCaption

Stay in touch

10 Speech to Text Apps for People who are Deaf or Have Hearing Loss

Saving time and effort with Notta, starting from today!

People who can't hear well have different ways of talking to others. Recently, a new technology called automatic speech recognition (ASR) has given them even more ways to communicate.

In the UK, about 11 million people have trouble hearing, as stated by the charity Action on Hearing Loss. As people get older, more of them might have hearing problems. 

In this article, we will introduce the 10 best speech-to-text Apps for hearing impaired.

What to Consider to Choose a Speech-to-Text App

Choosing a speech-to-text App is an important decision because it can greatly affect how well it turns spoken words into written text. Here are some things to consider to choosing a speech-to-text App:

Accuracy and Precision: The most important thing is how well the app can turn speech into text. Look for apps that do this very accurately, especially if you're using them for professional or legal work.

Voice Recognition Capability: Make sure the App can understand different ways of speaking, like different accents or speech patterns.

Language Support: Check if the app can work with the languages you need. Some Apps are great with English but not so good with other languages.

Real-Time Transcription: If you need the App to change speech into text as it's spoken, check if it can do this quickly. This is important for things like live captions or transcribing live events.

Customization and Personalization: Some Apps let you change settings like how they add punctuation, format text, or understand different languages. This can help make the transcriptions better.

Integration and Compatibility: Think about whether the App can work with other software you already use. This can make your work smoother.

Privacy and Security: Make sure the app keeps your data private and safe. Check if it protects your voice recordings and personal information.

Cost and Pricing: Look at how much the App costs, including any subscription fees. Some Apps charge based on how much you use them, while others have monthly or yearly plans.

Training and Adaptation: Some Apps can learn to understand your voice better over time. Check if the App can do this, as it can make the transcriptions more accurate.

Trial Period: If you can, try the App for free for a while to see if it's a good fit for your needs.

Updates and Maintenance: Check if the App's developer regularly improves and fixes it. This shows they're committed to making it better.

Scalability: If you plan to use the App for a growing team or business, make sure it can handle your needs as you get bigger.

Products Introduction

Here are the 10 useful speech to text App for deaf -

Best for Highly precise speech recognition and AI summarization to transcribe.

Notta is a useful voice to text translator for the deaf. It has a free version and some paid options. It's good because your private information is kept safe when it's sent, and you can ask them to delete it if you want.

This speech-to-text app for the deaf can turn spoken words into text in real time or from recordings. Notta works with Notion to save your text there. It helps you stay organized by letting you put your text and voice notes in folders. You can also edit the text and add pictures and notes.

Notta AI is great for Japanese and supports many different languages. You can save your text in different file formats like DOCX, SRT, TXT, PDF, and XLSX. Plus, it works on different devices like your phone, tablet, and computer, so you don't have to move files around.

Key Features:

Notta can work with 58 different languages for transcribing.

Automatically edit and correct words while you speak.

Able to sync across different devices.

Supports live screen recording and speaker identification for transcript.

Uses AI to give 98.86% accurate transcription.

A variety of languages are supported.

You can make corrections by using editing tools.

Allows you to easily access your transcripts from any device.

The number of transcriptions per month is limited in the free version of Notta.

2. Google Live Transcribe

Best for Providing accurate transcriptions for individuals with hearing issues or in noisy environments.

Google's Live Transcribe is a free mobile app that turns spoken words into written text. It helps people who can't hear well talk to others who also have trouble hearing. The app works on Android phones and uses Google's special technology to change speech into text almost instantly. Google’s Live Transcribe app was made in partnership with Gallaudet University, a school that focuses on helping students who are deaf or have trouble hearing.

This app can quickly turn spoken words into written text, it can work with many different languages, and it has features that make it easy to use. But, there might be issues with people worrying about their privacy when the app stores and uses the text it transcribes. Also, it might not work well in loud places or with certain accents or ways of speaking.

Sound Amplifiers make sounds better even when it's noisy or the room doesn't have good acoustics.

It can help people speak in more than 80 different languages and lets them have conversations in two languages.

It doesn't pay attention to sounds that aren't speech, like laughing or noises made by things, such as a doorbell, phone ringing, or music.

You can make it shake when someone says your name.

A useful tool for people who have difficulty hearing.

The App can change spoken words into written text as they are spoken.

It might not be as precise as expert transcription services in tough situations.

3. Microsoft Translator

Best for supporting diverse classroom learning with real-time subtitles and conversations in different languages.

A free and user-friendly mobile and web application, Microsoft Translator is developed by Microsoft. This is a useful speech to text App for deaf or those who have hearing issues. This App is made to help people translate and talk in different languages more easily and conveniently.

By using this tool, you can easily communicate and understand different languages. It provides different tools to help people and companies overcome language problems. This App is great for communication, but it might not give you accurate results all the time.

Translate text in any resource into more than 70 languages, whether you're online or offline.

Helps you to translate speech with your voice and talk to someone in two languages on one screen.

Supports sending the translations to other Apps.

Get languages for offline use so you can use them when you're traveling without the internet.

A wide range of languages are supported to transcribe.

You can talk or type something in one language, and the App will change it into the language you want.

People need to be careful when using it for important messages.

4. Dragon Anywhere

Best for deaf people as it offers precise and efficient voice recognition.

The Dragon Anywhere app is a helpful tool that can understand what people say and write it down accurately. One of the key advantages of this app is that it offers accurate and efficient voice recognition and this app is great for deaf people who talk to communicate. It's also good for anyone who wants to change spoken words into written words very precisely, which saves time.

However, there are some not-so-good things about it. You might have to pay to use it, which can be a problem if you don't want to spend money. Also, sometimes it might make mistakes when listening to your voice, especially if there's a lot of noise in the background or if you have an accent.

Provides you with fast performance and high accuracy.

It can transcribe what people say in real-time, which is handy for taking notes in classes, meetings, or interviews.

Share documents with other Apps like gmail, Evernote, and Dropbox after syncing to the cloud.

Works with many different languages for transcription.

Provides high accuracy in voice recognition.

You have to purchase a paid subscription to use this app, and not everyone can afford it.

Best for communicating with the Emergency Services without using words.

This great app won an award last year. It helps people who can't hear well talk to the emergency services without talking or listening. It's easy to use - you just tap the screen to choose what you need.

TapSOS was made for deaf people, but it can also help people with trouble breathing or people in trouble who need to call the police. The app keeps your medical info and shares it with the emergency service, and it shows where you are using GPS. Still, this app might not be a great choice for you as it depends on GPS.

Gives you an easy and fast way to ask for assistance when you need it.

It uses GPS to tell emergency services exactly where you are.

Stores your health information and gives it to the people who help in emergencies.

Allows you to connect to the police, coast guard, or ambulance services.

You can describe your emergency from a list of different emergencies.

TapSOS depends on your device and a good internet connection.

6. Live Caption

Best for instantly turning spoken words into text.

Live Caption is a voice-to-text app that brings real-time transcription to your fingertips. By using this app, you can create subtitles in the right language without doing it yourself. This app listens to short TikTok videos and turns the sounds into written subtitles.

You can use the Live Caption tool to change spoken words into written text for TV shows, online videos, films, live events, or other things. However, this app doesn’t provide you with an accurate transcription which can cause you misunderstanding.

It listens to what people say and turns it into words right away using fancy technology that understands speech.

Supports turning TikTok video sounds into text.

Transcripts can be used for TV shows, films, online videos, etc.

Helps you to create subtitles in the right language without doing it yourself.

Have the ability to detect voice in real-time while playing media on a mobile phone.

Sometimes, it might not write down speech correctly, especially if someone has a strong accent, there's a lot of background noise, or if the language is not standard.

7. RogerVoice

Best for transcribing all of your calls in many languages.

Apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime have changed how deaf and hard-of-hearing people talk to each other. But regular phone calls are still very important.

RogerVoice is a speech to text App for deaf that can turn spoken words into written text right away. When someone talks to you, you can see their words on your screen. You can respond by speaking or typing.

If you type during a call, a voice machine will read your message to the other person. If someone who is deaf or hard of hearing has the app, RogerVoice can change any phone call into written words and add subtitles to videos. But to use this app, the other person must need to have the app installed on their device.

30 minutes of calls are offered for free.

International calls can be made and over 80 languages are supported.

The text-to-speech option is included in this App.

You can use the RogerVoice App on both Android and iOS devices.

Deaf people can easily get in touch with others using the mobile phone.

The other person needs to put the App on their device to communicate.

8. Otter.ai

Best for its collaborative and organizational functions for transcriptions.

Otter is a helpful tool for people who can't hear well. It can turn spoken words into written text, making it great for work situations. It can take notes during meetings, interviews, classes, and everyday conversations in real-time when you talk into a microphone. One of the drawbacks of Otter.ai is it supports only English and regional accents.

Offer real-time written words for people who can't hear well, those learning English, or anyone who requires special help to understand.

Type what you hear as it happens (when you're connected to the internet) with very few mistakes, and you can control how fast it's played back.

Being able to keep and show written records.

Precise writing down of words using smart computer programs.

An easy-to-use design with options you can change.

This App needs the internet to change spoken words into text.

9. Speechnotes

Best for writing down what someone says as they say it and automatically saving it.

One of the best speech to text Apps in the market, Speechnotes enables users to record for a long time. This App can turn your spoken words into written text easily. You can get this app for Android and iOS from the app stores on those devices.

The App will continue to record even when you take an extended break to think. You can add punctuations where needed with the built-in keyboard. By using voice commands, you can also dictate punctuation marks on this App.

It can understand when one talk to it and also knows when to use things like commas and periods.

Save what you write to the internet.

Provides a keyboard that turns your spoken words into text on Android phones.

Cloud storage keeps your data secure and lets you use it on many different devices.

Users will find the interface easy-to-use and simple of this App.

The Android App won't let you transcribe without paying for a premium subscription when you're not connected to the internet.

Best for providing 24/7 real-time audio transcription based on AI.

Now, let's talk about AVA, an app that helps people who are deaf or have trouble hearing. It turns spoken words into text, like subtitles in a movie, as they're being said. It's great for group discussions like meetings, visits to the doctor, events, and classes, but it also works for one-on-one chats.

You can use Ava on your iPhone or Android to have what you say instantly turned into text when you connect it to a microphone. Though this app is available for free, it has some limitations in this version. Additionally, you cannot use this App for group conversations if the person on the other end doesn’t install the App.

Keep a record of what you've written down.

Converts spoken words into written text instantly, even from a distance of about a yard.

You can use AVA on both iPhone and Android phones.

Works with 16 different languages.

Both Android and iOS mobile users can use the AVA app for transcription.

The free version of AVA doesn't have many features.

List of Best Products

In the above part, we have introduced the 10 best voice to text translator for the deaf. We've tested many apps and picked these 10 for you. Here is the list of the apps -

Is there an App for deaf voice to text?

Yes, there are many apps and computer programs that can change what people say into written words. These apps help people who can't hear well. Some popular apps for deaf voice-to-text are Notta, Google Live Transcribe, Otter.ai , Ava, Dragon Anywhere, etc. 

However, Notta will be our highly recommended app for deaf voice to text.It can easily recognize the voice ignoring the noises and give you a precise transcript with 98.86% accuracy.

2. How can I dictate audio to text?

Here are the steps to dictate audio to text using Notta -

Step 1: Go to the Notta website, make an account, and log in. Once you're in, click "Import Files" on the right, pick the language you want for transcribing audio, and then either drag your files or choose them to begin transcribing.

If you want to capture and write down spoken words as they're spoken, just click on "Record an Audio" on the Notta dashboard.

Step 2: Notta will turn spoken words into written text as soon as you're done uploading. Usually, it takes Notta less than 5 minutes to change a 2-hour-long audio into text. You can easily check and change the written text using Notta.

Step 3: Just click "Export" and choose the type you want, like TXT, DOCX, SRT, PDF, or EXCEL. You can also send what you've recorded and written to your coworkers or clients by making a special web link. Click "Share" to get a special web link to give to others.

3. Can ChatGPT transcribe audio to text?

No, ChatGPT cannot transcribe audio to text. ChatGPT is a text-based AI model and It cannot directly transcribe audio to text. But you don’t need to get tensed because you can Notta to transcribe audio to text. This voice to text App can provide you with a real time transcript using AI technology.

4. Is Google Transcribe free?

Yes, Google Transcribe is free but it requires you to get a paid subscription to access the advanced features. In this case, try using Notta to get a better experience. Notta will give you an accurate transcript without you doing nothing. Additionally, this App will keep all your data safe so that your privacy doesn’t face any harm.

5. What is the best free speech to text App for iPhone?

For iPhone, several speech-to-text apps are available. However, the best free speech-to-text app for iPhone is Notta. It provides you with 98.86% accurate transcriptions by using AI technology. Notta’s ability to recognize and transcribe multiple speakers in a conversation is one of the most advanced features.

Technology has made life better for people who can't hear well. There are voice to text translator for the deaf that change what you say into writing, and this helps with communication.

In this guide, we have introduced the 10 best speech to text app for hearing impaired. Among these apps, Notta is a great choice. It's good at changing speech into text and has many features. It can be used on different devices and supports many languages. Give Notta a try today!

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How I am teaching my deaf baby sign language

How to learn sign language

Speech-to-text apps for the deaf community.

There has never been a greater need for speech-to-text apps than right now. Everyone will be wearing masks for the indefinite future as we wait for a COVID-19 vaccine. These transcription apps help people with hearing loss to communicate.

Live Transcribe

Speech-to-text apps use voice recognition to provide “captions.” There are several options, including the reputable Live Transcribe for Android . But iPhone users can rejoice. Live Transcribe for iOS launched on Global Accessibility Awareness Day (the third Thursday in May, or May 21, 2020). Despite the similar name, the iOS version is not a Google product.

“When building accessibility tools, it’s hard to think of good reasons to wait,” Live Transcribe for iOS creator Rob Norback said in a Medium interview. “But certainly COVID-19 has created more urgency.”

Over the past few months, Norback and his team pushed themselves to get the app ready for people who need it now. They’re looking into ways to offer special access to medical professionals.

With the addition of this app, all smartphone users have a “live transcribe” option. There are some differences. The Android version can recognize non-speech sounds and is voice-activated. Based on anecdotal reports, the iOS version might need some time to be comparable.

Live Transcribe for iOS is a subscription-supported app that costs $4.99/month or $49.99/year. Currently there is a free seven-day trial.

Otter.ai can be used for 1:1 conversations but is especially popular for other uses like webinars and podcasts. It’s available for both Androids and iPhones. It can also be used in a web browser. One feature now available is shared notes for classes, previously only offered with Microsoft Translator via OneNote Live Captions.

Recently Otter.ai posted an Instagram video that shows how the app can be used to help deaf and hard of hearing people while they are interacting with someone wearing a face mask.

View this post on Instagram Video: Accessibility is so important and this video shares how one user is using @otter.ai on a daily basis! Her story is inspiring and we are so glad to be on thIs journey with her. Video Credit: @projecthearing 📲 ・・・ These masks have made communication really hard for me but I have @otter.ai. As a person with a hearing disability who relies A LOT on lipreading, communicating during covid19 has been difficult. I find myself asking people to repeat themselves, sound sounds distorted, and I find myself completely lost in conversations with others. I also am incredibly stubborn and don’t like relying on people. Andy, my boyfriend, has been amazing, but there’s only so much repeating a person can do. 😢 I also like to draw a clear line in the sand in our relationship. He is my lover not my caretaker and I don’t like having to depend on him like that– It creates a weird dynamic in the relationship that I try to stay away from. My independence > Convenience. —- Here’s how I do it. 1. I disclose verbally to the person that I need to communicate with that I have a hearing disability. ➡️“Hey, I want to communicate with you but I have a hearing disability and cannot understand you” 2. I show them how Otter is working on my phone so they see the technology I am using. ➡️”I use this application on my phone and it types down everything that you are saying so that I can understand you better. Pretty cool, right?” 3. I hand them my phone if they are wearing a mask and gloves or stand as close as I comfortably can to them and then extend my arm out so the phone can caption their voice➡️”Can you speak into my phone so it can hear you better and so I can understand you since I have a hearing disability?” ID: Mariella wearing a @onepeloton cap in a grocery aisle at the supermarket. #a11y #accessibilityforall #ADA #assistivetechnology #assitivetech #callingallcreators #captioning #cochlearimplant #cochlearimplantkids #coronavirusNYC #deaf #deafawareness #deaftech #design #disability #disabilityadvocate #disabilityawareness #disabilityrights #diversityandinclusion #emergencypreparedness #GAAD #hearing #nyc A post shared by Otter.ai (@otter.ai) on May 27, 2020 at 6:13am PDT

One downside to Otter is the inability to change the font inside the app, at least with an iPhone. Modifications must be made in Settings.

Up to 600 minutes/month is free for individuals. For a team, pricing can be up to $12.50/month.

Ava touts itself as “live transcription for any conversation.” Perhaps the priciest of all transcription options, Ava has a tiered subscription plan. While it is free for the occasional user (five free hours/month), a premium subscription ($14.99/month) has infinite captioning time and higher caption quality (90-95 percent). If Ava is being used for work or a board meeting, the Pro, Campus, Welcome or Event plan starts at $99/month). This plan boasts the best caption quality and customized vocabulary. Live, professionally-reviewed 99% accurate captions can be requested with Ava Scribe for additional fees.

Of course we shouldn’t have to pay more for better captions. But this is where we’re lucky to have options. Tina Childress, an educational audiologist, late-deafened adult, and bilateral cochlear implant recipient who is fluent in ASL, has become an expert in technology.

“Those of us that are deaf and hard of hearing need to adapt to our listening environments, even more so now that people are wearing masks,” she says. “We’re lucky that there’s technology out there that can help us in these situations. But there’s no one solution for ALL situations. We do, however, have devices that contain a variety of tools at our disposal – our smartphone and/or tablet.”

“We’re lucky that there’s technology out there that can help us in these situations. But there’s no one solution for ALL situations.”

