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The 20+ Best Apps for People With Hearing Loss in 2026
iOS and Android apps turn your smartphone into a powerful tool for better hearing and communication.)
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Aktualisiert am May 19, 2026
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Whether you’re looking to transcribe speech in real time, amplify sounds, or get started with American or British Sign Language (ASL or BSL), there is almost sure to be an app solution that meets your needs. For this review, we looked at apps that not only enhance communication for those with hearing loss, but also foster greater independence and inclusion. Discover which app can best transform your everyday interactions and help you engage more fully with the world around you.
We searched high and low for apps that aren’t just functional, but transformative. The goal was to find tech that seamlessly integrates into the life of someone suffering hearing loss, and can make a real difference to them. In each category, we selected the apps that stood out most for accessibility, usability, reliability, and real-world usefulness. Some categories include a single recommendation, while others feature separate picks for iPhone and Android, along with a few additional noteworthy alternatives. Here’s what we focused on.
Note that some functionalities covered by the apps listed below are also native accessibility features found in flagship iOS and Android phones.
What app can you trust when you want your phone to transcribe real-time conversation into text?
Platform: iOS
Cost: Subscription-based; free trial available
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Live Transcribe for iOS, built by Mighty Fine Apps, allows you to see the text of what’s been said in real-time, breaking down communication barriers. Built for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, it transcribes speech in real-time, is highly accurate, and even works at a distance.
Platform: Android
Cost: Free, built-in
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Google’s Live Transcribe & Notification for Android helps make day-to-day interactions more accessible for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The app provides real-time speech-to-text captions and sound alerts for everyday communication and awareness.
Live Transcribe supports real-time transcription in more than 120 languages and dialects and can be useful during conversations, classes, meetings, appointments, restaurants, and other everyday situations. It also has custom word support, transcription saving, Sound Notifications integration, and compatibility with external microphones and Bluetooth headsets.
Some key features include:
Here’s how to set it up:
On many Android devices, Live Transcribe can be launched through accessibility shortcuts, gestures, or Quick Settings.
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Ava is one of the most widely used live-captioning and accessibility apps for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. It provides real-time captions for one-on-one and group conversations and integrates with Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams.
Unlike many general transcription apps, Ava is specifically designed for accessibility and communication support. The app can identify speakers during conversations and overlay captions on other apps.
Some key features include:
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Otter AI is not specifically designed for hearing loss, but it has become increasingly useful for meetings, lectures, interviews, and workplace accessibility. The app provides live AI transcription, searchable transcripts, summaries, and meeting notes. It is particularly helpful for users who want to save conversations or review information later.
Some key features include:
Platform: iOS
Cost: Free
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NALScribe was developed specifically for people with hearing loss and focuses on improving communication accessibility through live captions and note-taking support. The app offers a simple, uncluttered interface that may appeal to users looking for a straightforward live-captioning tool without unnecessary complexity.
Its accessibility-focused design makes it useful for lectures, appointments, conversations, and everyday communication situations.
Some key features include:
Looking for a hardware solution to stream audio to your hearing aids? Have a look at the best hearing aid accessories, which includes TV streamers, remote mics, captioning telephones, and more.
Looking for an easy and convenient way to get captions of a live conversation on your smartphone? Check out the following apps.
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InnoCaption is a free, FCC-funded app that provides real-time captioning for phone calls, making them accessible to the deaf and hard of hearing community. Users can choose between AI-generated captions and live stenographer captions depending on their communication preferences and accessibility needs. Additionally, InnoCaption offers features like switching between caption modes, viewing past call transcripts, voicemail transcription, and spam call filtering, empowering users to manage phone conversations more independently and confidently.
By incorporating InnoCaption into their daily lives, deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States can experience greater independence and connection through improved phone accessibility. The InnoCaption is available for download for iOS and Android users in the App or Google Play store.
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CaptionCall Mobile is a captioned-calling app designed for people who are deaf or hard of hearing that provides real-time captions for phone calls on smartphones and tablets. The app automatically transcribes both sides of conversations using voice-to-text technology and displays captions in a customizable, easy-to-read format.
