The best iPhone apps for deaf users are for more than half of the American public experiencing some degree of hearing loss.
Unsurprisingly, several apps are available to make life easier for deaf people. Many smartphone apps are on the market, but not all of them cater to the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing users.
You may have downloaded one and found it mildly helpful or downright useless. The following list includes the best iPhone apps for deaf users.
It is also currently available to help you out if you’re deaf or hard of hearing or if you know someone who is.
1. MyPhonak
MyPhonak is an app created by Phonak that connects to a hearing aid. And it allows you to stream sound directly into your hearing aid from your phone or tablet. It is the starter of this list of the best iPhone apps for deaf people.
You can control the volume, adjust the focus, and listen with one ear or both.
It’s great when you’re in a crowded place and want to hear your friend talking, but not the person next to them.
It’s also perfect if you want to watch TV at home but don’t want it to be too loud.
MyPhonak can be found on the Apple Store and Google Play Store. If you have trouble accessing the web, this would be a good way.
2. ReSound Smart 3D
ReSound is an app that provides deaf people immediate access to the sounds around them. The app can be used in a few different ways.
Firstly, it can be used as a hearing aid by amplifying the sounds surrounding you. Secondly, ReSound can be used as an alarm clock that allows you to set up a schedule. In addition, it wakes up to your favorite song or alarm sound.
Thirdly, this app can help teach ASL and English through two modes of interpreting (exact word-for-word translation or sign language).
Finally, this app has been built with accessibility in mind. It is compatible with most devices, making it one of the best iPhone apps for the deaf.
3. Oticon ON
Oticon ON is one of the best iPhone apps for the deaf that connects to your hearing aids and transforms your device into a remote control.
The ON app allows you to adjust the volume and change programs.
Moreover, it activates Bluetooth® wireless connection. You can also see what’s on your agenda for the day, so you know what you’re getting into before you leave home.
In addition, it has a way of making phone calls sound much clearer. It’s not just an app; it’s like having a personal assistant in your pocket!
4. Signia App
Signia is a video relay service confirmed among the best iPhone apps for the deaf. It allows deaf and hard-of-hearing people to communicate over the Internet.
Using Signia, you can chat live in sign language with a human interpreter who will translate your messages into text.
The app also allows you to send and receive messages by typing or choosing from the library of over 40 different American Sign Language (ASL) phrases.
At only $5 per month, Signia is one of the best iPhone apps for the deaf to communicate with other deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals.
It’s easy to use, reliable and has many features. These features make it an invaluable resource for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
5. Thrive Hearing Control
Thrive Hearing Control is an app that helps deaf people communicate. The app features voice recognition, text-to-speech, and more.
It’s compatible with a wide range of devices and languages. Starkey Thrive is one of the best iPhone apps for the available deaf.
However, it is free to download and can help those who are hard of hearing or deaf communicate better.
Users must only type what they want to say in English, Spanish, or ASL. And then, they can see the spoken word on their screen in English, Spanish, or ASL.
They can also look up words in any language using their phone’s camera, aiming it at signs or other written materials.
6. BeMore App
BeMore is a free app created to help deaf people communicate with others. The app lets you choose from a variety of phrases.
This includes casual greetings, formal introductions, and instructions on interacting at events like parties or restaurants.
The phrases are also translated into American Sign Language, making it easy for those fluent in ASL to understand.
Additionally, the app provides information about deafness and deaf culture.
For example, the How Do You Know? The section outlines the difference between hearing loss and deafness.
Meanwhile, why is Sign Important? It offers insight into the importance of sign language in communication.
BeMore is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about communicating with those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best iPhone apps for the deaf.
7. Petralex: Hearing Aid App
Petralex Hearing Aid App is a hearing aid app that works to improve the quality of sound. It offers three different settings and is compatible with any Bluetooth hearing aid.
This is one of the best iPhone apps for the deaf, allowing users to set their volume and frequency levels.
Furthermore, it makes it easier to control than other apps on the market. The Petralex Hearing Aid App also provides support for multiple languages.
It also has an auto-adjusting feature that helps provide the right amplification level without additional user input.
Recently, this app was updated to include a noise reduction feature. That makes it easier than ever to hear in a noisy environment, like at a restaurant or while traveling on an airplane.
8. HearingOS App
HearingOS is the first-ever app with a personal assistant to help deaf people navigate their everyday lives.
The app has an earpiece that the user can wear. In addition, it connects wirelessly to the smartphone.
HearingOS utilizes voice recognition technology to send text messages, check the weather, and set reminders. The hearings app is available on both iOS and Android devices.
9. ASL Dictionary App
This app is a dictionary for American Sign Language. It is perfect for people who are new to the language and need a quick way to look up signs.
The app includes over 2,000 words, phrases, and videos with definitions. This app would benefit people who want to learn ASL or improve their skills.
10. Louder TV App
Louder TV is among the best iPhone apps for the deaf. It is an app that makes TV shows and movies more accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers.
It is a universal app that works on both the iPad and iPhone. It has a clear, high-contrast interface with closed captioning turned on by default.
Closed captions appear at the bottom of the screen, as well as a transcript at the top of the screen. So therefore, you never have to miss a word.
This app would be most useful for people who are still learning English.