Childress’ approach has been to gather information, categorize it, share about it, and let the consumer make the decision about what works best for them. When it comes to speech-to-text apps, she likes features from a variety of apps. As a result, she’s learned how to strategically use them.

“One I can use for captioning phone calls and another one will be used for back up captioning a meeting,” Childress says. “Sometimes, you can even use an app in a way that wasn’t its original design purpose. An example of this is how we can ask people to use their phone with a speech-to-text app, hold it under their chin facing outward and viola! It’s like they’re wearing their own private captioning box – we can now better understand them, even if they’re wearing a mask, six feet away, with a degraded speech signal and we can’t lipread them.”

Read more: A guide to group video calling apps for hearing loss

Accuracy with Masks

Indeed, you might be wondering, how do all these apps fare if the speaker is wearing a mask? Is their voice muffled in any way? When asked about this issue, Ava shared a couple of videos to show that accuracy remained consistent.

However, the real issue is social distancing. If you’re using a speech-to-text app to communicate with someone who’s six feet away, you might have more difficulty. This is limited by the phone’s microphone. The best way to get a better signal to your phone is with a remote microphone (e.g.  Phonak Roger .) The second best way, according to Childress, is a unidirectional microphone.

In fact, Childress, who provided feedback as an advisor to the Live Transcribe iOS team, has created a website with Catharine McNally. McNally is the accessibility lead at Phase2 Technology, cochlear implant recipient, and Chair of the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Board of Directors. This website, or Knowledge Base, for people with hearing loss, has an overview of automated captioning , in which all the speech-to-text apps are presented and described. There are even a couple of videos of Childress and McNally testing external directional microphones.

The best advice is to try different apps and see which ones you like. Have fun experimenting!

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Speech-to-text smartphone apps for deaf people and those with hearing loss and tinnitus

We look at 7 popular speech-to-text (STT) apps for smartphones and compare their features.

Android and iPhone apps

Ava is for 1-to-1 and group conversations. It has a good range of features. However, when we tested it, accuracy could have been better, even in a quiet environment and speaking close to the phone. 

Features 

• Adjustable text size and display theme 
• You can reply by text with the unique option for the phone to voice back conversations with a simulated voice 
• Tap words to correct them. The app will then ‘learn’ to transcribe these words correctly 
• You can use the app with an extension microphone.

How to download Ava   

Download Ava from GooglePlay store  

Download Ava from App Store  

Otter 

Otter lets you translate all audio from the microphone into text. 

With the right permissions, you can link your calendar to the app so that it automatically creates transcripts of your meetings through any third-party video and voice calling apps like Microsoft Teams and Zoom.  

The app has good accuracy and speed. It’s free for individuals for conversations up to 30 minutes with a total of 600 minutes each month. There’s a paid-for professional and business package as well. 

• Autocorrects any mistakes once a full sentence has been transcribed 
• Adjustable text font and size 
• Save recordings in a folder.

How to download Otter 

Download Otter for iOS from App Store  

Download Otter for Android from GooglePlay Store  

Rogervoice 

Rogervoice is a free STT phone calling service. 

As well as having automated STT translations like Skype, you can also make calls using a STT relay or sign language relay assistant. The relay assistant service is currently only available in France (where the app was developed) so we only tested the automated STT translation service. 

It’s free to make calls to people who have the Rogervoice app. If you want to call people who don’t have the app, you need to pay for a subscription. 

You need a high-bandwith connection (Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G or 5G). 

• Supports over 80 languages 
• You can speak to the other person on the call, or write your message, which will be read aloud to the other person by a vocal synthesiser 
• It can also transcribe voicemails 
• The app doesn’t support calls to emergency services or premium-rate numbers.

How to download Rogervoice 

Download Rogervoice from Google PlayStore  

Download Rogervoice from App Store  

Skype 

The latest version of Microsoft’s video conferencing app for smartphones enables users to easily toggle the subtitles on and off during audio and video calls. 

Skype-to-Skype calls are free. You have to pay for calls to phone numbers. 

To turn subtitles on during a Skype call, press the + button and select “turn subtitles on.” 

• The profile picture of the person who’s speaking appears next to the line of text, so you can keep track of who said what 
• Set a default language for subtitles 
• Both video and voice calls supported 
• Up to 24 participants on calls. 

Read more about Skype subtitles on the Skype website

How to download Skype 

Download Skype for Android from GooglePlay Store  

Download Skype for iOS from App Store

Help improve inclusion

Android-only apps, google live transcribe .

Google’s Live Transcribe app was launched in 2019 and has led the way in speech-to-text apps on Android phones. It can transcribe conversations near the phone and is ideal for one-to-one conversations and small meetings. 

The app requires Wi-Fi or a mobile network signal. 

• The ability to work out conversational context to correctly transcribe words that sound the same but have different meanings – for example, ‘grease’ and ‘Greece’. 
• 5 text sizes  
• Choose black text on white background or white text on black background 
• Option for the person reading the text to type back their part of the conversation 
• Pause transcriptions while the person is speaking 
• Save transcriptions in the app. The app automatically deletes them after 3 days. Although you can’t export transcriptions to other apps, you can copy and paste the text 
• To maintain social distancing, it’s possible to use an extension microphone so that the person speaking can be further away from the phone 
• Teach the app unusual sounding names and uncommon words 
• It can flag up non-speech sounds such as laughter and non-human sounds like the doorbell, phone ringing and music 
• You can set the phone to vibrate each time someone says your name. 

How to download Google Live Transcribe 

Download Live Transcribe from GooglePlay Store

Google Live Caption and Google Pixel 4a phone 

Google Live Caption was launched in 2020. It provides real-time captions for YouTube videos, podcasts and voice recordings. It’s available on some phones that are Android 10 and above. Find out how to use Google Live Caption  

The Google Pixel 4a phone goes a step further and can transcribe mobile network calls, voice and video calls on apps such as WhatsApp and Zoom. The ability to caption phone calls will likely roll out to other devices.

Speechnotes – Speech To Text Notepad 

Speechnotes – Speech To Text Notepad (previously known as TextHear Personal) is available free for unlimited use on Android phones. 

The free version of the app has adverts, but you can pay for an ad-free version. 

Accuracy and speed is almost as good as the Google Live Transcribe app. 

• Adds automatic punctuation and spacing 
• It can work out words that have the same meaning 
• Adjustable the text font and size 
• Choice of black and white display themes 
• Save conversations or send them to other applications 
• Can work with an extension microphone plugged into the phone. 

How to download Speechnotes – Speech To Text Notepad 

Download Speechnotes – Speech To Text Notepad from GooglePlay Store

iPhone-only apps

Hearing helper .

Hearing Helper (iOS only) is a live STT translation app. It costs £2.99 and can be used for 1-to-1 conversations or transcribing speech for notes. 

When we tested Hearing Helper, it performed well with overall good accuracy and speed of translations. Unfortunately, you can’t save transcripts. 

• Designed for deaf people and people with hearing loss 
• The app uses the same technology as Apple’s Siri 
• Tap to quick-edit words 
• Customisable text size. 

How to download Hearing Helper 

Download Hearing Helper from App Store  

Live Transcribe for iOS 

Suitable for iPhone, iPad and iPad touch.

Although it shares the same name, this app is unrelated to Google’s Live Transcribe for Android phones. You need a subscription to use it, but you can do a free trial for 7 days. 

• Works offline 
• Adjustable text size 
• 50+ languages supported 
• You can use the app offline 
• Reply with text 
• Save and share transcripts
• Full screen mode to reduce distractions. 

How to download Live Transcribe for iOS 

The app is available from the App Store and requires iOS 13.0 or later. It’s free and has optional in-app purchases. 

Download Live Transcribe for iOS from App Store  

TextHear 

You can use TextHear for free for 90 seconds. After this, you have to pay for every 30 minutes you use it. 

• Automatic punctuation and spacing 
• You can save conversations or send them to other applications 
• Can work with an extension microphone plugged into the phone.

Visit the TextHear website  

How to download TextHear 

Download TextHear from App Store

Communication support 

Speech-to-text apps are unregulated, which is fine for personal use, but for communication needs in the workplace and in health care settings, we recommend regulated alternatives such as speech-to-text reporters for transcribing in-person or online meetings and appointments, and the Relay UK app for transcribing phone calls via a live relay assistant.

Learn more about Relay UK

Get support with assistive devices online

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Assistive Devices for People with Hearing, Voice, Speech, or Language Disorders

On this page:

What are assistive devices?

What types of assistive devices are available, what types of assistive listening devices are available, what types of augmentative and alternative communication devices are available for communicating face-to-face, what augmentative and alternative communication devices are available for communicating by telephone, what types of alerting devices are available, what research is being conducted on assistive technology, where can i get more information.

The terms assistive device or assistive technology can refer to any device that helps a person with hearing loss or a voice, speech, or language disorder to communicate. These terms often refer to devices that help a person to hear and understand what is being said more clearly or to express thoughts more easily. With the development of digital and wireless technologies, more and more devices are becoming available to help people with hearing, voice, speech, and language disorders communicate more meaningfully and participate more fully in their daily lives.

Health professionals use a variety of names to describe assistive devices:

• Assistive listening devices (ALDs) help amplify the sounds you want to hear, especially where there’s a lot of background noise. ALDs can be used with a hearing aid or cochlear implant to help a wearer hear certain sounds better.
• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices help people with communication disorders to express themselves. These devices can range from a simple picture board to a computer program that synthesizes speech from text.
• Alerting devices connect to a doorbell, telephone, or alarm that emits a loud sound or blinking light to let someone with hearing loss know that an event is taking place.

Several types of ALDs are available to improve sound transmission for people with hearing loss. Some are designed for large facilities such as classrooms, theaters, places of worship, and airports. Other types are intended for personal use in small settings and for one-on-one conversations. All can be used with or without hearing aids or a cochlear implant. ALD systems for large facilities include hearing loop systems, frequency-modulated (FM) systems, and infrared systems.

This logo informs people that a public area is looped. Source: HearingLoop.org

Hearing loop (or induction loop) systems use electromagnetic energy to transmit sound. A hearing loop system involves four parts:

• A sound source, such as a public address system, microphone, or home TV or telephone
• An amplifier
• A thin loop of wire that encircles a room or branches out beneath carpeting
• A receiver worn in the ears or as a headset

Amplified sound travels through the loop and creates an electromagnetic field that is picked up directly by a hearing loop receiver or a telecoil (see sidebar), a miniature wireless receiver that is built into many hearing aids and cochlear implants. To pick up the signal, a listener must be wearing the receiver and be within or near the loop. Because the sound is picked up directly by the receiver, the sound is much clearer, without as much of the competing background noise associated with many listening environments. Some loop systems are portable, making it possible for people with hearing loss to improve their listening environments, as needed, as they proceed with their daily activities. A hearing loop can be connected to a public address system, a television, or any other audio source. For those who don’t have hearing aids with embedded telecoils, portable loop receivers are also available.

What’s a telecoil?

A telecoil, also called a t-coil, is a coil of wire that is installed inside many hearing aids and cochlear implants to act as a miniature wireless receiver. It was originally designed to make sounds clearer to a listener over the telephone. It also is used with a variety of other assistive listening devices, such as hearing loop (or induction loop) systems, FM systems, infrared systems, and personal amplifiers.

The telecoil works by receiving an electromagnetic signal from the hearing loop and then turning it back into sound within the hearing aid or cochlear implant. This process eliminates much of the distracting background noise and delivers sound customized for one’s own need. For people who are hard-of-hearing who do not have a telecoil-equipped hearing aid or cochlear implant, loop receivers with headsets can provide similar benefits but without the customized or “corrected sound” feature that matches one’s hearing loss pattern.

Many cochlear implants have a telecoil built into the sound processor, or can use an external telecoil accessory with both hearing aid compatible telephones and public loop systems. A simple switch or programming maneuver performed by the user activates this function.

See the NIDCD fact sheet Hearing Aids for more information.

FM systems use radio signals to transmit amplified sounds. They are often used in classrooms, where the instructor wears a small microphone connected to a transmitter and the student wears the receiver, which is tuned to a specific frequency, or channel. People who have a telecoil inside their hearing aid or cochlear implant may also wear a wire around the neck (called a neckloop) or behind their aid or implant (called a silhouette inductor) to convert the signal into magnetic signals that can be picked up directly by the telecoil. FM systems can transmit signals up to 300 feet and are able to be used in many public places. However, because radio signals are able to penetrate walls, listeners in one room may need to listen to a different channel than those in another room to avoid receiving mixed signals. Personal FM systems operate in the same way as larger scale systems and can be used to help people with hearing loss to follow one-on-one conversations.

Infrared systems use infrared light to transmit sound. A transmitter converts sound into a light signal and beams it to a receiver that is worn by a listener. The receiver decodes the infrared signal back to sound. As with FM systems, people whose hearing aids or cochlear implants have a telecoil may also wear a neckloop or silhouette inductor to convert the infrared signal into a magnetic signal, which can be picked up through their telecoil. Unlike induction loop or FM systems, the infrared signal cannot pass through walls, making it particularly useful in courtrooms, where confidential information is often discussed, and in buildings where competing signals can be a problem, such as classrooms or movie theaters. However, infrared systems cannot be used in environments with too many competing light sources, such as outdoors or in strongly lit rooms.

Personal amplifiers are useful in places in which the above systems are unavailable or when watching TV, being outdoors, or traveling in a car. About the size of a cell phone, these devices increase sound levels and reduce background noise for a listener. Some have directional microphones that can be angled toward a speaker or other source of sound. As with other ALDs, the amplified sound can be picked up by a receiver that the listener is wearing, either as a headset or as earbuds.

The simplest AAC device is a picture board or touch screen that uses pictures or symbols of typical items and activities that make up a person’s daily life. For example, a person might touch the image of a glass to ask for a drink. Many picture boards can be customized and expanded based on a person’s age, education, occupation, and interests.

Keyboards, touch screens, and sometimes a person’s limited speech may be used to communicate desired words. Some devices employ a text display. The display panel typically faces outward so that two people can exchange information while facing each other. Spelling and word prediction software can make it faster and easier to enter information.

Speech-generating devices go one step further by translating words or pictures into speech. Some models allow users to choose from several different voices, such as male or female, child or adult, and even some regional accents. Some devices employ a vocabulary of prerecorded words while others have an unlimited vocabulary, synthesizing speech as words are typed in. Software programs that convert personal computers into speaking devices are also available.

For many years, people with hearing loss have used text telephone or telecommunications devices, called TTY or TDD machines, to communicate by phone. This same technology also benefits people with speech difficulties. A TTY machine consists of a typewriter keyboard that displays typed conversations onto a readout panel or printed on paper. Callers will either type messages to each other over the system or, if a call recipient does not have a TTY machine, use the national toll-free telecommunications relay service at 711 to communicate. (See Telecommunications Relay Services for more information.) Through the relay service, a communications assistant serves as a bridge between two callers, reading typed messages aloud to the person with hearing while transcribing what’s spoken into type for the person with hearing loss.

With today’s new electronic communication devices, however, TTY machines have almost become a thing of the past. People can place phone calls through the telecommunications relay service using almost any device with a keypad, including a laptop, personal digital assistant, and cell phone. Text messaging has also become a popular method of communication, skipping the relay service altogether.

Another system uses voice recognition software and an extensive library of video clips depicting American Sign Language to translate a signer’s words into text or computer-generated speech in real time. It is also able to translate spoken words back into sign language or text.

Finally, for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, captioned telephones allow you to carry on a spoken conversation, while providing a transcript of the other person’s words on a readout panel or computer screen as back-up.

Alerting or alarm devices use sound, light, vibrations, or a combination of these techniques to let someone know when a particular event is occurring. Clocks and wake-up alarm systems allow a person to choose to wake up to flashing lights, horns, or a gentle shaking.

Visual alert signalers monitor a variety of household devices and other sounds, such as doorbells and telephones. When the phone rings, the visual alert signaler will be activated and will vibrate or flash a light to let people know. In addition, remote receivers placed around the house can alert a person from any room. Portable vibrating pagers can let parents and caretakers know when a baby is crying. Some baby monitoring devices analyze a baby’s cry and light up a picture to indicate if the baby sounds hungry, bored, or sleepy.

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) funds research into several areas of assistive technology, such as those described below.

• Improved devices for people with hearing loss NIDCD-funded researchers are developing devices that help people with varying degrees of hearing loss communicate with others. One team has developed a portable device in which two or more users type messages to each other that can be displayed simultaneously in real time. Another team is designing an ALD that amplifies and enhances speech for a group of individuals who are conversing in a noisy environment.
• More natural synthesized speech NIDCD-sponsored scientists are also developing a personalized text-to-speech synthesis system that synthesizes speech that is more intelligible and natural sounding to be incorporated in speech-generating devices. Individuals who are at risk of losing their speaking ability can prerecord their own speech, which is then converted into their personal synthetic voice.
• Brain–computer interface research A relatively new and exciting area of study is called brain–computer interface research. NIDCD-funded scientists are studying how neural signals in a person’s brain can be translated by a computer to help someone communicate. For example, people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease) or brainstem stroke lose their ability to move their arms, legs, or body. They can also become locked-in, where they are not able to express words, even though they are able to think and reason normally. By implanting electrodes on the brain’s motor cortex, some researchers are studying how a person who is locked-in can control communication software and type out words simply by imagining the movement of his or her hand. Other researchers are attempting to develop a prosthetic device that will be able to translate a person’s thoughts into synthesized words and sentences. Another group is developing a wireless device that monitors brain activity that is triggered by visual stimulation. In this way, people who are locked-in can call for help during an emergency by staring at a designated spot on the device

The NIDCD maintains a directory of organizations that provide information on the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language. 

Use the following keywords to help you search for organizations that can answer questions and provide printed or electronic information on assistive devices:

• Assistive technology
• Assistive listening device
• Augmentative and alternative communication

For more information, contact us at:

NIDCD Information Clearinghouse 1 Communication Avenue Bethesda, MD 20892-3456 Toll-free voice: (800) 241-1044 Toll-free TTY: (800) 241-1055 Email: [email protected]

NIH Publication No. 11-7672 December 2011

*Note: PDF files require a viewer such as the free Adobe Reader .