Users can make and receive captioned calls using either a new CaptionCall phone number or their existing phone number through call forwarding. Additional features include captioned voicemail, voicemail alerts, contact syncing, and customizable caption display settings.
Some key features include:
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Rogervoice is an AI-powered captioned-calling app that supports multilingual transcription, visual voicemail, and type-to-speak communication. The app has become increasingly popular because of its modern interface and accessibility-focused communication tools, and I can see why.
Rogervoice uses voice recognition technology to generate live captions during phone calls without requiring a live captioning assistant for standard AI-captioned calls. Users can also customize the interface with high-contrast themes, dark mode, and larger text for improved readability.
Some key features include:
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Nagish is a captioned-calling app that provides real-time phone call captions using AI-powered speech recognition. The app allows users to make and receive calls using their existing phone number while viewing live captions directly on their smartphone.
In addition to phone call captions, Nagish also includes Nagish Live, a feature that provides real-time captions for in-person conversations during appointments, lectures, travel, and other everyday situations.
The app was developed with input from the deaf and hard-of-hearing community and emphasizes privacy through end-to-end encrypted AI-generated captions without live human captioners.
Some key features include:
Volume booster apps can help you with hearing conversations and everything else, while voice isolation apps explicitly help you focus on a conversation. Most apps will reduce background noise and improve speech clarity.
Platform: iOS
Cost: Free to download; optional in-app purchases available
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Sound Amplifier for iPhone is designed to amplify your hearing while eliminating background noise. The app works with wired or Bluetooth headphones and is designed to help users hear conversations more clearly in noisy environments. Some of the best features include:
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, Sound Amplifier is definitely worth trying out. It may be helpful for conversations, attending lectures, comprehending appointments, and bringing back the enjoyment of watching movies, although it is not intended to replace hearing aids or professional care. With its user-friendly interface and free basic features, Sound Amplifier is a valuable tool that can help you stay connected to the world around you.
Platform: Android
Cost: Free, built-in
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Sound Amplifier for Android helps improve speech clarity by filtering out background noise and amplifying important sounds using an android phone and headphones. The app can be helpful in noisy restaurants, lectures, meetings, classrooms, and while watching TV.
The app even includes customizable listening settings and audio personalization tools that allow users to boost low-frequency, high-frequency, or quieter sounds separately for each ear.
How to set up Sound Amplifier:
On many Android devices, Sound Amplifier can also be launched using accessibility shortcuts, gestures, or Quick Settings.
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HeardThat uses AI-powered speech enhancement technology to help users hear conversations more clearly in noisy environments. Rather than simply amplifying all surrounding sounds, the app attempts to separate speech from background noise and deliver clearer voice audio through connected earbuds, headphones, or hearing devices.
In our review of HeardThat, it performed particularly well for improving speech clarity in noisy environments compared to traditional amplification alone.
Want to know your hearing status, or would you like to obtain an approximated audiogram that shows your hearing ability, frequency by frequency, like you might find at a hearing care office (albeit without pro care or a sound booth)? Here is the best hearing assessment app. Additionally, HearingTracker recently reviewed what it considers the best online hearing tests.
Platform: iOS
Cost: Free
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Mimi Hearing Test is one of the most widely used smartphone-based hearing screening apps and is integrated into Apple Health on supported iPhone devices. This allows users to sync hearing results with Apple Health to help monitor hearing changes over time.
The app provides a quick hearing assessment designed to help users better understand their hearing health from home using compatible headphones or earbuds. The app is free to use and takes only a few minutes to complete.
Some key features include:
Naturally, the app does not replace a diagnosis from a physician and is not intended to replace a comprehensive hearing evaluation performed by a licensed hearing care professional.
Most modern hearing aids are now connected to an app via Bluetooth, offering volume and program controls for the hearing aids, fine-tuning and balance, video tutorials, and even telecare. Here are my two favorites.
