Technology and Assistive Devices for Hearing Accessibility
Part Two of the Tech That Gets Us Series
You shouldn’t have to fake a laugh because you missed the punchline. You shouldn’t need to nod your way through a work meeting like you’re on mute. And you shouldn’t have to apologize for needing tools that make the world more understandable. If you’re Deaf or hard of hearing, that’s not too much to ask—it’s basic.
But the truth is, most tech wasn’t designed with us in mind. It was built, then retrofitted—if we were lucky.
That’s why hearing assistive devices matter. Not because they make us “normal,” but because they make things possible on our terms.
At Audacity, we believe assistive tech isn’t a backup plan. It’s the plan. It’s about amplifying your life, not just your audio.
Welcome to Part Two of Tech That Gets Us, a five-part series spotlighting accessible tech that actually gets it. Last week, we talked low vision tools. This week, we’re tuning in to hearing how real-time captions, smart home alerts, personal amplifiers, and video-based ASL tools aren’t just helpful. They’re empowering.
And yeah, they’re also really cool.
🎧 Live Captions: Because You Deserve the Whole Conversation
You’re on a video call. Someone says something funny, the whole group laughs, and you smile too—but not because you heard it. You’re just playing along.
Sound familiar?
Live Captions flips the script. Whether you’re video chatting with your daughter or tuning in to a virtual convention, these built-in tools on Apple and Android give you the full conversation—in real time. No downloads. No waiting. And definitely, no relying on someone else to clue you in.
Where to find it:
- iPhone: Settings > Accessibility > Subtitles & Captioning
- Android: Settings > Sound > Live Caption or Live Transcribe
Learn more: Live Caption (Google)
“I use it during work calls and family video chats. People talk fast. Captions help me actually stay in the moment.”
— Troy S., hard of hearing, California
Suddenly, you’re not just catching up—you’re right there, in the moment.
This is what access feels like.
🔊 Sound Amplifier: Your Personalized Soundtrack
Ever been in a loud coffee shop trying to hear just one person talk? Your brain works overtime sorting through noise, and you’re left exhausted.
Android’s Sound Amplifier is like a personal sound engineer in your pocket. It tailors what you hear, how you hear it, and filters out what you don’t need.
What it does:
- Syncs with wired or Bluetooth headphones
- Boosts speech, cuts background noise, adjusts tone for your hearing needs
Learn more: Sound Amplifier App
It’s perfect for those in-between moments, not quite a hearing aid, not just headphones.
“On the go, Sound Amplifier helps me focus on one voice without ruining my vibe.”
— Kiara J., hard of hearing, Georgia from Reddit
No one notices you using it. But you notice everything around you.
🎤 Roger Mics: Cut Through the Noise, Not the Moment
You’re at a conference table. Everyone’s talking, coffee cups clinking, chairs shuffling. You catch a few words, but the rest? A blur.
Roger Pen and Roger Select are wireless mics that sync directly to Phonak hearing aids and cochlear implants. They bring the speaker’s voice straight to your ears, no guesswork required.
What they do best:
- Roger Pen: Great for presentations, interviews, and lectures
- Roger Select: Built for dynamic group chats, family meals, or panels
Learn more: Roger Select (Phonak)
“At family dinners, I used to zone out. Now with Roger Select, I actually hear the back-and-forth. It’s reconnecting me.”
— Eddie G., cochlear implant user, Florida
When the noise fades and the voice comes through clearly, you’re not just in the room, you’re part of the conversation.
📲 Glide: Signing in the Fast Lane
You’re running errands and remember something you need to tell a friend. Texting won’t do it. Emojis aren’t enough. You need your hands.
Glide lets Deaf and hard-of-hearing users send ASL video messages with speed and personality. It’s messaging that speaks your language, literally.
Why people love it:
- No typing, no autocorrect drama
- It’s visual, expressive, and instant
Learn more: Glide App
“Glide feels like I’m right beside the person I’m messaging. It’s the next best thing to being there.”
— Miguel T., Deaf, Arizona from Reddit
This isn’t just tech. It’s cultural preservation in your pocket.
📢 Smart Home Alerts: Because Life Doesn’t Pause When You’re Sleeping
Middle of the night. A smoke alarm goes off. You’re asleep. How do you know?
Smart alert systems like iLuv SmartShaker, MyAlert, and Sonic Alert make sure you don’t miss a beat—even when you can’t hear it.
Here’s how they work:
- Connect to alarms, doorbells, and phones
- Send flashing lights, vibrating alerts, or phone notifications
Learn more: Sonic Alert, MyAlert System, iLuv SmartShaker
“My SmartShaker stays under my pillow. If something happens—I feel it.”
— Cam R., Deaf, Illinois
Because safety should never depend on sound alone.
🎧 Final Word: Tech That Listens to You
These tools don’t ask you to adapt. They meet you where you are.
Hearing assistive devices aren’t a backup plan. They’re the main plan. And they’re not luxuries. They’re essentials. From live captions to smart alerts, these devices put power back where it belongs: with the user.
This isn’t charity. This isn’t inspiration. This is what happens when tech listens to us, too.
Have you used one of these tools? Tell us your story in the comments.
Let’s build a community that doesn’t just raise awareness. It raises the standard.
This article is Part Two in our five-part series, Tech That Gets Us, published every Tuesday on AudacityMagazine.com. Check out the first article in the series. Tech for the blind.
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