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New App Translates Speech into Text for Deaf Individuals

There is a seemingly endless parade of novel audio smartphone-enabled apps, many of them either geared toward audiophiles who want to curate their own individual listening experience, or people with milder hearing loss who want to dabble with amplification. Recently, a new app – one that has the potential to improve the daily living of individuals with severe-profound hearing loss– has been created by Brandon Isobe. Inspired by his father, who is deaf, Isobe’s app allows deaf individuals to communicate with others using real time speech recognition.

Called App MyEar , with a simple pair of earbuds and an iPhone, the app translates verbal speech into written worlds that are displayed in real-time on the iPhone screen.

Estimates vary, but somewhere between 500,000 and 2 million Americans and Canadians use American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate. Like any language, both the speaker and listener need to be fluent in the language for communication to occur.  Even though many Deaf individuals and their families use ASL, it is difficult for Deaf people to communicate with others who are not fluent in ASL.

Translating Voice to Text for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

App My Ear now available on iTunes

With App My Ear and a pair of earbuds, verbal communication is instantly translated into text messages for the Deaf person to read.

Mr. Isobe and his father, who is a graduate of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf in Rochester, New York, created the app earlier this year. App My Ear is currently available for iPhone users only at the iTunes store.

Other Popular Speech to Text Apps for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Live Transcribe (Google) : A speech-recognition app that transcribes conversations in real time, supporting 70 languages and dialects. It offers adjustable text size, bilingual communication, and privacy-focused data storage.

Roger Voice : Generates real-time subtitles for voice calls, allowing hearing-impaired individuals to receive transcriptions during phone conversations. The app is available for Android and iOS users globally and offers both free and paid options.

TextHear : This speech-to-text app converts conversations to text using speech-recognition software. It supports over 100 languages and accents, offers automatic punctuation, and archives text for future reference. The Android version is free, while the iOS version requires a purchase for extended use.

Ava : Designed for group conversations, Ava transcribes discussions in real time. It works for one-on-one conversations as well when the phone’s microphone is positioned close to the speaker. Ava supports 12 spoken languages and offers free and premium packages with varying benefits.

What Speech to Text App is the Best?

The choice of the best app ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences. Developers face the challenge of achieving accurate transcription across a wide range of languages and accents.

However, regardless of the specific app, the most significant aspect of these speech-to-text apps for the hearing-impaired is the accessibility they provide. These apps empower individuals to participate in conversations and access information in various settings, enhancing their quality of life both at home and in the workplace.

Why are earbuds needed?

Hi Beverly – Apple earbuds are recommended because they have a microphone attached to the device that is created specifically to sift through background noise. It tends to improve the transcription quality. If you have any questions, please send me an email: [email protected]

i tried and didn’t work. as is not worth $10 which is a lot for an app!!

Hi C – thanks for purchasing the app! What challenges are you facing when using the app? You do need to be connected to WiFI, LTE, 3G data for the app to work. Please send me an email at [email protected] so we can troubleshoot

I also would like to know why earbuds are needed.

Hi Kerry – Apple earbuds are recommended because it has a microphone attached to it and the microphone improves the dictation quality – the headphones are designed to sift through the background noise. If you have any follow up questions, please send me an email at [email protected] or visit our Facebook page for more tips/tricks on using the app.

Hi I have a daughter with auditory processing difficulties (people speak too quickly for her brain to process the speech) and so am looking for an app that can turn her phone conversations into speech in real time ( a bit like using sub titles on movies – it helps with speech recognition). Just wondering if your app can do this ( or ifyou can suggest one that does) and also do you have android version? Thanks

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Understanding Hearing Loss

Selected devices for hearing impaired: speech to text.

Key Takeaways:

• Speech-to-text devices transcribe spoken words into real-time text for individuals with hearing impairments.
• These devices enhance accessibility and inclusivity in personal and professional settings.
• Speech recognition technology and assistive technology power these innovative devices.
• Real-time transcription apps, portable devices, and speech recognition software are among the options available.
• Speech-to-text devices empower individuals with hearing impairments to fully engage in conversations and events.

The Power of Real-Time Communication

Enhancing Inclusion and Productivity

“Speech-to-text apps revolutionize the way individuals with hearing impairments engage in conversations, ensuring accessibility, productivity, and inclusivity across various settings.”

The Impact of Assistive Devices

Nagish – the ultimate speech-to-text app, key features of nagish.

• Real-time captioning for phone calls
• Automatic speech-to-text and text-to-speech conversion
• Privacy-focused communication
• Automatic transcription of calls
• Call history logging
• Call transcript saving and sharing
• Support for multiple languages
• Compatibility with Bluetooth devices, including hearing aids

Ava – Real-Time Transcription for Group Conversations

Google’s Live Transcribe – Speech Recognition at Your Fingertips

iOS Live Transcribe – Real-Time Transcriptions Offline

Benefits of iOS Live Transcribe:

• Real-time transcription for effective communication
• Offline functionality for convenience in any environment
• Adjustable text size for optimal readability
• Ability to save and share transcripts for future reference
• Quick reply feature for efficient communication
• Support for over 50 languages for global accessibility

RogerVoice – Transcribing Phone Calls and Subtitling Videos

TextHear – Multilingual Speech-to-Text Transcription

“TextHear offers an inclusive communication experience, supporting over 100 languages and accents. With its automatic punctuation, customization options, and transcript-saving capabilities, it empowers individuals with hearing impairments to communicate confidently and effectively.” – Jane Doe, Assistive Technology Specialist

Otter – Voice-to-Text Transcription for Work Environments

Key Features of Otter:

• Real-time transcription of voice meetings, interviews, lectures, and conversations
• Adjustable speed playback for comprehensive review
• Save and share transcripts for efficient collaboration
• Compatibility with Android and iOS devices
• Live captioning for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, ESL learners, and anyone with accessibility needs

What are speech-to-text apps?

How do speech-to-text apps work, what are the benefits of using speech-to-text apps for the hearing impaired, can speech-to-text apps be used for phone calls, do speech-to-text apps support multiple languages, are speech-to-text apps compatible with hearing aids, are there speech-to-text apps available for both ios and android devices, can speech-to-text apps be used offline, are there speech-to-text apps that support adjustable text size for readability, how can speech-to-text apps benefit individuals in work environments.

Taylor brings a dynamic and analytical perspective to the Deaf Vibes team, focusing on research-driven content that educates and informs. With an unquenchable curiosity for new developments, policies, and social issues affecting the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, Taylor’s writing is a crucial resource for readers seeking to navigate these areas. Whether breaking down legal rights, highlighting educational opportunities, or offering guides on accessible technology, Taylor’s work is an invaluable asset to those seeking to empower themselves and others. Taylor’s commitment to accuracy and depth ensures that our readers have access to reliable and actionable information.

Text to Speech Solutions for Hearing Needs

How COVID Can Cause Hearing Loss: A Comprehensive Guide

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How botox can cause hearing loss: a comprehensive guide.

Get ready to discover the surprising link between Botox and potential hearing loss – a connection that may challenge your understanding of cosmetic procedures.

Key Takeaways

• Botox injections may lead to hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues.
• Understanding the mechanisms of Botox-induced hearing impairments is crucial.
• Recognizing signs like sudden hearing loss and tinnitus post-Botox is important.
• Prioritizing auditory health and seeking professional guidance can prevent complications.

Understanding the Link Between Botox and Hearing

Mechanism of Botox-Induced Hearing Loss

Signs and Symptoms of Hearing Impairment

• Sudden or Gradual Hearing Loss : Individuals may notice a decline in their ability to hear sounds, whether it occurs suddenly or progressively over time.
• Tinnitus : Ringing in the ears can be a common symptom of hearing issues post-Botox treatment, indicating potential auditory system disturbances.
• Balance Problems : Dizziness, vertigo, or difficulties with balance may accompany hearing impairment, highlighting the intricate connection between the auditory and vestibular systems.

Preventing Hearing Loss During Botox Treatment

Seeking Professional Help for Auditory Health

• Comprehensive Evaluation: Schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation with an audiologist to assess the extent of any hearing loss or related issues accurately. This evaluation may include tests to evaluate hearing sensitivity, speech understanding, and middle ear function.
• Discuss Treatment History: It's essential to discuss your Botox treatment history and any concerns with a healthcare provider specializing in Hearing and Balance. This discussion can provide valuable insights into the potential impact of Botox injections on your auditory health.
• Regular Follow-ups: Follow up regularly with a healthcare professional specializing in ear health to monitor any ongoing auditory issues post-Botox administration. These follow-ups, ideally scheduled every three months, can help in managing any emerging concerns promptly and effectively. Remember, if severe auditory issues arise, you may need to stop Botox treatments temporarily or permanently to safeguard your hearing health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can botox cause temporary hearing loss?, what are the 3 common side effects of botox?, can botox cause optic nerve damage?, what are the neurological side effects of botox?.

How Drinking Can Cause Hearing Loss: A Comprehensive Guide

Wander through the mysterious link between alcohol and hearing loss, unraveling the hidden secrets that could change the way you listen forever.

• Heavy drinking damages auditory cortex, affecting hearing abilities.
• Prolonged alcohol abuse leads to irreversible damage impacting sound processing.
• Monitoring alcohol intake crucial for preventing alcohol-related hearing loss .
• Seek medical evaluation for alcohol-induced hearing issues and explore treatment options.

The Science Behind Alcohol-Induced Hearing Damage

Long-Term Effects of Drinking on Hearing

Preventing Alcohol-Related Hearing Loss

• Monitor Alcohol Intake : Keeping track of the amount of alcohol consumed can help individuals regulate their intake and minimize the risk of hearing damage associated with excessive drinking.
• Maintain Inner Ear Health : Ensuring proper inner ear fluid balance is crucial in preventing dizziness, balance issues, and related hearing problems caused by alcohol-induced fluid composition alterations.
• Protect Auditory Cortex : Preserving the health of the auditory cortex, responsible for sound processing, is vital in avoiding alcohol-related hearing loss and maintaining overall auditory function.

Symptoms of Alcohol-Induced Hearing Loss

Seeking Help for Alcohol-Related Hearing Issues

• Medical Evaluation : A thorough examination by an audiologist or otolaryngologist is essential to assess the extent of inner ear damage caused by excessive alcohol exposure. This evaluation may include tests to measure auditory function, such as assessing electrical signals in the auditory pathways.
• Treatment Options : Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment options may range from medications to manage symptoms like tinnitus (ringing in the ears) to therapies aimed at improving auditory function. These interventions target various aspects, including enhancing blood flow to the inner ear and retraining the cortex of the brain to interpret sound signals accurately.
• Holistic Approach : Programs like those offered by The Providence Projects focus on personalized treatment plans that address not only the physical aspects of alcohol-related hearing issues but also the psychological and emotional impact. Holistic recovery strategies can significantly improve outcomes and help individuals regain optimal hearing health.

How Does Alcohol Cause Hearing Loss?

What are the first signs of liver damage from alcohol?, what effect does alcohol have on auditory processing?, what part of the brain affects hearing being affected by alcohol?.

How Weed Can Cause Hearing Loss: A Comprehensive Guide

Keen to learn how weed might affect your hearing? Stay tuned to discover the surprising ways cannabis could impact your auditory health.

• Marijuana use is linked to tinnitus, affecting over 20% of users.
• Cannabinoids influence the auditory system and may induce hearing loss .
• Cannabis users have a higher risk of tinnitus onset or worsening.
• Protective measures, like limiting exposure to loud noises, can help minimize hearing loss risks .

The Science Behind Marijuana-Induced Hearing Loss

Understanding the Mechanisms of Hearing Damage

Risks of Cannabis Use on Hearing Health

Tips for Minimizing Hearing Loss From Weed

• Limit Exposure: Be mindful of the duration and volume of exposure to loud noises while using weed. Prolonged exposure to high decibel levels can increase the risk of hearing damage.
• Use Noise-canceling Devices: Invest in noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to create a quieter environment when consuming weed in noisy settings. This can help shield your ears from harmful noise levels.
• Take Regular Breaks: Give your auditory system a break by stepping away from loud environments during weed consumption. This can reduce the strain on your ears and lower the likelihood of long-term damage.

Seeking Help for Cannabis-Related Hearing Issues

How Long Does It Take for Cannabinoid Receptors to Return to Normal?

What are the long term side effects of marijuana's mayo clinic?.

The content provided is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional legal, medical, or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a replacement for a formal consultation with a qualified legal, medical, or mental health professional. If you have any legal concerns, medical issues, or mental health questions, please seek the advice of a licensed attorney, healthcare provider, or mental health provider respectively. Never disregard professional legal, medical, or mental health advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen in this content. Additionally, for specific legal issues, always consult with an attorney licensed to practice law in your jurisdiction.

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• Accessibility Digital speech to text

Speech to Text App that Deaf and Hard of Hearing people need

Why is digital accessibility important.

Discover how speech-to-text apps promote group conversation and communicating with deaf or hard of hearing people. The significance of digital accessibility lies in its ability to foster inclusivity and guarantee equal access to information for individuals with disabilities.

With the increasing digitalization of services and procedures in our society, it is crucial to ensure that everyone can benefit from these offerings. Moreover, it has gained considerable attention in various areas, like regulations in public institutions or in media taking the initiative to ensure that all their content is comprehensible and readable by all individuals.

Useful apps to support accessibility for deaf and hard of hearing people  

Living in a world where communication heavily relies on spoken words, individuals with hearing impairments often face barriers in accessing information and engaging fully in conversations. However, with speech-to-text apps a new realm of possibilities has opened up, supporting deaf individuals to overcome communication challenges.

Alrite, a comprehensive solution is available from web browser and for smartphones as mobile app, is at the forefront of revolutionizing accessibility for people with disabilities. By leveraging advanced speech recognition technology, Alrite can process media from various sources in seconds, including direct recording – the app turns the speech into text and shows what the person is saying. 

Unleashing the potential of the Alrite app on your device

Alrite’s speech recognition application provides hearing-impaired users a tool with refined accessibility features, easing everyday tasks ranging from having a conversation with someone, to the comprehension of public announcements.

In which areas can HoH people benefit from using speech to text apps?

• Educational settings – transcribing and captioning lectures
• Business meetings, online meetings
• Online media consumption- accessible web contents
• Automated translation of video and audio files

The Alrite speech recognition app’s basic functionality greatlysupports users with hard-of-hearing to capture and transcribe conversations, notes, meetings, and lectures. This aspect proves invaluable in professional settings, educational institutions, and everyday interactions, as it facilitates effective communication and ensures that no one is left out of important discussions. 

Moreover, Alrite supports file uploads, enabling users to submit audio files for transcription. This functionality extends  to podcasts, interviews, and other audio-based content , ensuring that everyone can access information that was previously restricted by their hearing-impairment. The app generates transcriptions with 90-95% accuracy in seconds from recorded audio, uploaded and social media videos via an URL link from platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and Facebook Watch further enhancing the availability and comprehensibility of media content in English, Spanish, German, Dutch, French, Turkish and Hungarian languages.

Social media platforms have become hubs for sharing and consuming multimedia content. However, for individuals with hearing impairments, this can cause a significant challenge. Alrite addresses this issue by making it easy to create captions with high accuracy, allowing users to extract valuable information from videos through transcripts and captions. In addition to the ability to convert audio into text, transcripts and video captions can be translated into other languages at the touch of a button within the app. This ensures that people with disabilities can engage with viral videos, educational content, and entertainment regardless of the language of the media.

Alrite’s ability to process media content significantly enhances accessibility for people with hearing loss. This versatile app employs cutting-edge algorithms to convert spoken words into text, creating a more inclusive experience across various digital platforms .

The Alrite app’s user-friendly interface and easy to use mobile app (for smartphones and tablets) make it a powerful tool for transcription on the go.

Empowering deaf and hearing-impaired people with some of the best Live Captions

Alive, a complementary app in our product portfolio, enriches the lives of deaf individuals by offering features like live captioning. Unlike traditional transcription services that provide post-event transcriptions, Alive displays spoken words as live captions, allowing individuals to actively participate in conversations with hearing people and fully engage with their surroundings.

With the Alive app , users can enjoy an inclusive experience in social interactions, business meetings , or public events by using their smartphone and its microphone. The app processes audio input (the speech detected through the phone’s microphone) in real-time and displays it as text on the user’s mobile device screen. This live captioning feature enables instant access to information, facilitating effective communication and promoting inclusivity.

Alive’s ability to provide live captions has transformative implications for individuals with hearing-impairments. It empowers them to stay informed, participate actively in live conversations, and be able to read exactly what is being said.The Alive app – that is currently available on android phones –  is a useful tool to follow a live event or a conference presentation. The participant installs the application to follow what is being said at the same time as the rest of the audience without relying solely on lip-reading or sign language.

Start to transcribe on your smartphone with the Alrite speech-to-text app for Free

Alrite and Alive are some of the the best speech to text apps for people who need support in communicating with the hearing, they represent a significant milestone in digital accessibility for people with disabilities. These innovative solutions harness the power of speech recognition technology to provide transcripts, subtitles and live captions for all. 

Whether it’s processing media content, capturing conversations, or displaying spoken words as text, these apps open doors to information, interaction, and engagement that were once inaccessible for deaf individuals. By embracing these technological advancements, we can create a more inclusive digital landscape where everyone can fully participate and can access to all sort of web contents.

Try Alrite for free – register to take advantage of the basic functionality of the speech to text app and enjoy the monthly renewed free Starter package. Download Alrite for free from the App Store for iOS or from Google Play for Android devices.

Try the Alrite speech to text app for free!

Speed ​​up your work with artificial intelligence! With the help of Alrite, you can easily create transcriptions and video captions for dictated or previously recorded audio and video materials.

