Accessible Communication | Hearing Ambassadors

When it comes to hearing loss, technology has become an amazing ally. There’s so much inexpensive tech out there that can work alongside hearing aids or even help people who don’t have them yet. Let’s look at how technology is making life easier for people with hearing loss and why it’s worth checking out.

Making Hearing Aids Even Better

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Hearing aids are brilliant, but pairing them with modern tech can take them to the next level. Here’s how it works:

Bluetooth Connectivity: Lots of hearing aids now come with Bluetooth, so you can connect them to your phone, laptop, or tablet. This means you can stream calls, Zoom meetings, or even your favourite playlist straight to your hearing aids.
Real-Time Captions: Apps like Google Live Transcribe or Otter.ai can turn spoken words into captions instantly. Zoom and MS TEAMS also offer live captions for online meetings. Live captions are great for meetings, chats, or anywhere you might miss a word or two.
Remote Adjustments: Some hearing aids come with apps that let you tweak the settings yourself or have an audiologist help you out remotely. No need for endless trips to the clinic!
Extra Gadgets: Things like TV streamers or clip-on microphones can connect to your hearing aids and give you clearer sound, whether you’re watching a show or sitting in a noisy meeting.
Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

Tech for People Without Hearing Aids

If you’re not using hearing aids yet, don’t worry—there’s still plenty of tech to make life easier. Here are a few examples:

Speech-to-Text Apps: Apps like Microsoft Translator, Ava, and Live Transcribe can turn conversations into text right in front of you. Super handy in noisy places or if you’re struggling to keep up.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones: A good pair of noise-cancelling headphones can help you focus on what you want to hear by cutting out background noise.

Photo by Daniel Romero on Unsplash

Captions for Media: Streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube offer free captions, so you don’t miss a thing when you’re watching your favorite shows or learning something new.
Hearing Check Apps: Apps like Mimi Hearing Test or Starkey Hear Share let you check your hearing at home. It’s a great first step if you think you might have some hearing loss.

Why Bother with These Tools?

1. Better Sound Quality & Clarity – Modern hearing aids and assistive devices provide clearer, more natural sound than ever before. Features like background noise reduction, directional microphones, and AI-driven sound processing help enhance speech clarity, making conversations easier and more enjoyable.

2. More Connectivity & Convenience – New devices seamlessly connect to smartphones, televisions, and computers via Bluetooth, allowing users to stream phone calls, music, and videos directly to their ears. This reduces the struggle of trying to hear through speakers or in noisy environments.

3. More Affordable & Accessible Options – Hearing technology is becoming more affordable, with over-the-counter hearing aids available in some countries (but not UK). Additionally, free or inexpensive smartphone apps offer features like speech-to-text and real-time sound amplification, making hearing support more accessible.

4. Improved Social Inclusion – Difficulty hearing can lead to isolation, as conversations in noisy environments become exhausting. By using new technologies, such as Bluetooth directional microphones that connect directly into your hearing aids, people with hearing loss can engage more comfortably in social and workplace settings, improving confidence and overall well-being.

5. Customizable & User-Friendly Features – Many hearing devices now come with smartphone apps that allow users to personalise their hearing preferences, adjust settings, and track their hearing health over time. This level of customisation makes assistive technology more adaptable to individual needs.

7. Expanding Beyond Hearing Aids – Hearing support is no longer limited to traditional hearing aids. Devices such as personal amplifiers, vibrating alarm clocks, and smart home integrations (like flashing doorbells) provide additional support in everyday life.

Getting Started

There’s so much tech out there, but you don’t need to try it all at once. Start small and see what works for you:

Try Free Apps: Download a speech-to-text app or take an online hearing test to see how it helps.
Use What You Have: Check your phone or tablet for built-in accessibility features such as live captions or sound boosters.
Experiment with Accessories: Bluetooth headphones, clip-on mics, or other gadgets can be great additions to your routine. Remember though, as everyone’s hearing is different, it’s always worth asking if you can “try before you buy” or get a full refund if the device doesn’t work for you.

The Future of Hearing Tech

As technology keeps improving, the options for affordable hearing support are only going to grow. Whether you’re using hearing aids or just starting to explore tools for hearing loss, there’s something out there to make life easier. The world of hearing technology is evolving rapidly, offering new and improved ways to enhance communication and accessibility.

For example, Apple AirPods with hearing aid features are now available in the UK. As a charity, we don’t endorse any products but we would love to hear about your experiences. Click on the link below to see Christopher Null’s review of the new AirPods in WIRED magazine. Apple AirPods Review from WIRED

Tell us about what technology has made a difference to your daily life. Click here to contact us

When we think about hearing, we often focus on our ears—but did you know that good lighting is good for hearing too.

Hearing is not just about sound; it’s also about visual cues, body language, and lip reading. Good lighting can make a significant difference in helping people with hearing difficulties engage more effectively in conversations and social interactions.

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1. The Role of Good Lighting and Visual Cues in Hearing

Communication is a combination of listening and visual processing. Facial expressions, lip movements, and gestures all provide essential context to what is being said. In dim or poor lighting, these cues become harder to read, making conversations more challenging for people with hearing loss. Good lighting ensures that these visual signals are clear and accessible.

Photo by Anton Malanin on Unsplash

2. Lip Reading and Facial Expressions

Many individuals with hearing loss rely on lip reading to supplement their understanding of speech. Without adequate lighting, reading lips and picking up on subtle facial expressions becomes nearly impossible. Shadows, backlighting, or flickering lights can obscure details, leading to misunderstandings and frustration.

Photo by Malik Earnest on Unsplash

3. Avoiding Eye Strain and Fatigue

Straining to see in poor lighting can be exhausting. We all have to work harder to interpret visual cues in bad lighting, but for people with hearing poor lighting, increases cognitive load and fatigue, making communication even more tiring. A well-lit environment reduces this strain, making conversations smoother and less draining.

4. Enhancing Group Conversations

Background noise can be a significant barrier for those with hearing loss. In social settings, where multiple conversations happen simultaneously, a well-lit environment helps us identify who is talking, making it easier to follow group discussions, and enabling us to focus on the person speaking.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

5. Choosing the Right Lighting for Better Communication

To create a hearing-friendly environment, consider the following lighting tips:

Avoid strong backlighting (such as sitting in front of a bright window) as it can create shadows on the face.
Use soft, even lighting to minimize glare and harsh contrasts.
Ensure faces are well-lit to make lip reading and facial expressions easy to see.
Consider adjustable lighting to adapt to different situations and needs.

6. My eyes are my ears

Lighting isn’t just about seeing better—it’s about hearing better, too. or as one of our followers put it so well, “my eyes are my ears” By ensuring our environments are well-lit, we can support clearer communication, reduce fatigue, and help people with hearing loss stay engaged in conversations. Small changes in lighting can make a big difference in making the world more accessible for everyone.

Are your spaces hearing-friendly?

Take a moment to check your lighting, and you might be surprised at the impact it has on communication!

If you would like to know more about hearing accessibility, take a look at our post Seven Simple Steps to Create Hearing Friendly Spaces

This post has been inspired by our Facebook follower, David.