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The myPhonak app is a free, user-friendly tool that enhances your hearing experience with Phonak hearing aids. The app also includes remote support features, health tracking tools, battery monitoring, and hearing aid customization settings designed to improve everyday listening experiences.
To begin using the myPhonak app, you'll need to pair your hearing aids via Bluetooth, which is a straightforward process guided by the app. Once paired, you can start exploring all the functionalities available to customize your hearing experience.
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If you wear compatible Signia hearing aids, the Signia App can be your pocket-sized hearing companion. This app puts control of your hearing right at your fingertips, allowing you to discreetly adjust volume, sound balance, and manage supported hearing aid features like tinnitus therapy directly from your smartphone.
The app also offers TeleCare support and hearing wellness tracking through My WellBeing on supported devices.
Truthfully, it’s hard to pick just two. Most modern Bluetooth hearing aids now offer companion apps with impressive features like remote adjustments, telehealth support, wellness tracking, direct audio streaming, AI-powered personalization, Bluetooth LE Audio support, Auracast compatibility, and speech enhancement tools designed to improve communication in noisy environments. Here are some other hearing aid manufacturers that have made noteworthy companion apps:
The following apps can help you learn sign language.
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SignSchool is a free app dedicated to teaching American Sign Language (ASL) through interactive lessons, videos, and learning tools. The app, which is great for all skill levels, allows users to learn at their own pace and explore signs across a wide variety of everyday topics and categories.
From video lessons featuring deaf instructors to engaging practice sessions, the app provides a comprehensive and accessible learning experience.
SignSchool may be helpful for beginners, family members of deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals, students, and anyone interested in learning ASL for communication or accessibility purposes.
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Lingvano is an engaging platform designed specifically to help beginners learn conversational British Sign Language (BSL) effectively and enjoyably. The app features video lessons created by Deaf teachers and focuses on helping users build communication skills through short, structured lessons.
This intuitive app not only offers a structured learning experience but also incorporates interactive quizzes and a video dictionary to reinforce your understanding and retention of BSL signs. Whether you're a beginner or looking to polish your skills, Lingvano adapts to your learning pace, making it a suitable choice for anyone eager to learn.
If you have tinnitus that you find debilitating, you should definitely seek help from an audiologist or medical professional. However, by going online, you’ll also find a huge range of sound therapy apps that can be very helpful. Here are a couple to get you started on the right path.
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The ReSound Tinnitus Relief app is designed to help you manage your symptoms and find relief through sound therapy, relaxation exercises, and tinnitus education tools intended to support long-term tinnitus management and stress reduction.
The app allows users to create personalized soundscapes using combinations of environmental sounds, nature audio, and music designed to help distract the brain from focusing on tinnitus.
Of course, the app is intended as a supportive management of tinnitus, and should be used in conjunction with a professional tinnitus management program.
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Oto is a tinnitus support app that combines guided audio sessions, educational content, and practical coping techniques designed to help users better manage tinnitus symptoms and daily stress. The app focuses on building long-term habits and routines through short, self-guided exercises and wellness tools.
The app includes brief daily audio sessions, personalized skill-building exercises, and educational resources focused on tinnitus management and wellbeing. Sessions are designed to be short and approachable, typically lasting around 5–10 minutes.
Some key features include:
Oto is intended as a supportive self-guided wellness tool and does not replace professional medical care or tinnitus treatment from a licensed hearing care provider.
Are you looking for an app that provides subtitles for movies and TV shows? Here are a couple of great options.
Platform: iOS
Cost: Free to download; optional in-app purchases available
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Subtitles Viewer! is an innovative app designed to enhance your viewing experience by providing real-time subtitles. Ideal for those who are hard of hearing or watching content in a foreign language, this app displays subtitles on an iPhone or iPad that syncs with movies, television programs, and other video content playing on a nearby TV or at the cinema.
Some key features include:
Subtitle availability depends on community-uploaded subtitle databases and may vary depending on the movie, show, language, and release timing.
iOS and Android now both have basic real-time captioning for on-device content. While this will never be as good as an app like Subtitles Viewer! that matches content up with pre-written subtitles, it can help a lot and may be worth a look.