As an innovative tech company, Régens focuses on delivering artificial intelligence and state-of-the-art solutions. We support our clients in achieving their business goals with unique services, such as integrating AI-based technologies, developing custom business applications, or accelerating digitalisation processes.

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Ava: Transcribe Voice to Text 4+

Live captions & transcriptions, transcense, inc..

• 4.4 • 2.7K Ratings
• Offers In-App Purchases

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Description.

Ava uses captions to live transcribe voice to text to provide accessibility for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing (HoH). Ava's speech-to-text app provides 24/7 real-time audio transcription with about 5 errors in 100 words based on AI, and the highest possible accuracy with Ava Scribe at about 1 error in 100 words. Use Ava to transcribe or live caption voice to text for classrooms, business meetings, doctor’s appointments, shopping, events, and more. Ava's speech-to-text app makes transcribing any live communication easy for friends, family, and organizations to be inclusive, accessible and ADA compliant! How Ava live captions work: • Download Ava on your phone to instantly transcribe voice to text from up to a meter away. Teach Ava to improve and learn your vocabulary as it transcribes voice to text by tapping on words to correct them or adding your own custom vocabulary. • To use voice to text in group conversations, invite users to download the Ava app with a QR code or link so they can connect with you instantly. Ava shows a real-time color-coded transcript of who says what. • Need accessibility for people who are HoH or Deaf in more complex situations? Use the ‘Discover’ menu to learn how to set up Ava to live transcribe voice to text in any situation! Why Ava is the best speech to text app: • Ava uses your smartphone’s mic to transcribe voice to text so you have live captions, in your pocket – it's always available, anytime, anywhere. • Communicating with hearing people is faster than ever with Ava's text-to-speech technology! Simply type what you want to say, and have Ava read out loud for you • Never miss out on podcasts, live videos, live conversations, and more with Ava's dictation! • Use Ava in the workplace or in the classroom to live transcribe voice to text for voice memos, conference calls, lectures, business meetings, and more! • Use this Ava mobile app along with Ava CC, our companion computer app. It's perfect for online meetings or hybrid classes using any videoconferencing service including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet. Questions? Suggestions? Speak to our trusty customer support team through email at [email protected]! Ava Free plan (for occasional users): • Live caption any conversation with unlimited basic captions per month and up to 40-minute-long sessions. • No limits on group size or number of devices connected, when you join a session on Ava, live captions are unlimited! • Save transcriptions to remember your conversations. • Text to speech: Simply type and Ava will read out loud for you. Ava Community plan (for power users): • Live caption any conversation with 3 hours of premium captions for $9.99 per month paid annually or $14.99 per month paid monthly and up to 40-minute-long sessions. Buy additional hours for $4.99 per hour. • With Premium captions, expect about 5 errors in 100 words. • Invite friends for even more free live caption hours! • Live transcribe and translate conversations in 16 languages. Ava professional plans for Organizations — the workplace, schools and events: Want to create an accessible workplace or school environment that is ADA compliant? Ava’s advocacy team is here to help setup accessibility at work, school, events, or places of worship with the Ava for organizations plans. • Infinite premium live caption time and conversations up to 2 hours (Ava Pro) or 8 hours (Ava Enterprise). • Unlimited high quality live captions with accuracy of about 5 errors in 100 words. For key conversations, use Scribe to get the highest possible accuracy with about 1 error in 100 words. • Live caption and translate up to 16 languages. • No time limits for premium captions. • Customized vocabulary for your organization. • Caption on your computer with Ava CC or any browser with Ava Web. www.ava.me/privacy www.ava.me/terms

Version 2.8.7

With this release, we fixed minor bugs and enhanced overall app performance so you can enjoy a better captioning experience! – Like the app? Leave us a good rating! – Questions? Email us at [email protected]

Ratings and Reviews

2.7K Ratings

Pretty Good App

I downloaded the app to help me communicate with my son who underwent cochlear implant surgery and between the time of the surgery and the activation of the implants, he was totally deaf. The app works well and is surprisingly accurate in translations from speech to text. One issue I had using my iPhone 7 was that sometimes the app just flat out failed to work once it was launched. No matter what I tried to do, it would not seem to pick up my voice and translate. I’d usually have to close the app, then relaunch to get it to work. I like the fact that you can configure the app to use various microphones...neat feature. All in all, the app is well designed, fast and as accurate as any can be given the complexity of speech to text translation!

Developer Response ,

Hi Bayern! Thanks a lot for your feedback! I am happy you had a good experience using Ava with your son! We've actually just release a new version of the App, you can find it available in the App Store. This should fix the issue you experienced. Then, would you mind to revise your rating to 5 stars 🌟as it will give a better signal to our new users! Have a great day! The Ava Team

Ava life changing

In the past 3 weeks I have lost all hearing. Now awaiting a cochlear implant. Shocking! How will I conduct my business, conference calls, personal social ever again.. recommended by friends (speech pathologist) AVA has solved many of these. It’s all about a good microphone and folks speaking clearly. Quality in..quality out. I can now even hear the preacher on Sunday! You need of course good WiFi, or cell signal. I can now wirelessly sit and pick up Bluetooth mic 50 ft away. Can also pick up the phone by sending the phone into the iPad via cable. HUGE advantage. They talk I read. I talk they hear. It’s not perfect but pretty good. The TTY is free but everything has to go to another number then prompted to enter my number. How does the yard guy know this? It’s a bit cumbersome. I think I’ll use both. Thanks AVA! Good work!

Thanks a lot for your rating & description, it helps! 🌟💪 You are also very welcome to join our community on Facebook to stay in touch: https://www.facebook.com/groups/enavaforce/ Have a great day!

AVA is very helpful

I am bilaterally implanted and struggle with electronic devices that play music or radios with odd sounding voices. AVA helps with some of that (not music, rather talk radio) and it’s extremely useful when explaining to my Deaf friends and family since my ASL is poor. I can hold my own with hearing friends and family as the implants give me 85% speech comprehension. Now a question: I actually tried to open AVA during a phone call to work like captions would, and it was ok but not perfect. Does AVA ever plan on expanding out into telephone type conferences where not all members in the conference have AVA? It’s asking them a lot to download an app, it would be sweet to be able to include their conversation without having them join right away.

Hello Mahvelous Mahvin, thanks a lot for your kind message! We're glad to see Ava helps you with your friends & family. We are actually planning on having Ava available without downloading it, so keep tuned. If you have any other ideas or feedback, that helps a lot! So please share it to [email protected]

App Privacy

The developer, Transcense, Inc. , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

• Contact Info
• User Content
• Identifiers
• Diagnostics

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The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish

• Ava Community Plan $14.99
• Ava Community Plan (Yearly) $119.99
• +1h Ava Premium Credit $3.99
• +5h Ava Credit for captions $4.99
• +1h Ava Premium Credit $4.99
• +1h Ava Premium Credit $2.99
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Preliminary Evaluation of Automated Speech Recognition Apps for the Hearing Impaired and Deaf

Leontien pragt.

1 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands

Peter van Hengel

2 Pento Audiological Center Twente, Hengelo, Netherlands

Dagmar Grob

3 Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands

Jan-Willem A. Wasmann

Associated data.

The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation.

Automated speech recognition (ASR) systems have become increasingly sophisticated, accurate, and deployable on many digital devices, including on a smartphone. This pilot study aims to examine the speech recognition performance of ASR apps using audiological speech tests. In addition, we compare ASR speech recognition performance to normal hearing and hearing impaired listeners and evaluate if standard clinical audiological tests are a meaningful and quick measure of the performance of ASR apps.

Four apps have been tested on a smartphone, respectively AVA, Earfy, Live Transcribe, and Speechy. The Dutch audiological speech tests performed were speech audiometry in quiet (Dutch CNC-test), Digits-in-Noise (DIN)-test with steady-state speech-shaped noise, sentences in quiet and in averaged long-term speech-shaped spectrum noise (Plomp-test). For comparison, the app's ability to transcribe a spoken dialogue (Dutch and English) was tested.

All apps scored at least 50% phonemes correct on the Dutch CNC-test for a conversational speech intensity level (65 dB SPL) and achieved 90–100% phoneme recognition at higher intensity levels. On the DIN-test, AVA and Live Transcribe had the lowest (best) signal-to-noise ratio +8 dB. The lowest signal-to-noise measured with the Plomp-test was +8 to 9 dB for Earfy (Android) and Live Transcribe (Android). Overall, the word error rate for the dialogue in English (19–34%) was lower (better) than for the Dutch dialogue (25–66%).

The performance of the apps was limited on audiological tests that provide little linguistic context or use low signal to noise levels. For Dutch audiological speech tests in quiet, ASR apps performed similarly to a person with a moderate hearing loss. In noise, the ASR apps performed more poorly than most profoundly deaf people using a hearing aid or cochlear implant. Adding new performance metrics including the semantic difference as a function of SNR and reverberation time could help to monitor and further improve ASR performance.

Introduction

Automated Speech Recognition (ASR) has become increasingly sophisticated and accurate as a result of advances in deep learning, cloud computing, and the availability of large training sets ( 1 , 2 ). The software converts speech into text using artificial intelligence models that have been trained on vast collections of speech containing millions of words. ASR software is widely available on most digital devices, including smartphones, tablets, or laptops. It is primarily used for voice commands (e.g., hey Siri!), at the workplace to create transcripts, or in class for taking notes. Recently, ASR has become available in online meetings (e.g., Microsoft teams) and video recordings (e.g., Google's Youtube) to provide automated captions. Also, several ASR-based speech-to-text apps have been developed for the hearing impaired and deaf, providing live captioning of conversations ( 2 , 3 ), showing the potential of automation and artificial intelligence for hearing healthcare ( 4 , 5 ). Early in 2020, we were confronted in our clinic with questions from patients related to the use of ASR apps for daily communication. These questions were especially common among patients with severe to profound hearing loss who visited our outpatient clinic to assess if they were eligible for a Cochlear Implant. Also, patients who had experienced sudden deafness, but had not yet been fitted with hearing aids, made use of an ASR app during their appointments. There was no or little experimental information at the time about the performance and usability of the ASR apps for hearing impaired persons beyond what was shared by developers. Nor did we have clear criteria for which groups of patients we might suggest the ASR apps to.

Since 2017, several ASR systems have claimed speech recognition performance close to that of normally hearing humans ( 1 , 2 ). The most common metric to express ASR performance, used to underpin these claims, is the word error rate (WER). WER is calculated by adding the number of missing, wrong, and inserted words and dividing this by the total number of words ( 6 ). A lower WER score means better performance. The performance of ASR will be best for speech similar to the speech on which it was trained ( 7 ). It is therefore important to understand for what specific task an ASR is designed and how it is evaluated. Typically ASRs are evaluated on well-studied large (>100 h) collections of speech, referred to as a corpus. The SwitchBoard corpus and CallHome corpus are well-known collections of conversational phone calls ( 8 ), whereas Librispeech is a corpus comprising speech from public domain audiobooks. The SwitchBoard corpus consists of conversations over the phone between strangers about a given topic ( 9 ). The CallHome corpus consists of more informal conversations between friends and family ( 8 ). None of these corpora are ideal for use in acoustically challenging environments. The SwitchBoard and CallHome were collected under low noise and low reverberation conditions ( 9 ), and a large portion of the Librispeech corpus has undergone noise removal and volume normalization ( 10 ).

In order to obtain estimates of human speech recognition performance that could be used for comparison with ASR, some researchers have determined the WER among professional transcribers of speech from the SwitchBoard and CallHome corpora. Saon et al. ( 1 ) estimated the lowest (best) achievable WER, 5.1% for SwitchBoard and 6.8% for CallHome, based on the best score taken from three professional speech transcribers after a quality check by a fourth speech transcriber. Xiong et al. ( 2 ) on the other hand, followed more realistic industry standard procedures, which are similar to how speech is processed by ASR. The reported WERs were 5.9% for SwitchBoard, and 11.3% for CallHome.

For some commonly-used ASR systems, WERs of 5.1% (Microsoft) and 5.5% (IBM) have been reported using the SwitchBoard corpus ( 11 ), which is close to the performance of normal hearing professionals reported above ( 1 , 2 ). Benchmark results of widely used ASR systems tested on the same corpora are not available to our knowledge. Google reported a WER of 4.9%, but used a non-public corpus ( 11 ). Koenecke et al. ( 7 ) compared the performance of ASR systems from Amazon, Apple, Google, IBM, and Microsoft to transcribe structured interviews using two recent developed corpora (CORAAL and AAVE). However, transcribing a structured interview is a very different task than transcribing a conversation in real-time in acoustically challenging environments. More ecologically valid tasks are needed that take into account the effects of noise, reverberation, talker accent, and slang, for instance, to provide a realistic estimate of ASR performance when used for conversations in daily life under various acoustic conditions.

ASR for Hearing Impaired Listeners

For people with hearing impairments, there are specific user needs to consider when developing ASR apps. For example, these listeners might use both speechreading ( 12 ) and text reading of the ASR transcript from a screen. Speechreading conveys important non-verbal cues and nuances not included in a transcript and may enhance speech-in-noise abilities ( 13 ). However, without careful design, reading a transcript may interfere with someone's speechreading ability. Speaker identification cues [e.g., by color coding each speaker a feature in AVA ( 14 )] may also direct the reader to the face of an active talker. Other design ideas include the notification of critical environmental sounds [a feature incorporated in Live Transcribe ( 15 )], feedback to the speaker of their intelligibility of the ASR, or feedback to the speaker by making the transcript readable from two sides (e.g., mirrored) so that both the speaker and the listener can check the results [incorporated in Earfy ( 16 )].

The settings where an ASR is used may also differ between individuals with impaired or normal hearing. For example, the settings where people with hearing loss use ASR may be more often in a more homely atmosphere between family members that might use more colloquial language or slang. That situation may be similar to closed caption for video series. The most common complaint of people with hearing loss is the reduced speech perception in complex listening environments including cocktail parties, restaurants, in conversations with their doctor, and family gatherings ( 15 , 16 ). Adverse acoustic conditions, including low signal-to-noise, make it difficult for normal hearing listeners to understand speech and make the speech incomprehensible for persons with mild to profound hearing loss ( 17 , 18 ). Finally, the speed of translation to accommodate a fluent conversation and the user interface to make it practical for older users and digitally less proficient users are factors to consider.

A standardized task that fully captures the skills of humans to recognize speech does not yet exist, to our knowledge. Such a task would need to account for factors as background noise, reverberation, accent, and speech impairment. This is needed to verify claims that ASR speech recognition performance is close to humans ( 1 , 2 ) and should be done using diverse training datasets ( 7 ).

This pilot study aimed to examine the speech recognition performance of ASR apps using audiological speech tests. We normally administer clinical audiology tests in patients from normal hearing to profound hearing loss to assess speech recognition. We tested the hypothesis that our clinical tests might thus provide objective metrics for performance of ASR systems for people with hearing loss, helping us to determine what range of hearing losses could benefit from ASR apps. In addition, we compared ASR results to normal hearing and hearing impaired listeners and evaluated if standard clinical audiological tests provide a meaningful and quick measure of the performance of ASR apps.

Four different apps on two smartphones, with various operating systems, were tested on their ability to transcribe speech. For this project, the iOS operating apps were tested using an iPhone 6, and for the Android operating apps, a Samsung A3 was used. Both smartphone devices are widely used. We decided to select inexpensive ASR apps (<$10) for a user-license since they would be most widely used by our patients while the cost for ASR apps is not reimbursed in the Netherlands. The four apps tested were Ava and Earfy that both run on iOS and Android, Speechy iOS only, and Live Transcribe Android only. The tested apps were chosen by searching on the Internet on November 18th, 2019, for the best-known speech recognition apps for the hearing impaired and deaf as well as good reviews on the different app-stores. Also, the apps needed to be suitable to convert English and Dutch speech into text.

The apps were evaluated in similar test conditions used to assess speech reception in human listeners in Dutch Audiology Centers according to best local clinical practice. The smartphones were placed one meter in front of a speaker in a sound treated room compliant with ISO 8253-1 ( 19 ). Standard clinical calibration protocols were used for all speech material. The microphone of the smartphone was aimed toward the speaker, which we assumed to be the optimal microphone orientation, at approximately the height of a listener's ears to resemble testing conditions when tested with human listeners (see Figure 1 ). The smartphone screen was facing upwards allowing the experimenter to read the text from the screen. Four different speech reception tests were performed to evaluate the app's ability to convert speech into text.

Set-up of the smartphone in front of the speaker.

Best Speech to Text Apps for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People

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What are Speech to Text Apps

Simply put speech to text applications turn spoken words into written words. For many years speech to text applications would be used on desktop computers to be able to dictate notes quickly, especially used by health professionals and students.

Now in the era of smart phones and mobile phone applications "apps" there is a whole new world of speech to text apps. There are a number of these applications now that have been made with Deaf and hard of hearing people in mind so that they can be used in real time situations whether its in pulbic places, at an appointment or even just chatitng with new friends.

What Are The Best Speech to Text Apps for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People?

We investigate what are the best speech to text apps that are available for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People in 2020, are they easy to use and do they offer multiple uses and how well do they perform?

hearing-helper-live-captions-logo.png

Hearing Helper - Live Captions (4.7/5)

• Speech to text app designed for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people
• Not free of charge
• Records what you want it to record

This speech to text app is simple to use, which is key with such apps. All you need to do is simply press and hold the microphone to record speech with Apple's Siri technology and this will translate this into written words, you can even quickly tap edit any words it translates incorrectly. This app only works when the button is pressed and the red record button is on which means you only get what you recorded, making it great for back and fore conversations. You even have the option to change how large the text appears and the largest it will appear at is 100pts. This only works on iOS apple devices such as iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. It does cost $2.99 to use but you do get a simple and reliable speech to text app.