Furthermore, people have difficulty following conversations due to hearing loss or other factors. But don’t worry if you’re not deaf!
11. The Sound Amplifier App
If you’re looking for an app to help you better hear, there’s one that is free and easy to use.
A sound Amplifier is a powerful tool that can amplify the volume of your surroundings, acting as a hearing aid.
You can adjust the amplification level in the settings menu depending on your needs.
It’s also possible to turn off background noise and only amplify the desired sound by tapping on it once.
12. Signly App
Signly is a powerful new app that uses your camera to capture American Sign Language and convert it into text.
With this app, you can send messages, create video stories, and even sign live with others on the app. Plus, Signly, one of the best iPhone apps for the deaf, is free!
Sign up with your email address or Facebook account to get started. Once you log in, tap the plus button in the lower-left corner of the screen to make a new conversation.
Type what you want to say and tap Send at the bottom of the screen to start signing with friends or family.
13. Braci Sound Alert App
Braci Sound Alert is one of the best iPhone apps for the deaf that one can use to set up a notification system when you are alerted of something.
You can set it to notify you with vibrations, sound, or both. For example, if your phone is on vibrate and you’re in a meeting but want to be notified about new text messages.
Braci Sound Alert can do that for you. It’s also useful if you’re hard of hearing and want to know when someone has called your phone or FaceTimed with you!
Suppose the app detects sound near your phone above a certain level (you choose the level!).
However, it will turn on the microphone and start recording everything in front of your phone.
14. TapSOS App
TapSOS is a social networking app for deaf people. The service offers a variety of communication options.
This includes text chat, pictures and videos, audio chat with text transcriptions, and one-on-one video calls.
TapSOS also includes features like group chats and SMS texting. If you want to make friends in your area or worldwide, TapSOS is worth a try!
TapSOS stores the individual’s medical history and important documents on their server. Therefore, it can be accessed anywhere at any time.
There are more than 200,000 members registered on TapSOS from over 135 countries worldwide as of today.
It’s easy to see why this app has been rated 4+ stars by users on both iTunes and Google Play since it was released in 2013.
15. Voxsci App
Voxsci is available in both iOS and Android versions. It is also on Apple TV if you want to use it without holding up your mobile device.
It is a speech-to-text app that translates voicemail messages into text messages that users can read through their phone’s screen.
The app comes with two modes of input: the voice recognition mode allows users to speak into the phone microphone before receiving the translated text message.
Meanwhile, the keyboard mode displays what users type onto their screen instead of translating words aloud.
It has multiple settings for different languages (English, Spanish, French). It also offers hands-free navigation with automatic transcription via Bluetooth headset or car speakerphone.
16. Rogervoice App
Rogervoice is one of the best iPhone apps for deaf people because it allows users to connect with others who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The app has two main features, namely, voice-to-text and text-to-voice.
This is a great tool for anyone wanting to chat with friends or family without a sign language interpreter.
It’s also helpful for those who want to learn more about deaf culture, even if it’s only through their phone.
17. AVA App
AVA is an app that helps deaf individuals communicate with their hearing peers. It allows you to type messages in American Sign Language (ASL).
It also converts the signs into written text, which a hearing person can read.
The message’s recipient only needs to have the AVA app downloaded on their phone to receive it.
AVA also has a Pics section, where users can upload pictures of things they want to tell others about.
For example, if someone wants to say I love my cat but is not good at sign language, they could take a photo of their cat and then show it using AVA.
Therefore, the message receiver knows what they are trying to convey.
18. Google Live Transcribe App
This app makes it easy to have conversations with people who are deaf. It translates what you say into spoken words and displays them on the phone’s screen, then displays what the other person says in the text on the phone’s screen.
For example, let’s assume a deaf person has this app running in one ear, and someone speaks in a microphone nearby.
The app will pick up the sound vibrations through that earpiece, convert them to text, and display them on a screen that both people can see.
This can be especially useful during business meetings or interviews where you must ensure your meaning is understood.
19. Tunity
It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to sign a song or have an important conversation with someone deaf. Tunity has a solution.
This is one of the best iPhone apps for the deaf, enabling you to translate what’s happening on your screen through the phone’s camera.
For example, if you want to watch a video with subtitles and want it translated into American Sign Language (ASL), it’s easy.
All you need to do is point the camera at your screen, and the ASL translation will also appear on your phone.
Many languages are available, including English, Spanish, French, German, and more!
This app is a great way of connecting people worldwide regardless of their language and hearing ability.
20. Insight Timer
Insight Timer is a great choice if you’re looking for an app to help you meditate. It has many features and tools to make meditation more accessible and personalized.
You can set your custom timers with the sounds, words, or visuals most beneficial to you. Insight Timer also offers guided meditations with either text or video content.
In addition, it also offers a community section where users share their insights and meditative experiences.
This is an excellent app to explore if you’re new to meditation or want something simple that works well on your phone. This ends our list of the best iPhone apps for the deaf.
Conclusion
As the most advanced technology ever invented, the iPhone offers its users plenty of useful features. This is regardless of whether or not they are hearing impaired.
Whether you’re looking for one of the best iPhone apps for the deaf that can read all your texts aloud, alert you to incoming calls, or help you make video calls, there’s an app for that.
But with so many apps, how do you know which ones are the best? That is why we created the list above to help out.