Learn how to set up built-in live captions:
Modern smartphones can now alert users when important environmental sounds are detected, without requiring a separate dedicated app or device.
Built-in iOS and Android accessibility tools can recognize sounds like smoke alarms, doorbells, crying babies, barking dogs, appliance beeps, running water, and phone ringers, then notify users with visual alerts, vibrations, or flashing lights.
Both Apple and Google now offer increasingly advanced sound recognition features designed to help people who are deaf or hard of hearing stay more aware of their surroundings throughout the day. These features run directly on supported devices and prioritize privacy by processing sound recognition on-device rather than continuously sending audio to external servers.
Some key features include:
How to set up Apple Sound Recognition:
How to set up Android Sound Notifications:
Android Sound Notifications can also be customized with vibration patterns, camera flash alerts, and accessibility shortcuts on supported devices.
Hearing loss can be frustrating. It can also be difficult for spouses, friends, and associates to understand how it affects communication. Here is one simulator that allows people to experience hearing loss and its impact on speech and sound reception.
Platform: Android
Cost: Free
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Hearing Loss Sounds Like is an educational app designed to help users better understand what different types of hearing loss may sound like in everyday situations. The app allows users to apply simulated hearing loss profiles to audio tracks in order to experience how conversations, music, and environmental sounds may be affected by hearing impairment.
Users can load their own audio files and create custom audiograms that simulate different severities and configurations of hearing loss. The app may be useful for family members, students, educators, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in learning more about hearing accessibility and hearing impairment.
Some key features include:
Whether you're an educator, a healthcare provider, or someone looking to gain empathy and insight into the world of hearing impairments, Hearing Loss Sounds Like offers a valuable and educational glimpse into the effects of auditory disabilities.
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With the right combination of apps, built-in accessibility features, and connected hearing devices, hearing tech can blend seamlessly into your routine and enhance your ability to interact with the world around you.
Many of these tools work best when customized to your listening preferences and daily routine, whether that means adjusting caption appearance, fine-tuning speech enhancement settings, enabling vibration alerts, or pairing your phone with hearing aids, earbuds, or external microphones.
You can also try experimenting with features like iOS Shortcuts, Android accessibility settings, Bluetooth LE Audio, and Auracast support. These features all make it easier for hearing tech to integrate more naturally into work, travel, entertainment, and communication.
For people living with hearing loss, the future of accessibility technology looks brighter than ever.
In 2026, AI-powered speech enhancement, real-time multilingual transcription, personalized listening profiles, and smarter hearing aid integrations are becoming increasingly common across both iOS and Android platforms. Emerging technologies like augmented reality captions, wearable audio devices, Bluetooth LE Audio, and Auracast broadcast audio are expected to further expand accessibility in public spaces, entertainment venues, classrooms, airports, and everyday conversations.
And user feedback is playing a pivotal role in this evolution. Developers are increasingly engaging with communities to ensure their technologies are not only functional but also inclusive and user-friendly.
Whether you’re looking for live captions, tinnitus support, hearing aid controls, speech enhancement, or better accessibility in noisy environments, today’s smartphone apps offer more hearing support tools than ever before. Trying a few different apps and built-in features can help you discover which combination works best for your hearing needs, devices, and daily routine.
Dan Halliday ist ein Technologieberater mit Schwerpunkt auf Audio. In den letzten 15 Jahren hat er mit Startups an allem gearbeitet, von Consumer-Apps bis zu Low-Level-Systemen.
Megan Looney ist eine freiberufliche Autorin und Redakteurin, die sich auf Gesundheit, Wellness und Bildung spezialisiert hat. Sie hat einen schweren hochfrequenten Hörverlust, was ihr eine persönliche Verbindung zu den Themen gibt, die sie für Hearing Tracker behandelt. Megan hat einen Abschluss in Journalismus und mehrere Zertifikationen im Gesundheitscoaching und interessiert sich besonders dafür, komplexe Gesundheitsinformationen klar, praktisch und zugänglich zu vermitteln.