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/hearing-helper-live-captions/id1391454121

ava-app-logo.png

Ava    (4.5 /5)

• Free of charge
• Perfect for group chats
• Performs quickly
• Transcripts can be saved to read later

Ava is a speedy speech to text app once everyone who is chatting has downloaded and joined the chat group. Simply speak claerly into the smart phone microphone. The app is free but you will need internet. Tap the microphone icon once the microphone is blue it is now on. If you having a group conversation, if you share an Ava code with other people chatting within the group, you'll soon see all participants in the group conversation in the top of the banner above the text box. Every speaker will be allocated a different colour for ease of understanding who is talking. Ava also provides with the ability to type into the text box, press return and Ava will verbally speak what has been said, meaning the app will work both ways. It also allows you to save the transcript so you can review them later if you missed something that was being talked about.

https://www.ava.me/

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/ava-24-7-accessible-life/id1030067058

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.transcense.ava_beta&hl=en_GB

google-live-transcribe-logo.jpg

Google Live Transcribe (4.2/5)

• Speech to text app designed for Deaf and hard of hearing people
• Works in real time
• Can be used for group conferencing calls
• Recognises non-verbal sounds such as dogs barking
• Transcripts can be copied in segments

The Google Live Transcribe app enables you to participate in video calls with spoken text that is picked up using the phone microphone being delivered to your mobile phone.  The app also recognises non-verbal sounds such as a dog barking and will include this in the transcript. This app is free of charge but you will need Android and the internet for this and can be particularly useful for conferencing calls. You can copy the transcripts of the conversations but you can only do this in segments at a time.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.audio.hearing.visualization.accessibility.scribe&hl=en_GB

roger-voice-app-logo-640.png

Roger Voice (4.2/5)

• Runs in the background of conversations
• Can be used in real-time and on phone calls

Roger voice is a speech to text app that you can have running in the backgrond of your phone calls. What it will do is provide you with a real-time transcription of the conversation being had. It provides you with a clear and straightforward interface of communication. This app is free of charge but does require the internet. This app works much quicker than if you were to just write back and forth to one another.

  https://rogervoice.com/en/

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rogervoice.app&hl=en_GB

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/rogervoice/id1033113354

text-hear-app-logo.png

Text Hear (4/5)

• Designed for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people
• Great for 1-1 conversations
• Easy to use

Text hear is a speech to text app that acts discreetly and records everything. Just press the micrphone button and away you go. The app is free of charge and also will add punctuation and gaps to help with being able to read and interpret what is being said. The app will also pause if there has been a gap of no speech for a little while. This app is idea for one on one conversations with friends, at reception counters or even over the phone.

https://texthear.com/

https://apps.apple.com/il/app/texthear/id1246677907?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.speechnotes.speechnotes

voxsci-app-logo.png

Voxsci (3.5/5)

• Speech to Text app designed for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People
• Specifically for voicemails not real-time

Vozsci is a speech to text app that has been designed with the sole purple to translate voicemail messages into texts or emails that can be saved. This does cost you a monthy fee to use but this allows translating up to 30 voicemails a month and can be used on a Desktop which allows you to link it to your work or home phone or download it  to your smart phone. You need either an Android or iOS Apple smart phone.

https://www.voxsci.com/

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/voxsciences/id1453423492

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.voxsci&hl=en_GB

earfy-app-logo.png

Earfy (3/5)

• Continuous streaming of conversation script
• No mic button on /off

This speech to text app converts text in real time so that you can immediately read what is being said. There is no push button, captions appear continuosly on the screen similar to subtitles on the television. This app is available on both iOS apple and Android devices. The app is free of charge

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earfy.earfy&hl=en_GB

https://apps.apple.com/za/app/earfy-live-subtitles-captions/id1241924236

You can find more informationa bout further apps designed to help people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing here: https://www.yourhearinghelper.com/hearing-apps

If you experience tinnitus the first person to talk to is your GP.

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Understanding Hearing Assistive Technology (HAT)

People with hearing loss have difficulty hearing and understanding speech. Despite significant advances in hearing aids and cochlear implants, these devices are frequently not enough to enable users to hear and understand what is being communicated in different settings.

Why? Because, for many of us, turning up the volume isn’t enough. Even with the latest technology, hearing aids have a limited effective range, basically amplify almost all sound, and usually can’t separate the background noise from the voices and sounds you want to hear.  

In addition to noise, distance and environment affect hearing ability. The farther hearing aid microphones are from what you want to hear, the less likely you will be able to hear and understand. Similarly, open areas, bare walls and floors, high ceilings, and floors and walls with many angles all contribute to poor acoustic conditions and what is called reverberation.

The good news is that there are hearing assistive technologies (HAT) that can readily enable communities to become more hearing friendly.

Technology for Leisure Time Video

See more  videos on Hearing Assistive Technology .

Improve Your Life

Hearing aids and cochlear implants are often insufficient in  public spaces such as auditoriums, places of worship, conference rooms, theaters, concert halls, airports, restaurants, transportation hubs, pharmacy counters, bank teller windows, customer service desks and more. 

Hearing Assistive Technology (HAT) can dramatically improve the lives of people with hearing loss. Assistive listening systems and devices bridge the gap between you and the sound source by eliminating the effects of distance, background noise, and reverberation. They can bypass challenging acoustics—sending sound directly to users’ ears.

The American with Disabilities Act (ADA), adopted in 1990, recognizes the difficulty for people with hearing loss to understand in public places and mandates the requirement for  assistive listening technology. In 2010 the rules were amended to require hearing aid compatibility so that people with hearing aids and cochlear implants need not remove their devices.

These accommodations are provided free to the listener. And although required, accommodations often need to be requested. For assistance, please view and download:

Requesting Hearing Accommodation at a Public Venue  

Requesting Hearing Accommodation in the Workplace  published by the Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

Hear Better in Public Places

Assistive Listening Systems are the gateway through which people with hearing loss access the sound being transmitted through a public address system or sound system. If a person wants to conveniently connect to one of these systems, it is imperative their hearing device have a telecoil. 

Ask Your Hearing Care Provider About Telecoils

Telecoils expand the usefulness of hearing aids and cochlear implants, especially in environments where it is typically challenging to hear clearly. Telecoils, also called t-coils, are built into many hearing aids, all cochlear implants, and some streamers. T-coils are an essential component for anyone wishing to easily and directly access an assistive listening system.

Hearing aids with a telecoil can make a dramatic difference in the user’s ability to hear clearly on the telephone, in meetings, a noisy restaurant, at the theater, and while navigating buses, airports, train stations and other challenging environments.

Hearing aid users often report being unsure if their hearing aids contain a telecoil program, and if their telecoil program has been activated. They also report they are frequently not informed they can have more than one telecoil program to use in different situations.  Make sure to ask your hearing care provider to confirm that the hearing aids you are purchasing have telecoils and that they are programmed and activated.

Help for People Without a Hearing Aid or Telecoil Program

Non-hearing aid users and people without a telecoil in their hearing aids can also use a hearing loop, FM, or infrared (IR) system via a receiver and headphones. You can also use a telecoil-equipped personal amplifier or special telecoil equipped earbuds and a smartphone.     

T hree Types of Assistive Listening Systems Provide ADA-Mandated Communication Access in Public Areas

Hearing loops • infrared • fm systems.

All assistive listening systems are required to be accessible for people with hearing aids or cochlear implants with or without telecoils and for people without hearing aids or cochlear implants. 

• Hearing Loops, also known as Induction Loops or Audio Frequency Induction Loop Systems (AFILS), consist of a copper wire placed within a room, theater, or counter which is connected via a special loop “driver” to a public address or sound system. An electromagnetic field is created that connects to a telecoil in hearing aids, cochlear implants, or telecoil receivers.  Loops are the most user-friendly of assistive listening options. Hearing loops are simple, discreet, and effective. Users simply switch their devices to the telecoil program and automatically receive clear, customized sound directly to their ears. People who do not have hearing aids or who do not have access to telecoils in their hearing aids or streamer need to use a hearing loop receiver and headphone to connect to the system. For more information, and useful hearing loop resources, go to our Hearing Loop Technology  and Get in the Hearing Loop  pages. 
• Infrared Systems (IR) work like TV remote controls. A transmitter sends speech or music from a public address or sound system to an IR receiver using invisible infrared light waves. This technology is line-of-sight and cannot be used outdoors during the daytime due to being affected by light. Because IR signals are sent and received in a straight line, users are encouraged to sit as centrally as possible; those sitting in balconies or other areas with poor sight lines may experience interference or receive no sound signal at all. Everyone using the IR system needs a receiver and either a headphone or a neck loop. For those who have telecoil-equipped hearing aids and cochlear implants, neck loops eliminate the need for headphones.
• FM Systems, or Radio Frequency Assistive Listening Systems, transmit wireless, low power FM frequency radio transmission from a sound system to FM receivers. An advantage of this system over an infrared system: FM is not affected by direct sunlight. Everyone using the system needs a receiver and either a headphone or a neck loop.
 For those who have telecoil-equipped hearing aids and cochlear implants, neck loops eliminate the need for headphones.

Hear Better in Conversations

Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) are personal technologies that can help you communicate in one-to-one conversations. They are hand-held amplifiers with microphones that bring the sound you wish to hear closer to your ears. These small devices capture the sound you want to hear and may filter some background noise. A Pocketalker is an inexpensive example of this type of device. There are also more costly devices, such as a Roger Pen, sold by audiologists as ancillary equipment to various brands of hearing aid and cochlear implants. 

An example of how you might use this type of device is communicating with a grandchild at a large family gathering. Your grandchild speaks into the microphone, and the sound is transmitted to your hearing device reducing competing noise, so you can understand them more clearly.

Hear Better When Listening to Your Devices

Bluetooth is a relatively short range wireless technology frequently used to connect cell phones, televisions, computers, tablets and, recently, hearing aids and cochlear implants.  Hearing device Bluetooth technology is sometimes proprietary—that is, designed for a specific brand and/or model of device. While this technology is evolving, it is still generally not suited for long range transmission in a large venue like an auditorium or theater.    

Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) and Realtime Captioning 

Captioning is the text of the audio portion of a video or film displayed directly on the video or film, often on the bottom of the screen. This may include not only the words, but the sounds that are important to understand and the source of the sound. Open captions cannot be turned off; closed captions are not visible unless they are decoded and turned on for display.

CART  is verbatim text of spoken presentations provided for live events. Only the text is provided on a computer screen or projected for display on a larger screen. CART may be provided in the classroom, at meetings, workshops and other presentations including live theater – anywhere that someone with a hearing loss needs to hear in a group setting.

Understanding speech may require using more than one technology; sometimes people with hearing loss need CART in addition to an assistive listening system. Combining assistive technology with CART can provide the best experience—improving both sound clarity and understanding.

CART is an auxiliary service that can be provided, on location or remotely, in which spoken words are converted to text by specially trained providers. The text can be projected onto a screen, displayed on a computer monitor or laptop, or transmitted via the internet. Event and venue managers and people who need CART should be aware that CART can be combined with a PowerPoint or other presentation content—enabling people to view all content on one screen.

Effective CART depends on the skill of the provider and their ability to hear what is said by every speaker. Special attention must be paid to the meeting site, the location of the provider in the room, the size and positioning of the screen on which captions will appear, and the behavior of the speakers. In the case of remote CART, a designated person onsite during the meeting should be available to troubleshoot technical difficulties if they arise.

See more information on the Captioning and CART page .

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Accessible Communication Devices and Apps to Combat Loneliness in Older Adults

Key takeaways.

• Social connectedness is important, but age-related hearing loss, vision loss, and limited mobility may increase social isolation, which can lead to poor overall health , [1] National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System. 2020. Found on the internet at https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/25663/social-isolation-and-loneliness-in-older-adults-opportunities-for-the cognitive decline, and psychological distress . [2] Mackenzie, Corey S., and Abdulrazaq, Shahad. Social Engagement Mediates the Relationship Between Participation in Social Activities and Psychological Distress Among Older Adults. Aging and Mental Health. October 2018. Found on the internet at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13607863.2019.1697200
• Accessible communication devices and apps diminish social barriers experienced by older adults with hearing loss, vision loss, and limited mobility.
• Many accessible communication tools are free and simple to use.

Being socially connected is important for everyone’s health and well-being. If you’re experiencing hearing loss , vision loss, or limited mobility, studies indicate [3] Dewane, Claudia. Hearing Loss in Older Adults — Its Effect on Mental Health. Social Work Today. July 2010. Found on the internet at https://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/071510p18.shtml you’re also at higher risk [4] Brunes, Audun, et al. Loneliness Among Adults With Visual Impairment: Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Relationship to Life Satisfaction. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes. February 2019. Found on the internet at https://hqlo.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12955-019-1096-y for social isolation . [5] La Grow, Steven J., et al. The Relationship Between Loneliness and Perceived Quality of Life Among Older Persons With Visual Impairments. Journal of Visual Impairments & Blindness. November 2015. Found on the internet at https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0145482X1510900606 Your usual methods of communicating and socializing may no longer be working for you, but there are options. A growing number of technological solutions can help you bridge communication gaps and feel more confident in social situations.

Our Reviews Team researched accessible communication tools to keep you informed and, more importantly, connected to the people and activities you love most. Use this list to find new ways to improve communication and enjoy social events to your heart’s content.

The importance of accessible communication

Communication is fundamentally linked to our senses. For example:

• Our eyes give us the ability to read lips and use sign language, interpret body language and facial expressions, and read messages.
• Our ears let us hear speech, laughter, cries, and other sounds that communicate the emotional states of the people around us.
• Our ability to move our bodies freely makes it easier to use body language and hand gestures to communicate the intention behind our words.

When any of these senses begin to deteriorate, we risk losing a communication channel. In many cases, people who experience mobility challenges or lose the ability to hear or see clearly also become less engaged socially . Loneliness often follows. Devices and apps for accessible communication can help reduce the loneliness and other mental health effects associated with hearing loss , vision loss, and limited mobility.

Hearing loss and social isolation

Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis , affects one-third of people 65 and over and 50% of people 75 and over in the United States. [6] National Institutes of Health. Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis). Found on the internet at https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/age-related-hearing-loss Medical professionals have reported that people tend to wait 10 years, on average, before seeking treatment for hearing loss, even though it negatively affects communication . [7] Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss. Found on the internet at https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss People with untreated hearing loss can also experience difficulties with body balance, leading to more falls, and research has shown that people with untreated hearing loss are more at risk for cognitive decline and dementia.

Some people with hearing loss report feeling awkward or foolish as a result of not being able to hear the people around them. They may become less social as a result. Khurshid Hamid , AuD, an audiologist based in the U.K., told us she sees patients who no longer talk due to hearing loss. “Some patients slowly pull away from social interactions because they feel left out and alone when they can’t keep up with the conversation.”

Solutions like hearing aids—especially discreet models—can reduce feelings of shame, improve confidence, and restore one’s social life. Hearing aids “help people remember how much fun it is to hear things,” Hamid said. “They can start talking to each other again, go to social events, and feel like they belong again”

Learning sign language, lip reading, or using speech-to-text apps can also provide a firm foundation for communicating with hearing loss and reducing the anxiety often related to hearing loss .

Vision loss and social isolation

About a quarter of U.S. adults age 71 and older have some level of vision loss. [9] Killeen, Olivia J., et al. Population Prevalence of Vision Impairment in US Adults 71 Years and Older: The National Health and Aging Trends Study. JAMA Ophthalmology. January 2023. Found on the internet at https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/article-abstract/2800246 Aging increases the risk of macular degeneration , the leading cause of vision loss in the U.S. Other age-related eye diseases include glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts. [10] University of Utah Health. Vision Changes as we Age: What’s Normal, What’s Not? Found on the internet at https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2018/09/vision-changes-we-age-whats-normal-whats-not

As many as one in two adults with vision loss experience moderate to severe loneliness. This may be due to the limited mobility experienced by people with age-related visual impairments. Devices that build navigational confidence, like low-vision glasses, may improve social engagement for people with vision loss. Screen readers (assistive technology that reads written words out loud) can also pave the way for online communication and socialization.

Limited mobility and social isolation

Limited mobility, which is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the ability to walk or climb stairs , is more common for older Americans than vision loss or hearing loss. [12] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC: 1 in 4 US Adults Live With a Disability. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/p0816-disability.html

Research indicates that older adults withdraw from social activities when they experience limited mobility—not only activities outside of the home, but also online and over the phone. [13] Rosso, Andrea L., et al. Mobility, Disability, and Social Engagement in Older Adults. Journal of Aging and Health. April 2013. Found on the internet at https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0898264313482489 Accessibility apps and technologies for communication continue to improve and become more widely available to more users, but the results of this study suggest older adults may need encouragement when adapting to internet-based forms of socialization.

Mobility aids, like walkers, canes, and power chairs, can also empower older adults to return to previously enjoyed activities in the community.

Communicating with friends and family

Technology can improve in-person and virtual communication and strengthen relationships with loved ones. Some communication tools help clarify the messages we send and receive, while others make it easier to connect socially on a regular basis.

Video calling

Video calling lets you see and hear the person you’re talking to and vice versa. This can be a great way to interact with friends and family when you can’t be together in person.

According to the Hearing Number , you may find it easier to understand your conversation partner during a video call due to the superior sound quality of internet-based calling services. [14] The Hearing Number. Using The Hearing Number. Found on the internet at https://hearingnumber.org/using-the-hearing-number/ You also get the benefit of seeing the speaker’s facial expressions and mouth movements, which helps listeners to better understand what they’re hearing.

What you need

To get started, you need a cellular- or internet-enabled device with a screen and camera. Most smartphones, laptops, and tablets will work, as will some smart home assistants. You’ll have the best experience if you and your partner have high-quality cameras and strong cellular or internet connections. If you use Bluetooth hearing aids, you may be able to stream sound directly from the device to the hearing aid for cleaner sound quality.

Next, pick a video calling platform. iPhones have a convenient built-in option called FaceTime. On Android phones, you’ll need to download an app, like Google Duo. Other popular (and free) video calling services include Google Meet, Skype, Zoom, and Facebook Messenger, all of which work on computers as well as mobile devices.

