Live Transcribe: created by Google in partnership with Gallaudet University, the app uses a mobile phone’s microphone to transcribe real-world speech into captions.
Sound Amplifier: created by Google, it boosts, filters and augments quiet sounds and minimises background noise so that hard-of-hearing people can enjoy a better quality of sound. Users can control the different noise inputs using a slider on the app.
RogerVoice: facilitates phone calls for hard-of-hearing people by captioning the content of the call in real time. The app operates using Wi-Fi or mobile data service.
WebCaptioner: accessed via a website (Google Chrome recommended) this free service can be used without any installation or set-up. There is no app available at this time. It can only be used with a desktop version.
TextHear: voice recognition app from Geemarc (available for both Apple and Android). The Android version is free to use, the Apple version requires payments for blocks of minutes.
Hearing Helper: only available on Apple devices, this app is free and operates on a push to talk basis. Useful for short captioning, the app features include the ability to scale the text produced for those who need added visual accessibility.
Sound Meter: Android app (ad supported) that measures the loudness of sounds around you, for example – in bars, restaurants and similar venues.
Decibel X: free app (ad supported) to measure the loudness of sounds. Available on Apple and Android devices.
Mobile Ears: Easy to use app to help use your mobile phone for sound amplification and clarity. They are not replacements for hearing aids. Designed to be used with earphones or headphones, it is handy for situations when your hearing aid batteries run out!
Bio Aid: a slightly more complex interface for sound amplification but offers more options.
Resolver: an online service that helps resolve complaints and send feedback with businesses and service providers. A useful solution to avoid call centre interactions.
Google Maps: has a useful feature for people with hearing loss. If you search for a business, café, restaurant, etc. the information will often include popular times. This is a great way to judge the least busy times and (hopefully) the quietest time to visit the place.
Ava: Speech to text app with advanced features including group conversations. Ava requires payment when used past a certain number of minutes each month. Only the person hosting a conversation needs to pay, others can join the conversation free.
Hearoes: Hearoes has collaborated with audiologist and speech pathologist to help bring engaging interactive auditory training for hearing impaired recipients different stages of their hearing journey, to help hear new sounds and confidence today.
