You carry your smartphone wherever you go, from work or school to dinners out and picnics in Pendleton King Park. In addition to the calling and texting features, your phone has navigation, music, photos and even apps to help you navigate hearing loss.
Approximately 15% of U.S. adults have hearing loss. If you’re among that group, take a look at our list of helpful support apps available today.
1. Hearing Aid Companion Apps
Most modern hearing aids have companion apps that adjust settings like volume, noise reduction and tinnitus support. Some even have GPS features that help you find your lost devices. These tools help you get the most out of your hearing aids and tailor them to real listening situations.
2. Alert and Safety Apps
Some home security apps connect to your hearing aids via Bluetooth® to bring you alerts like doorbells and alarms. Even if they don’t have Bluetooth, you can set the alerts to vibrate so you never miss them. These apps add a layer of safety and peace of mind for people with hearing loss.
3. Live Transcription Apps
Live transcription apps provide a real-time written copy of speech. These apps are incredibly useful in noisy environments, group settings or when speaking with someone whose voice you have trouble hearing. You can even set them up during work meetings to ensure you’re not missing important information.
4. Decibel Meters
While not a hearing loss support app directly, decibel meters are essential for hearing protection. There are a few options based on your type of phone:
- iPhone®. If you have an iPhone, the NIOSH Sound Level Meter app is an excellent choice. Created by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, this app is known for its reliability, accuracy and user-friendly design.
- Android™. While the NIOSH app isn’t currently available for Android devices, there are plenty of high-quality alternatives in the Google Play Store. Look for apps with strong reviews and clear interfaces.
When you combine these assistive apps with your personalized hearing aids, you can navigate the world confidently, regardless of hearing ability.