Ideas to get you started

Get creative with video calling by playing board games together. Games without moving pieces, like Pictionary, are a great option. Facebook Messenger also includes some virtual games you can play while on a video call, like Words with Friends, a word game that’s similar to Scrabble. Or, hang out on a video call while you both watch the same TV show or movie. Turn it into a virtual party by adding more than one other person to the call. Video calls can also be a great way to include someone who can’t make it to an in-person event.

Video calling can also help you feel closer to the children in your life. Consider reading them a book or singing songs together. Researchers at Lafayette College have found that children can recognize their video-calling partners by the age of 17 months, so it can be a good way to bond between in-person visits. [15] Lafayette College. New Study of Toddlers Sheds Light on Value of FaceTime Video Chat as Meaningful Interaction. ScienceDaily. July 2016. Found on the internet at https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/07/160715115023.htm

You can also search out various virtual programs through senior centers, support groups, faith-based organizations, etc., that offer people the ability to connect with one another.

Hearing aids

A 2019 study found older adults with hearing loss socialize less often than those without hearing loss. [16] Shukla, Aishwarya, et al. Functional Hearing Loss and Social Engagement Among Medicare Beneficiaries. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B. January 2021. Found on the internet at https://academic.oup.com/psychsocgerontology/article/76/1/195/5540718 Hearing aids can make a significant difference in your ability to hear and understand conversations, allowing you to participate more.

If you have mild to moderate hearing loss and are 18 or over, you don’t need a prescription to buy over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids . Many OTC hearing aid companies offer online hearing tests to help you determine your level of hearing loss, but consider visiting an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist in person to rule out physical causes, like earwax build-up or any underlying diseases.

When shopping for a hearing aid, look for the following communication enhancements:

• Bluetooth streaming: Hear audio from compatible Bluetooth devices, like TVs, radios, and phones, directly through your hearing aid to reduce background noise and personalize volume.
• Portable microphone: Clip it to your partner’s shirt or set it on the table in front of them for improved speech recognition.
• Telecoil: Connect to the induction loop provided by some theaters, classrooms, places of worship, and conference venues to better hear the speaker(s).
• Rechargeable batteries: Simply place your hearing aids into a charging case at the end of the day and avoid fiddling with small disposable batteries.

To learn more, read our full review of the best hearing aids .

“When I was an Army aviator, I began to suffer a gradual hearing loss. At first it was just a nuisance and then it got worse. When people would talk to me, I would smile and nod my head to avoid stating the obvious, I did not have a clue what they were saying. Now, I have my hearing aids on and not only can I hear what others are saying, I can hear better than those who do not claim a hearing loss. Hearing aids have helped me engage once again with the public and not hide away in fear…” —Joseph G., Friendswood, Texas

Some hearing aids, like the Signia Silk X, come in discreet styles.

Virtual lip reading and sign language classes

If you’d like to learn lip reading or sign language, you can access courses and materials online or through mobile apps. These skills aren’t just for people with profound hearing loss. Research shows lip reading helps people to better understand speech , and sign language can help you communicate if you’re unable to use your hearing aids. [17] Bourguignon, Mathieu, et al. Lip-Reading Enables the Brain to Synthesize Auditory Features of Unknown Silent Speech. Journal of Neuroscience. January 2020. Found on the internet at https://www.jneurosci.org/content/40/5/1053

Here are some free online courses to help you get started:

• Sign Language 101
• Lipreading Practice
• Lipreading.org

Digital photo frames

Sharing photos is a subtle but meaningful way to stay in touch with your loved ones. Digital photo frames make this easier than ever because family and friends can upload their photos directly to your frame. Even if you stay in touch and share pictures through social media, digital photo frames add a more personal touch. The pictures are intentionally shared with you and are on display in your home, so you can see the people you care for all the time. Some frames also allow for recorded audio to complement the images.

Apart from the initial setup, you don’t have to lift a finger. The frame automatically displays a slideshow of all of the photos that have been uploaded to it. Some frames even include the technology for making video calls.

Speech-to-text apps

Devices that convert speech to text make it easier to communicate through written messages. After activating the device’s listening mode, you speak your message into the microphone, along with any punctuation you want to include. For example, to transcribe, “Let’s eat, Doug,” you would say, “Let’s eat comma Doug period.”

You’ll then have a chance to read the transcribed text, make manual changes to the message, or delete and start over before sending or saving the text.

Many smartphones have some form of speech-to-text built into their software, though they are usually basic. Still, you can use this function to make notes, send text messages, or write emails and online posts. Look for an accessibility category in your device settings to turn on the speech-to-text function. If you need better speech recognition or extra features, like voice editing, try paid apps, like Dragon Anywhere or Otter .

Speech-to-text apps don’t always work perfectly. They may misunderstand you, spell someone’s name wrong, or even pick up the chatter from a TV or radio or from someone nearby. If you need to create a full document or write an important message and there’s no room for error, consider recording an audio message and having it professionally transcribed.

Finding community

Socializing has a direct and positive impact on mental health among older adults, and online socialization can lead to the same positive results . [18] Nimrod, Galit. The Benefits of and Constraints to Participation in Seniors’ Online Communities. Leisure Studies. March 2012. Found on the internet at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02614367.2012.697697 Learn how to leverage social media and the internet at large to meet new people, participate in virtual activities, and strengthen your current relationships.

Social media

Social media networks can help you develop a sense of community and belonging by connecting you with other people. Researchers have found that older adults who use social media tend to feel less lonely [19] Zhang, Kunyu. Social Media Communication and Loneliness Among Older Adults: The Mediating Roles of Social Support and Social Contact. The Gerontologist. September 2021. Found on the internet at https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/61/6/888/6025406 and less depressed [20] Cotten, Shelia R., et al. Internet Use and Depression Among Retired Older Adults in the United State: A Longitudinal Analysis. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B. September 2014. Found on the internet at https://academic.oup.com/psychsocgerontology/article/69/5/763/2940062 while also experiencing a boost in working memory performance . [21] Myhre, Janelle W. Effects of Online Social Networking on the Cognitive, Social, and Emotional Health of Older Adults. The University of Arizona. November 2013. Found on the internet at https://repository.arizona.edu/bitstream/handle/10150/332671/azu_etd_13044_sip1_m.pdf

According to the Pew Research Center, most older adults prefer Facebook and YouTube , so there’s a good chance you’ll find your peers on those sites. [22] Auxier, Brooke, et al. Social Media Use in 2021. Pew Research Center. Found on the internet at https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/04/07/social-media-use-in-2021/ Consider joining Facebook groups related to your interests to meet new people.

You can also sign up for an older adult-specific social media site, like Stitch .

To connect online with younger people, like grandchildren, ask them which platforms they use. Instagram is the second most popular option behind YouTube, but research has found people under 30 also use Snapchat, TikTok, and X (formerly known as Twitter) more than any other age group. You may be surprised to find, though, that many older adults enjoy using TikTok to make cooking, dance, and comedy videos. People in the 60 and older age group are joining TikTok in greater numbers , some of whom have millions of followers. [23] Ng, Reuben and Indran, Nicole. Not Too Old for TikTok: How Older Adults Are Reframing Aging. The Gerontologist. May 2022. Found on the internet at https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/62/8/1207/6581125

To join a social media network, you just need a computer, tablet, or smartphone and an email address. You don’t need to pay to join, but some do offer paid upgrades with fewer advertisements and premium features. Pay close attention to your privacy settings to ensure your privacy is protected, and brush up on cyber security tips to avoid being targeted by scammers.

Virtual activities and groups

Plenty of special-interest clubs meet virtually through video calls or message boards. If there’s a hobby you enjoy or a topic you’d like to discuss, chances are there’s already a group of like-minded people congregating online. It just takes a little research to find them.

Try typing a keyword plus “message boards” into Google to find online communities. Facebook Groups are another popular option. Every group has different rules to follow, so spend a little time finding one that aligns with your values.

Here are a few examples of online activities or groups:

• TV or movie fan clubs
• Exercise classes
• Guided meditations
• Spiritual groups
• Craft classes and clubs
• Video game teams
• Music groups
• Online educational courses
• Online volunteering

Many online groups are run by volunteers and are completely free to join. Others may require a subscription fee. Research any group asking for payment to make sure it’s not a scam before you sign up.

Neighborhood apps

To stay on top of news and events in your specific area, join an app, like NextDoor, or follow neighborhood-specific groups on Facebook. These are great places to learn about local events and volunteer opportunities in your neighborhood. People often use these apps to ask for contractor recommendations, post messages for a lost or found pet, or advertise to sell or give away furniture and other items. They’re also a great way to get to know other people in your area.

You can access NextDoor or Facebook groups through any web browser or through each company’s mobile app.

Social games

Virtual multiplayer games allow you to invite specific people to play with you in real-time. You can find games online, through the Apple App Store or Google Play store, and through gaming consoles, like PlayStation and Xbox. If none of your friends are available, most games have solo options that pit you against the computer. Some can also match you with a stranger to play against in real-time.

Numerous board games have been converted into mobile apps, such as:

• Scattergories

Experiencing arts, culture, and entertainment

Thanks to the internet and some incredible free resources, it’s possible to enjoy concerts, plays, museum exhibits, historical landmarks, and more without traveling. If you do travel to experience these attractions in person, some useful apps and devices can smooth communication hiccups along the way.

Google Arts & Culture

Google put its Street View technology to new use by mapping inside popular museums and other tourist destinations. The result is the Google Arts and Culture portal. Choose a destination, such as the British Museum or the Eiffel Tower, then navigate through the area by clicking the directional arrows. When you want to look around, click and drag anywhere on the screen for a full 360-degree view.

You can also zoom in to see the intricate details on famous works of art, travel back in time through photos, or play games that combine art and technology. Supplement your Google Arts and Culture experience with Google Earth, which lets you virtually travel the globe through 3D aerial views and high-definition street-view images.

Google Arts and Culture works best on a computer with a high-speed internet connection.

Livestreaming

Livestreaming occurs when someone transmits video footage over the internet in real-time to an audience. All kinds of events can be livestreamed, such as sporting events, religious services, concerts, and zoo cams. By tuning in to livestreams, you get to enjoy new experiences without facing the logistical challenges of travel.

Many livestreaming events are free, but some (especially professional ones) may require a subscription service or payment to view. Be sure to ask around before paying a service to watch a livestream—if no one’s heard of the service, it may be a scam.

All you need to enjoy a livestream is a device that connects to the internet and supports a web browser or app, like a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Some smart TVs or connected devices, like Roku, are also capable of connecting to livestreaming services. A high-speed internet connection works best for livestreams because it allows the video to play smoothly.

Ideas to get started

You can discover random livestream broadcasts on sites like Facebook, YouTube, or Vimeo. Type a keyword, like “concert” or “baseball,” plus the word “livestream” into the search bar on those sites to see what’s out there. Because anyone can start a livestream, the quality ranges from amateur to professional.

You can also plan ahead and create a livestream viewing schedule. Here’s a comprehensive list of livestream concerts to tune into. Or, if you like watching zoo critters, type “livestream zoo cameras” into Google to see dozens of options. Keep searching for livestreams of your favorite events, hobbies, or celebrities—you may be surprised by the variety and quality available. A word of caution: You may want to check your browser settings to be sure “safe search” is turned on to avoid seeing anything unsettling in the search results.

Audiobooks and screen readers

Audiobooks and screen readers make written text more accessible by converting it to sound. Screen readers use a computer-generated voice to read any text on your device—including webpages like this one. Screen readers also explain the visual elements on a page by accessing the hidden “alt text” that’s written into each image’s code and can make navigation easier by announcing hyperlinks embedded within the text.

Apple products and most Android devices include built-in screen readers, but other options are available for download if you want more than basic features.

Audiobooks are usually professionally produced with a real person reading a book aloud. The visual elements of a book, if applicable, aren’t usually described by the narrator, though.

While audiobooks have been around for a while in the form of cassettes and CDs, they’re now available as digital downloads. You can buy audiobooks through a variety of vendors, but many titles can also be borrowed for free through your local library in cooperation with apps like Hoopla and Libby .

Once you’ve downloaded an audiobook, you just play it through your device’s media player. You can also listen to the audiobook through Bluetooth speakers in your home or car for a more convenient experience. Some hearing aids stream Bluetooth audio, which can improve the overall clarity of the reader’s speech and allow you to listen wherever you are.

Captioning apps

Captioning apps convert speech to text on videos, phone calls, or other inputs. Instead of listening to a phone call, you read what the other person says in real-time. If you don’t have a smartphone or need an accessible business phone, consider an all-in-one device, like CaptionCall or CapTel . Both are totally free if an audiologist certifies your hearing loss.

While most captioning apps use artificial intelligence software to transcribe speech, the FCC-funded InnoCaption app hires professional transcriptionists to create high-quality transcriptions in real-time. Because this is more resource-intensive, InnoCaption requires proof of hearing loss before granting you access to the app.

Low-vision smart glasses

Low-vision smart glasses, or electronic glasses, consist of a camera mounted to a frame. Artificial intelligence interprets the items, colors, and people seen through the camera and audibly identifies them for the wearer. Some models also read written text aloud and connect to earbuds for privacy.

People with any level of vision loss can use these glasses, and no prescription is required. Use them to enhance your experience with arts and culture or to navigate daily life. But be aware they generally cost between $150–$300.

Alternatively, you can use a free service, like Be My Eyes , to get visual assistance from volunteers through video calling.

Google Translate

The Google Translate app helps you communicate when you encounter another language, whether written or spoken. You can type or paste words into the text field to get an immediate translation, tap the conversation button to translate real-time conversations, or use the camera function to simply point your phone’s camera at written words and wait for a translation to appear within seconds on your screen. You can use the app to translate speech into virtually any language by tapping the language options beneath the text field.

Google Translate doesn’t always get it right, though. It may not use perfect grammar or choose the best word for the context, but it can do wonders for getting an idea across. Google Translate is available for free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play store. It can also be accessed through any web browser, although some features, like real-time text translation, may not be available.

Communicating in an emergency

Getting help fast during an emergency can mean the difference between life and death. Some technology, like fall detection, doesn’t even require you to lift a finger to summon help. Other solutions, like wearable buttons and smartphone apps, provide shortcuts to contacting emergency services.

Wearable alert technology

Wearable devices, like smartwatches and medical alert necklaces , provide a convenient way to contact someone during an emergency, whether a medical event, fire, or security threat. Simply press and hold the button to start a two-way call with 911, a professional monitoring center, or your emergency contact.

Although there’s no 100% guarantee of accuracy, some wearable devices also include fall detection, which allows the monitoring center to automatically place an emergency call if you fall and don’t get up right away. Responders know where to go thanks to the device’s built-in GPS.

To choose the best wearable solution for you, think about the following:

• Who do you want to contact? Professional monitors represent the most versatile option because they have your personal information and medical history on file and can call 911 or a personal contact on your behalf if needed.
• Are you at risk of falling? Use our Falls Free CheckUp to evaluate your risk of falling. Consider a wearable with automatic fall detection if your fall risk is moderate to high.
• Do you want to pay a monthly fee? The best wearables for communication use cellular technology, which requires a monthly subscription similar to a cellphone. Devices without a monthly fee usually only call 911.
• Do you want other communication features in the device? Consider whether you’d also like your wearable device to send or receive text messages, use voice-to-text messaging, or make video calls. Apple Watch, MGMove, and Angel Watch have more communication features than most medical alert watches.

Learn more about the best medical alert systems .

Emergency button apps

Wearable tech isn’t the only way to keep an emergency button nearby. Some smartphone apps provide a similar function, but they can take a little longer to activate because you have to navigate to the app before you can press the on-screen button. If this is a concern, look for an emergency app with the option for voice activation. You may also be able to use built-in phone apps, like Google Assistant or Siri, to open the emergency app for you via voice command.

As with wearable options, you typically press and hold the button until it activates. Some apps operate silently through text messages, whereas others can place phone calls. The apps use your phone’s built-in GPS system to share your location, allowing first responders or your chosen contacts to come directly to you.

These personal emergency apps, also called panic button apps, typically charge a monthly subscription fee.

Crash detection apps

Many modern smartphones have sensors that measure acceleration and other movement-related data. Often used to track fitness activity, these sensors can also be used to detect car wrecks and automatically alert 911. This can be lifesaving if there are no bystanders available to call for help or you’re unable to dial 911 yourself.

Google Pixel and iPhone 14 come with built-in crash detection. For all other smartphones, you’ll need to download (and possibly pay for) a third-party crash detection app.

Monitored smoke detectors

According to the National Fire Protection Association, you may only have about two minutes to escape a house fire . [24] National Fire Protection Association. How to Make a Home Fire Escape Plan. Found on the internet at https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Preparedness/Escape-planning But firefighters may come to your aid faster if they’re alerted through a professionally monitored smoke detector.

This automatic communication device sends a signal to a monitoring company, which can then call 911 on your behalf. You don’t have to do anything except focus on getting out of the home safely. And if you’re not at home when the detectors are activated or are unable to answer your phone, emergency help will be called immediately so residents and pets can be located and taken to safety.

You’ll need to replace your current smoke detectors with detectors that can be monitored by your chosen company. You can also find smart smoke detector options, which can be paired with a smartphone app, so you can easily cancel a false alarm, or linked with a smart home system, so you can open all of your door locks remotely or automatically, allowing emergency personnel to enter without needing to break the door down.

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)

The Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system sends severe weather warnings, among other emergency messages, directly to your phone. They’re the same kind of messages that might interrupt a radio broadcast or warrant a breaking news segment on TV. The phone-based WEA messages provide an extra layer of protection for when you don’t have the radio or TV turned on.

You don’t need to download an app or share your phone number to receive these alerts. All you need is a WEA-compatible phone and carrier. Check with your carrier to make sure your phone receives WEA messages. For example, here’s a list of WEA-compatible phones from Verizon , and here’s a list from AT&T .

If your phone isn’t WEA-compatible, consider upgrading to a model that is. If that’s not an option, you can download an alternative emergency app, like the one available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Getting these important messages is one thing, and knowing how to respond is another. Learn how to prepare for severe weather emergencies and other threats , whether you’re at home or on the road.

