Finding your hearing aid

There are many different apps to find your hearing aid.

There are times when you might have misplaced your hearing aid, and so the “search hearing aid” apps can be very useful.

For those who have Alzheimer’s, this might be a useful app if someone cannot find their hearing aid. A family member could use this app to help find their hearing aid.

Volume control of the hearing aid

There are many apps for controlling the volume of your hearing aid. This could be done with Bluetooth. There are some apps linked to private dispensers, e.g. Boots, Oticon, Phonak and Amplifon. However, it is worth checking with other dispensers.

Sound amplification apps

• “Boots Hearingcare” App and other examples such as “My Phonak”, “Oticon Companion”, and “Amplifon” – check with your own hearing aid provider.
• Hearing aid sound amplification, e.g. Sound Amplifier, Hearing Clear, Ear Speaker Hearing Amplifier, Volume Booster
• Remember to check the app that would be best for you – your hearing aid dispenser will advise you on specific apps.

Tinnitus

There are apps for Tinnitus. Some examples include:

• Tinnitus sound masking
• White noise for sleeping
• Rain sleep sounds
• Calm – sleep and meditation

Apps for hearing tests

When someone is not sure about their hearing, they should go to their GP and seek advice.

There are also a few Hearing Aid Apps where you can check the level of your hearing.

One example is an online hearing test available through the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID).

Assistance with phone calls

If you cannot hear on the phone, there is an app called Relay UK.

This is a three-way conversation where someone can speak for you to the person you have called. You have the choice of speaking to the operator or typing your message to them. The operator will text back to you.

• The 18001 prefix is for those who have a hearing loss.
• The 18002 prefix is for those who can hear but wish to contact someone with a hearing loss.

Live captions apps

• Live captions – Live captions of spoken audio for use on the iPhone
• Hearing Helper Live Captions – one of the best captions for iPhone and Android phones, for communicating with those who have a hearing loss
• Screen Translate – Translates into the language of countries abroad, e.g. Google Translate

Speech to text

There are many apps for Speech to Text and Transcriber.

• Otter Transcribe is good for taking notes when someone is talking.​
• ​Apple dictation – used for dictating text
• Windows Voice Access – you can control your device with your voice
• Gboard – voice typing feature for quick dictation ​
• Google Docs Voice Typing – translates spoken word into text directly to your document
• Dragon Anywhere – Apps offering dictation for hands-free work
• Otter ai – A popular choice for recording and translating lectures, one-to-one meetings, and transcribing conversations into notes. This is useful as it keeps you on track of what is being said, and after the meeting, you will have notes.

Do your research to find out what is best for you.

Bluetooth apps

Bluetooth can be used as an aid to your NHS hearing aid by connecting to your device, e.g. mobile phone, tablet, pc.​

This can be used for iPhone and Android phones by using the Settings on your phone. There is mention of pairing your phone to the device you use, and through this, you can control the volume on your hearing aid.

When you get your hearing aid from the NHS or a private dispenser, always ask about apps that can be paired with your hearing aid.

Apps for Ménière’s

There is an App for Ménière’s, which is called a Ménière’s Monitor App. This is to remind you once a day to input your current symptoms, such as your level of tinnitus, hearing, vertigo and aural fullness.

There is also Ménière’s Monitor App 2.

Apps for Vertigo

• Vertigo – BEqualise – this is a holistic wellness app
• Vertigo Coach – this app guides you on how to manage vestibular dysfunction
• Vertigo Help – this app includes instructions when focus is difficult
• Vertigo by Kirsty Carabello – this app tracks the various symptoms related to Vertigo
• Well Balanced – a weekly vestibular rehabilitation programme which includes exercises and video calls lasting twelve weeks.
• Vertigenius – an online platform which is designed to expand and enhance treatment for Vertigo

Assistance with travel

•  AA and Myrac also Green Flag – apps for car breaking down
• Trainline –  for details about train travel
• Uber
• Disabled rail card
• Booking.com – for planning holidays

Apps for staying connected with friends and family

• FaceTime (Apple – iPhone, iPad) – this is a great way of staying connected with family and friends. You can have conversations with people face-to-face via video calls.
• WhatsApp also has the facility of video calls, where you can talk to people face-to-face on your mobile phone. This is great for emergencies and when you need to contact someone.

Other Apps

There are so many apps for relaxation and keeping fit, as well as for hearing loss. For example:

• walking apps
• better sleep and relaxation apps
• If you have a hobby, you can search for an app for it (e.g. painting or puzzles)

Security with mobile phones

When using your mobile phone outdoors:

• Always keep your phone in a secure, safe place​
• Make sure that your passwords are safe
• As you are walking and talking on your phone, make sure you stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you.

Conclusion

Apps are a great way to assist with hearing loss and hearing aids in everyday life. Going back before the 1990s, remember when keeping in touch with people could only be done by writing and sending a letter.

Nowadays, we have text messages to keep in touch, and can send photos to families and friends. Apps have made life more accessible to improve everyday life.

Keep searching for the apps that may be best for you!