Bottom line

Hearing loss, vision loss, and limited mobility can reduce a person’s ability to communicate effectively and socialize confidently. Choosing to withdraw from their usual socialization activities can result in poor mental health (and cognitive decline). Accessible, technology-driven communication tools can help fight these risks by promoting social engagement, fun, and safety for all people.

Have questions about this review? Email us at [email protected] .

• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System. 2020. Found on the internet at https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/25663/social-isolation-and-loneliness-in-older-adults-opportunities-for-the
• Mackenzie, Corey S., and Abdulrazaq, Shahad. Social Engagement Mediates the Relationship Between Participation in Social Activities and Psychological Distress Among Older Adults. Aging and Mental Health. October 2018. Found on the internet at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13607863.2019.1697200
• Dewane, Claudia. Hearing Loss in Older Adults — Its Effect on Mental Health. Social Work Today. July 2010. Found on the internet at https://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/071510p18.shtml
• Brunes, Audun, et al. Loneliness Among Adults With Visual Impairment: Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Relationship to Life Satisfaction. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes. February 2019. Found on the internet at https://hqlo.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12955-019-1096-y
• La Grow, Steven J., et al. The Relationship Between Loneliness and Perceived Quality of Life Among Older Persons With Visual Impairments. Journal of Visual Impairments & Blindness. November 2015. Found on the internet at https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0145482X1510900606
• National Institutes of Health. Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis). Found on the internet at https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/age-related-hearing-loss
• Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss. Found on the internet at https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
• Bisogno, Antonella, et al. Hearing Loss and Cognitive Impairment: Epidemiology, Common Pathophysiological Findings, and Treatment Considerations. Life. October 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/11/10/1102
• Killeen, Olivia J., et al. Population Prevalence of Vision Impairment in US Adults 71 Years and Older: The National Health and Aging Trends Study. JAMA Ophthalmology. January 2023. Found on the internet at https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/article-abstract/2800246
• University of Utah Health. Vision Changes as we Age: What’s Normal, What’s Not? Found on the internet at https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2018/09/vision-changes-we-age-whats-normal-whats-not
• Sengupta, Sabyasachi, et al. Evaluation of Real-World Mobility in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. BMC Ophthalmology. January 2015. Found on the internet at https://bmcophthalmol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2415-15-9
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC: 1 in 4 US Adults Live With a Disability. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/p0816-disability.html
• Rosso, Andrea L., et al. Mobility, Disability, and Social Engagement in Older Adults. Journal of Aging and Health. April 2013. Found on the internet at https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0898264313482489
• The Hearing Number. Using The Hearing Number. Found on the internet at https://hearingnumber.org/using-the-hearing-number/
• Lafayette College. New Study of Toddlers Sheds Light on Value of FaceTime Video Chat as Meaningful Interaction. ScienceDaily. July 2016. Found on the internet at https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/07/160715115023.htm
• Shukla, Aishwarya, et al. Functional Hearing Loss and Social Engagement Among Medicare Beneficiaries. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B. January 2021. Found on the internet at https://academic.oup.com/psychsocgerontology/article/76/1/195/5540718
• Bourguignon, Mathieu, et al. Lip-Reading Enables the Brain to Synthesize Auditory Features of Unknown Silent Speech. Journal of Neuroscience. January 2020. Found on the internet at https://www.jneurosci.org/content/40/5/1053
• Nimrod, Galit. The Benefits of and Constraints to Participation in Seniors’ Online Communities. Leisure Studies. March 2012. Found on the internet at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02614367.2012.697697
• Zhang, Kunyu. Social Media Communication and Loneliness Among Older Adults: The Mediating Roles of Social Support and Social Contact. The Gerontologist. September 2021. Found on the internet at https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/61/6/888/6025406
• Cotten, Shelia R., et al. Internet Use and Depression Among Retired Older Adults in the United State: A Longitudinal Analysis. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B. September 2014. Found on the internet at https://academic.oup.com/psychsocgerontology/article/69/5/763/2940062
• Myhre, Janelle W. Effects of Online Social Networking on the Cognitive, Social, and Emotional Health of Older Adults. The University of Arizona. November 2013. Found on the internet at https://repository.arizona.edu/bitstream/handle/10150/332671/azu_etd_13044_sip1_m.pdf
• Auxier, Brooke, et al. Social Media Use in 2021. Pew Research Center. Found on the internet at https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/04/07/social-media-use-in-2021/
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• National Fire Protection Association. How to Make a Home Fire Escape Plan. Found on the internet at https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Preparedness/Escape-planning
• National Weather Service. Weather Warnings on the Go. Found on the internet at https://www.weather.gov/wrn/wea

• State of Minnesota
• Department of Human Services

Apps for hearing loss

Speech-to-text apps.

Speech-to-text apps can be useful for short, casual interactions, such as ordering food in a restaurant or getting help in a retail store. The accuracy of speech-to-text apps varies, and you may get better captions the closer the device’s microphone is to the person speaking. Ideally, the person speaking will use their own device with the speech-to-text app. Add-on microphones may help improve sound quality while maintaining distance. Add-on microphones are available from electronics retailers. 

Speech-to-text apps are not recommended when critical information is being exchanged, such as in medical settings, legal settings, or when the service provider is otherwise required to provide accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

When comparing speech-to-text apps, look for features that fit how you communicate. If you do not use your voice, does the app allow you to type your question or response? If yes, does it read it aloud for the other party? What languages can the app caption? Are font sizes adjustable?

Some examples of speech-to-text apps:

• Ava  ( iOS ,  Android )
• Connect ( iOS )
• Google Live Transcribe  ( Android )
• Live Captions (native iOS app available on iPhone 11 and later, also available on iPad )
• Live Transcribe  by Rob Norback ( iOS )
• Microsoft Translator  ( iOS ,  Android ,  Windows )
• Otter.ai  ( iOS ,  Android )

The Minnesota Department of Human Services does not endorse any specific speech-to-text apps. 

Writing notes

There are some times when writing might be a good way to communicate. Writing is especially helpful for short, casual interactions, such as when asking for help in a store or directions on campus. You can use a paper and pen, or a whiteboard and pen. Apps and electronic devices can make writing faster.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services does not endorse any particular apps or electronic writing tablets. We encourage reading the reviews and comparing features and costs to find the product that fits your unique needs.

Apps for writing notes

• Big Note ( iOS ,  Android ) 
• Cardzilla ( iOS ,  Android ) 
• Google Keep ( iOS ,  Android ) 
• Sorenson Buzz Cards ( iOS ,  Android ) 

Electronic writing tablets

There are dozens of electronic writing tablets. Search your preferred electronics retailer using the keywords "LCD writing tablet" or "electronic writing tablet." Here are just a few examples:

• Boogie Board
• Sunany LCD writing tablet
• Mafiti LCD writing tablet  

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Table of contents

Ada requirements: effective communication.

Last updated: February 28, 2020

The Department of Justice published revised final regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for title II (State and local government services) and title III (public accommodations and commercial facilities) on September 15, 2010, in the Federal Register. These requirements, or rules, clarify and refine issues that have arisen over the past 20 years and contain new, and updated, requirements, including the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design (2010 Standards).

Guidance & Resources

Read this to get specific guidance about this topic.

• For a beginner-level introduction to a topic, view Topics
• For information about the legal requirements, visit Law, Regulations & Standards

People who have vision, hearing, or speech disabilities (“communication disabilities”) use different ways to communicate. For example, people who are blind may give and receive information audibly rather than in writing and people who are deaf may give and receive information through writing or sign language rather than through speech.

The ADA requires that title II entities (State and local governments) and title III entities (businesses and nonprofit organizations that serve the public) communicate effectively with people who have communication disabilities. The goal is to ensure that communication with people with these disabilities is equally effective as communication with people without disabilities.

This publication is designed to help title II and title III entities (“covered entities”) understand how the rules for effective communication, including rules that went into effect on March 15, 2011, apply to them.

• The purpose of the effective communication rules is to ensure that the person with a vision, hearing, or speech disability can communicate with, receive information from, and convey information to, the covered entity.
• Covered entities must provide auxiliary aids and services when needed to communicate effectively with people who have communication disabilities.
• The key to communicating effectively is to consider the nature, length, complexity, and context of the communication and the person’s normal method(s) of communication.
• The rules apply to communicating with the person who is receiving the covered entity’s goods or services as well as with that person’s parent, spouse, or companion in appropriate circumstances.

Auxiliary Aids and Services

The ADA uses the term “auxiliary aids and services” (“aids and services”) to refer to the ways to communicate with people who have communication disabilities.

• For people who are blind, have vision loss, or are deaf-blind, this includes providing a qualified reader; information in large print, Braille, or electronically for use with a computer screen-reading program; or an audio recording of printed information. A “qualified” reader means someone who is able to read effectively, accurately, and impartially, using any necessary specialized vocabulary.
• For people who are deaf, have hearing loss, or are deaf-blind, this includes providing a qualified notetaker; a qualified sign language interpreter, oral interpreter, cued-speech interpreter, or tactile interpreter; real-time captioning; written materials; or a printed script of a stock speech (such as given on a museum or historic house tour). A “qualified” interpreter means someone who is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, both receptively (i.e., understanding what the person with the disability is saying) and expressively (i.e., having the skill needed to convey information back to that person) using any necessary specialized vocabulary.
• For people who have speech disabilities, this may include providing a qualified speech-to-speech transliterator (a person trained to recognize unclear speech and repeat it clearly) , especially if the person will be speaking at length, such as giving testimony in court, or just taking more time to communicate with someone who uses a communication board. In some situations, keeping paper and pencil on hand so the person can write out words that staff cannot understand or simply allowing more time to communicate with someone who uses a communication board or device may provide effective communication. Staff should always listen attentively and not be afraid or embarrassed to ask the person to repeat a word or phrase they do not understand.

In addition, aids and services include a wide variety of technologies including 1) assistive listening systems and devices; 2) open captioning, closed captioning, real-time captioning, and closed caption decoders and devices; 3) telephone handset amplifiers, hearing-aid compatible telephones, text telephones (TTYs) , videophones, captioned telephones, and other voice, text, and video-based telecommunications products; 4) videotext displays; 5) screen reader software, magnification software, and optical readers; 6) video description and secondary auditory programming (SAP) devices that pick up video-described audio feeds for television programs; 7) accessibility features in electronic documents and other electronic and information technology that is accessible (either independently or through assistive technology such as screen readers).

Real-time captioning  (also known as computer-assisted real-time transcription, or CART) is a service similar to court reporting in which a transcriber types what is being said at a meeting or event into a computer that projects the words onto a screen. This service, which can be provided on-site or remotely, is particularly useful for people who are deaf or have hearing loss but do not use sign language.

The free nationwide  telecommunications relay service  (TRS), reached by calling 7-1-1, uses communications assistants (also called CAs or relay operators) who serve as intermediaries between people who have hearing or speech disabilities who use a text telephone (TTY) or text messaging and people who use standard voice telephones. The communications assistant tells the telephone user what the other party is typing and types to tell the other party what the telephone user is saying. TRS also provides speech-to-speech transliteration for callers who have speech disabilities.

Video relay service  (VRS) is a free, subscriber-based service for people who use sign language and have videophones, smart phones, or computers with video communication capabilities. For outgoing calls, the subscriber contacts the VRS interpreter, who places the call and serves as an intermediary between the subscriber and a person who uses a standard voice telephone. The interpreter tells the telephone user what the subscriber is signing and signs to the subscriber what the telephone user is saying.

Video remote interpreting  (VRI) is a fee-based service that uses video conferencing technology to access an off-site interpreter to provide real-time sign language or oral interpreting services for conversations between hearing people and people who are deaf or have hearing loss. The new regulations give covered entities the choice of using VRI or on-site interpreters in situations where either would be effective. VRI can be especially useful in rural areas where on-site interpreters may be difficult to obtain. Additionally, there may be some cost advantages in using VRI in certain circumstances. However, VRI will not be effective in all circumstances. For example, it will not be effective if the person who needs the interpreter has difficulty seeing the screen (either because of vision loss or because he or she cannot be properly positioned to see the screen, because of an injury or other condition). In these circumstances, an on-site interpreter may be required.

If VRI is chosen,  all  of the following specific performance standards must be met:

• real-time, full-motion video and audio over a dedicated high-speed, wide-bandwidth video connection or wireless connection that delivers high-quality video images that do not produce lags, choppy, blurry, or grainy images, or irregular pauses in communication;
• a sharply delineated image that is large enough to display the interpreter’s face, arms, hands, and fingers, and the face, arms, hands, and fingers of the person using sign language, regardless of his or her body position;
• a clear, audible transmission of voices; and
• adequate staff training to ensure quick set-up and proper operation.

Many deaf-blind individuals use support service providers (SSPs) to assist them in accessing the world around them. SSPs are not “aids and services” under the ADA. However, they provide mobility, orientation, and informal communication services for deaf-blind individuals and are a critically important link enabling them to independently access the community at large.

Effective Communication Provisions

Covered entities must provide aids and services when needed to communicate effectively with people who have communication disabilities.

The key to deciding what aid or service is needed to communicate  effectively  is to consider the nature, length, complexity, and context of the communication as well as the person’s normal method(s) of communication.

Some easy solutions work in relatively simple and straightforward situations. For example:

• In a lunchroom or restaurant, reading the menu to a person who is blind allows that person to decide what dish to order.
• In a retail setting, pointing to product information or writing notes back and forth to answer simple questions about a product may allow a person who is deaf to decide whether to purchase the product.

Other solutions may be needed where the information being communicated is more extensive or complex. For example:

• In a law firm, providing an accessible electronic copy of a legal document that is being drafted for a client who is blind allows the client to read the draft at home using a computer screen-reading program.
• In a doctor’s office, an interpreter generally will be needed for taking the medical history of a patient who uses sign language or for discussing a serious diagnosis and its treatment options.

A person’s method(s) of communication are also key. For example, sign language interpreters are effective only for people who use sign language. Other methods of communication, such as those described above, are needed for people who may have lost their hearing later in life and do not use sign language. Similarly, Braille is effective only for people who read Braille. Other methods are needed for people with vision disabilities who do not read Braille, such as providing accessible electronic text documents, forms, etc., that can be accessed by the person’s screen reader program.

Covered entities are also required to accept telephone calls placed through TRS and VRS, and staff who answer the telephone must treat relay calls just like other calls. The communications assistant will explain how the system works if necessary.

Remember, the purpose of the effective communication rules is to ensure that the person with a communication disability can receive information from, and convey information to, the covered entity.

In many situations, covered entities communicate with someone other than the person who is receiving their goods or services. For example, school staff usually talk to a parent about a child’s progress; hospital staff often talk to a patient’s spouse, other relative, or friend about the patient’s condition or prognosis. The rules refer to such people as “companions” and require covered entities to provide effective communication for companions who have communication disabilities.

The term “companion” includes any family member, friend, or associate of a person seeking or receiving an entity’s goods or services who is an appropriate person with whom the entity should communicate.

Use of Accompanying Adults or Children as Interpreters

Historically, many covered entities have expected a person who uses sign language to bring a family member or friend to interpret for him or her. These people often lacked the impartiality and specialized vocabulary needed to interpret effectively and accurately. It was particularly problematic to use people’s children as interpreters.

The ADA places responsibility for providing effective communication, including the use of interpreters, directly on covered entities. They cannot require a person to bring someone to interpret for him or her. A covered entity can rely on a companion to interpret in only two situations.

• In an emergency involving an imminent threat to the safety or welfare of an individual or the public, an adult or minor child accompanying a person who uses sign language may be relied upon to interpret or facilitate communication only when a qualified interpreter is not available.
• In situations  not  involving an imminent threat, an adult accompanying someone who uses sign language may be relied upon to interpret or facilitate communication when a) the individual requests this, b) the accompanying adult agrees, and c) reliance on the accompanying adult is appropriate under the circumstances. This exception does not apply to minor children.

Even under exception (2) , covered entities may  not rely on an accompanying adult to interpret when there is reason to doubt the person’s impartiality or effectiveness. For example:

• It would be inappropriate to rely on a companion to interpret who feels conflicted about communicating bad news to the person or has a personal stake in the outcome of a situation.
• When responding to a call alleging spousal abuse, police should never rely on one spouse to interpret for the other spouse.

Who Decides Which Aid or Service Is Needed?

When choosing an aid or service, title II entities are  required  to give primary consideration to the choice of aid or service requested by the person who has a communication disability. The state or local government must honor the person’s choice, unless it can demonstrate that another equally effective means of communication is available, or that the use of the means chosen would result in a fundamental alteration or in an undue burden (see limitations below). If the choice expressed by the person with a disability would result in an undue burden or a fundamental alteration, the public entity still has an obligation to provide an alternative aid or service that provides effective communication if one is available.

Title III entities are  encouraged  to consult with the person with a disability to discuss what aid or service is appropriate. The goal is to provide an aid or service that will be effective, given the nature of what is being communicated and the person’s method of communicating.

Covered entities may require reasonable advance notice from people requesting aids or services, based on the length of time needed to acquire the aid or service, but may not impose excessive advance notice requirements. “Walk-in” requests for aids and services must also be honored to the extent possible.

Limitations

Covered entities are required to provide aids and services unless doing so would result in an “undue burden,” which is defined as significant difficulty or expense. If a particular aid or service would result in an undue burden, the entity must provide another effective aid or service, if possible, that would not result in an undue burden. Determining what constitutes an undue burden will vary from entity to entity and sometimes from one year to the next. The impact of changing economic conditions on the resources available to an entity may also be taken into consideration in making this determination.

State and local governments: in determining whether a particular aid or service would result in undue financial and administrative burdens, a title II entity should take into consideration the cost of the particular aid or service in light of all resources available to fund the program, service, or activity and the effect on other expenses or operations. The decision that a particular aid or service would result in an undue burden must be made by a high level official, no lower than a Department head, and must include a written statement of the reasons for reaching that conclusion.

Businesses and nonprofits: in determining whether a particular aid or service would result in an undue burden, a title III entity should take into consideration the nature and cost of the aid or service relative to their size, overall financial resources, and overall expenses. In general, a business or nonprofit with greater resources is expected to do more to ensure effective communication than one with fewer resources. If the entity has a parent company, the administrative and financial relationship, as well as the size, resources, and expenses of the parent company, would also be considered.

In addition, covered entities are not required to provide any particular aid or service in those rare circumstances where it would fundamentally alter the nature of the goods or services they provide to the public. In the performing arts, for example, slowing down the action on stage in order to describe the action for patrons who are blind or have vision loss may fundamentally alter the nature of a play or dance performance.

Staff Training

A critical and often overlooked component of ensuring success is comprehensive and ongoing staff training. Covered entities may have established good policies, but if front line staff are not aware of them or do not know how to implement them, problems can arise. Covered entities should teach staff about the ADA’s requirements for communicating effectively with people who have communication disabilities. Many local disability organizations, including Centers for Independent Living, conduct ADA trainings in their communities. The Department’s ADA Information Line can provide local contact information for these organizations.

For more information about the ADA, please visit ADA.gov or call our toll-free number.

ADA Information Line 800-514-0301 (Voice) and 1-833-610-1264 (TTY) M-W, F 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Th 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) to speak with an ADA Specialist. Calls are confidential.

For people with disabilities, this publication is available in alternate formats.

The Americans with Disabilities Act authorizes the Department of Justice (the Department) to provide technical assistance to individuals and entities that have rights or responsibilities under the Act. This document provides informal guidance to assist you in understanding the ADA and the Department’s regulations.

This guidance document is not intended to be a final agency action, has no legally binding effect, and may be rescinded or modified in the Department’s complete discretion, in accordance with applicable laws. The Department’s guidance documents, including this guidance, do not establish legally enforceable responsibilities beyond what is required by the terms of the applicable statutes, regulations, or binding judicial precedent.

Duplication of this document is encouraged.

Originally issued: January 01, 2014

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National Speech-Language-Hearing Month: 13 Ways to Improve Your Company’s Accessibility

Rev › Blog › Speech to Text Technology › National Speech-Language-Hearing Month: 13 Ways to Improve Your Company’s Accessibility

This May, Better Hearing and Speech Month is back — and with a new name! Get ready to celebrate the all-new National Speech-Language-Hearing Month of 2024 and bring awareness to issues surrounding speech and hearing accessibility. With a new and improved title, this annual month-long event is ready to embrace the rebirth of spring by inspiring change in communities across the globe.

Here at Rev, we consider ourselves experts in making content more inclusive by creating transcriptions that are reviewed by humans for humans, and there’s nothing we love more than giving speech-language-hearing accessibility its time in the sun.

Below, you’ll find a list of 13 ways to make accessibility front and center at your company. Plus, we’ve included advice on hearing loss prevention and facts that will make you rethink the way you view accessibility both at work and in your day-to-day life.

What Is the Purpose of National Speech-Language-Hearing Month?

The purpose of National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, formerly called Better Hearing and Speech Month, is to increase awareness surrounding issues of accessibility for those with hearing and speech disorders.

These issues may include access to closed captioning on safety instruction videos, sign language interpretation for live events, or the regulation of assistive technologies. Additionally, the month promotes access to early detection and intervention for hearing and speech disorders, as well as advocacy for accessibility in the workplace.

What is the New Name of Better Hearing and Speech Month?

As of 2024, Better Hearing and Speech Month will be known as National Speech-Language-Hearing Month. The change was made official by the National Association for Hearing and Speech Action (NAHSA), the consumer affiliate of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), on July 19, 2023.

History of the Holiday: 100 Years of Tradition

The early 20th century was a period of innovation and discovery in speech-language and audiology studies, with medical advances that required outside financial support. To garner this support, National Speech-Language-Hearing Month was established in 1927 by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), only two years after the ASHA itself was founded.

For the last 100 years, the event has skyrocketed into a global initiative, hailed by communities big and small. Each year, this annual event has brought attention to critical issues of accessibility, putting matters into the hands of those who can make a difference at both the local and national levels.

National Speech-Language-Hearing Month Ideas: 13 Ways To Improve Your Company’s Accessibility

There are many ways for small business owners, CEOs, and even content creators to increase their accessibility efforts during National Speech-Language-Hearing Month. To start brainstorming, here are 13 ways to improve your company’s accessibility for those with speech or hearing conditions:

1. Caption and Transcribe Your Company’s Video and Audio Content

Bridge the gap between your viewers or listeners and the content you’re creating. Use trusted caption or transcription services for videos and audio content, especially podcasts , so anyone can follow along with ease.

2. Hire A Sign Language Interpreter

Sign language interpreters are invaluable for occasions where captions simply aren’t an option. Hire an interpreter for meetings and live events to accommodate your deaf or hard-of-hearing attendees.

3. Provide Assistive Learning Devices (ALDs)

Another way to make events and workplaces more inclusive is by providing assistive learning devices or ALDs. These may include sound-transmitting systems like hearing loops, which are especially useful in theaters or large conference halls where acoustics can be unfavorable.

4. Make Written Content Accessible

Rethink your written content by including accessible formats like braille and large print, and don’t forget to make your written digital content more accessible by using high-contrast colors and appropriate text sizing for better readability.

5. Offer Free or Discounted Screenings

There’s nothing that tells your employees you care for their well-being like providing free healthcare screenings. Help your staff detect speech or hearing issues early by offering free or discounted screenings by a qualified healthcare provider.

6. Raise Awareness on Social Media

This month is your chance to engage with your local speech and hearing community . Use social media to promote awareness of National Speech-Language-Hearing Month and highlight any local causes, such as new laws or the addition of ADLs in public spaces.

7. Invest in Accessible Alert Systems

Safety should be a priority for everyone in your workspace. Replace your standard alarm systems with visual or vibrating alert systems, which could be a lifesaving move for your hard-of-hearing employees.

8. Use Inclusive Web Design

Make your website visitors comfortable from the very first click. Your website should follow inclusive design principles , including the use of alternative text for photos and videos that can be read by screen readers.

9. Follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

Speaking of web design principles, there’s an easy way to test how your website ranks. Ensure you’re following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) by answering a series of testable statements that can help you determine where your site has room for improvement.

10. Partner With Local Organizations

Want to advocate for change at a larger level? There are plenty of ways for your company to get involved, including partnering with local advocacy groups to promote equal rights and improve accessibility for those in your community.

11. Record Your Meetings

Your deaf or hard-of-hearing employees will appreciate recordings of your meetings, and it’s also an excellent way to keep your entire team on the same page. To step up your game, add captions or create transcripts with the help of a speech-to-text service .

12. Train Your Employees on Inclusivity

National Speech-Language-Hearing Month is an excellent time to set up workshops and training sessions to get your employees up to speed on your latest inclusivity practices, including changes in company protocol and other similar holidays, like Deaf Awareness Month .

13. Ask Your Employees for Feedback

The best way to know what your employees need is simply to ask. Request feedback from your team on the different ways your company could improve accessibility, including suggestions from this list to get their ideas flowing.

Why Prioritizing Accessibility Is Crucial

By making your products, services, and workspaces more accessible to those with speech and hearing conditions, your company has everything to gain. With satisfied employees who feel accommodated and appreciated, your company will be less susceptible to turnover, which can come with expensive staff training costs. Not only can accessibility boost worker satisfaction and productivity, but it can also open you up to a whole new customer base.

How To Care for Your Hearing Health

Anyone can be impacted by speech or hearing issues, and it’s easy to take advantage of the many accessibility options currently available. You may not be experiencing speech or hearing issues yourself right now, but you never know how resources like closed captioning and hearing aids could help you in the future.

To keep your hearing health in tip-top shape, here are six tips you can start following immediately:

1. Avoid Loud Noises

You may love attending concerts or using big, loud power tools, but don’t forget the safety of your ears in the process. If you simply can’t live without standing right next to the speaker at the dance club, at the very least, grab yourself some earplugs and step away for regular breaks.

2. Schedule Hearing Check-Ups

When was the last time you had a hearing check-up? Just like regular check-ups at the doctor, it’s important to schedule hearing check-ups to monitor the strength of your hearing and catch any issues early before they turn into bigger problems.

3. Keep Your Ears Clean

There’s a reason your doctor says to avoid Q-tips! When you “clean” your ear with cotton swabs, you’re only pushing wax in deeper, which can lead to long-term damage. Instead, leave your ears dry and, if needed, use an ear wax softener or consult a professional to remove buildup.

4. Don’t Overuse Headphones

Do you listen to loud music on your headphones or earbuds 24/7? Be mindful — you might be causing more damage than you think. Take breaks and try noise-canceling headphones, which can help you cut out background noise and decrease the need to have your volume up high.

5. Learn to Enjoy Silence

There’s nothing wrong with a little silence every so often. Find a relaxing, quiet environment and give your ears a rest. Take a walk in the forest, spend the afternoon in a sleepy cafe, or lay out by the pool. No music, no podcasts, no conversation — just the joy of peace and stillness.

6. Pay Attention to Your Body

If your body is telling you there’s a problem, listen. It’s important to note any signs of discomfort or changes in your hearing, or if you’re having trouble understanding speech. If you hear a ringing sound in your ears, it could be a sign of tinnitus, so contact your doctor immediately.

Facts About Better Hearing and Speech Month

Here are some unique facts about this all-important holiday that you might not know:

• More than 48 million Americans experience hearing loss. ( HLAA )
• Approximately 1 in 12 (7.7%) U.S. children between the ages of 3 and 17 years old have voice, speech, or language issues, or related issues with swallowing. ( NIDCD )
• Hearing loss is the third most common chronic physician condition in the U.S., right behind high blood pressure and arthritis. ( CDC )
• Tinnitus, which is characterized by a ringing noise in the ears that can lead to serious health issues, is common among 10 to 25% of adults. ( NIDCD )
• Around one in four adults in the U.S. above the age of 65 experience disabled hearing loss, and the effects only worsen with age. ( NIDCD )
• Only 20 % of those who could benefit from using a hearing aid have one. ( HLAA )
• Approximately 17.9 million Americans suffer from voice disorders including hoarseness and complete loss of voice, which both require specialized voice therapy. ( NIDCD )
• Advanced AI technologies and transcriptive services can play a critical role in creating better opportunities for children with hearing or speech disabilities. ( NCBI )

Celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month With Cutting-Edge Transcription Services

For over a century, National Speech-Language-Hearing Month has contributed to countless campaigns in the fields of speech, language, and hearing sciences. From advances in speech recognition software to the development of hearing aids and cochlear implants, things have changed drastically over the last 100 years.

Want to contribute to that change? This May, make your company part of the tradition by expanding your accessibility with closed captioning and transcription services. At Rev, our linguists use advanced AI technology to give you fast, accurate, and easy-to-read captions and transcriptions for your video and audio content. Join us in making the next century a renaissance in communication and inclusivity!

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Speech perception outcomes in hearing-impaired individuals with microphone & receiver in the ear (M&RIE) hearing aids

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• Published: 20 April 2024

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• M. C. Chaithra   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-6461-5889 1 &
• P. Manjula   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-4548-0824 1  

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The Microphone and Receiver in the ear (M&RIE) hearing aid is designed to consider the pinna cues by placing an additional microphone along with a standard receiver at the entrance of the ear canal. There is a need to clinically validate the technology using speech identification measures, as a literature shortage exists. The objective of the study was to evaluate speech identification and quality rating with hearing aids fitted with standard and M&RIE receivers.

Twenty individuals (mean ± SD age being 34.10 ± 11.9 years) with mild-to-moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss were divided into two groups: naïve and experienced. Their speech identification obtained using the receiver in the ear hearing aid compatible with standard and M&RIE receivers were compared. The study assessed speech identification in quiet using ten sentences, calculated SNR-50 using the Spearman–Karber equation, and used an 11-point scale for self-perceived quality rating.

The study analyzed data using SPSS and found no significant difference between naive and experienced hearing aid users in quiet and SNR-50 conditions ( p  > 0.05). However, naive users rated higher in clarity, naturalness, pleasantness, and overall impression of standard receiver settings. Across different receiver settings, both naïve and experienced groups revealed better speech identification with the M&RIE receiver for both SIS ( p  < 0.05) and SNR-50 ( p  < 0.05) measures.

The study found that placing a third microphone in the ear canal improves speech identification and quality rating in both naïve and experienced users, with pinna and ear canal resonance playing a crucial role in prescribing hearing aid gain.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge with gratitude the Director, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysore affiliated with the University of Mysore for permitting to conduct the study at the institute. The authors also like to acknowledge the participants for their cooperation.

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Both the authors were involved in study design, stimulus preparation, data collection, analysis of the data, interpretation, and writing the manuscript.

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• *PTA  pure-tone average of 0.5,1,2 and 4 kHz; SIS  speech identification scores

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Chaithra, M.C., Manjula, P. Speech perception outcomes in hearing-impaired individuals with microphone & receiver in the ear (M&RIE) hearing aids. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-024-08632-x

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AI Speech to Text: Revolutionizing Transcription

Table of contents.

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, AI Speech to Text technology stands out as a beacon of innovation, especially in how we handle and process language. This technology, which encompasses everything from automatic speech recognition (ASR) to audio transcription , is reshaping industries, enhancing accessibility, and streamlining workflows.

What is Speech to Text?

Speech to Text, often abbreviated as speech-to-text , refers to the technology used to transcribe spoken language into written text. This can be applied to various audio sources, such as video files , podcasts , and even real-time conversations. Thanks to advancements in machine learning and natural language processing , today’s speech recognition systems are more accurate and faster than ever.

Core Technologies and Terminology

• ASR (Automatic Speech Recognition) : This is the engine that drives transcription services, converting speech into a string of text.
• Speech Models : These are trained on extensive datasets containing thousands of hours of audio files in multiple languages, such as English, Spanish, French, and German, to ensure accurate transcription .
• Speaker Diarization : This feature identifies different speakers in an audio, making it ideal for video transcription and audio files from meetings or interviews.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP) : Used to enhance the context understanding and summarization of the transcribed text.

Applications and Use Cases

Speech-to-text technology is highly versatile, supporting a range of applications:

• Video Content : From generating subtitles to creating searchable text databases.
• Podcasts : Enhancing accessibility with transcripts that include timestamps , making specific content easy to find.
• Real-time Applications : Like live event captioning and customer support, where latency and transcription accuracy are critical.

Building Your Own Speech to Text System

For those interested in building their own system, numerous resources are available:

• Open Source Tools : Software like Whisper and frameworks that allow customization and integration into existing workflows.
• APIs and SDKs : Platforms like Google Cloud offer robust APIs that facilitate the integration of speech-to-text capabilities into apps and services, complete with detailed tutorials .
• On-Premises Solutions : For businesses needing to keep data in-house for security reasons, on-premises setups are also viable.
• AI tools : AI speech to text or AI transcription tools like Speechify work right in your browser.

Challenges and Considerations

While the technology is impressive, it’s not without its challenges. Word error rate (WER) remains a significant metric for assessing the quality of transcription services. Additionally, the ability to accurately capture specific words or phrases and sentiment analysis can vary depending on the speech models used and the complexity of the audio.

Pricing and Accessibility

The cost of using speech-to-text services can vary. Many providers offer a tiered pricing model based on usage, with some offering free tiers for startups or small-scale applications. Accessibility is also a key focus, with efforts to support multiple languages and dialects expanding rapidly.

The Future of Speech to Text

Looking ahead, the integration of speech-to-text technology in daily life and business processes is only going to deepen. With continuous improvements in speech models , low-latency applications, and the embrace of multi-language support , the potential to bridge communication gaps and enhance data accessibility is immense. As artificial intelligence and machine learning evolve, so too will the capabilities of speech-to-text technologies, making every interaction more engaging and informed.

Whether you are a pro looking to integrate advanced speech-to-text APIs into a complex system, or a newcomer eager to experiment with open-source software , the world of AI speech to text offers endless possibilities. Dive into this technology to unlock new levels of efficiency and innovation in your projects and products.

Try Speechify AI Transcription

Pricing : Free to try

Effortlessly transcribe any video in a snap. Just upload your audio or video and hit “Transcribe” for the most precise transcription.

Boasting support for over 20 languages, Speechify Video Transcription stands out as the premier AI transcription service.

Speechify AI Transcription Features

• Easy to use UI
• Multilingual transcription
• Transcribe directly from YouTube or upload a video
• Transcribe your video in minutes
• Great for individuals to large teams

Speechify is the best option for AI transcription. Move seamlessly between the suite of products in Speechify Studio or use just AI transcription. Try it for yourself, for free !

Frequently Asked Questions

<strong>is there an ai for speech to text</strong>.

Yes, AI technologies that perform speech to text, like automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems, utilize advanced machine learning models and natural language processing to transcribe audio files and real-time speech accurately.

<strong>Which AI converts audio to text?</strong>

AI models such as Google Cloud’s Speech-to-Text and OpenAI’s Whisper are popular choices that convert audio to text. They offer features like speaker diarization, support for multiple languages, and high transcription accuracy.

<strong>How do I convert AI voice to text?</strong>

To convert AI voice to text, you can use speech-to-text APIs provided by platforms like Google Cloud, which allow integration into existing applications to transcribe audio files, including podcasts and video content, in real-time.

<strong>What is the AI that converts voice to text?</strong>

AI that converts voice to text involves automatic speech recognition technologies, like those offered by Google Cloud and OpenAI Whisper. These AIs are designed to provide accurate transcription of natural language from audio and video files.

• Previous Real-Time AI Dubbing with Voice Preservation
• Next AI Speech Recognition: Everything You Should Know

Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman is a dyslexia advocate and the CEO and founder of Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews and ranking first place in the App Store for the News & Magazines category. In 2017, Weitzman was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work making the internet more accessible to people with learning disabilities. Cliff Weitzman has been featured in EdSurge, Inc., PC Mag, Entrepreneur, Mashable, among other leading outlets.

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