Real-world examples of assistive technologies for hearing impairments

Everyday examples of assistive technologies for hearing impairments

Let’s start with what people actually use day to day. When we talk about examples of assistive technologies for hearing impairments, we’re not just talking about medical devices. We’re talking about the combination of software, hardware, and settings that make conversations, alerts, and media easier to follow.

Some of the best examples show up in three places:

• On your phone or tablet (iOS and Android accessibility features)
• On your computer (Windows and macOS tools)
• In your environment (alerting systems, captioning displays, and communication tools)

We’ll walk through each of these with real examples you can recognize and, in many cases, turn on in a few taps.

Software-based examples of assistive technologies for hearing impairments

Software is often the fastest win, because it’s already on devices people own. Here are some widely used, real examples.

Live captions and auto-transcription

One of the most powerful examples of assistive technologies for hearing impairments is live captioning. These features listen to audio and turn it into on-screen text in real time.

On Android, the feature is literally called Live Caption. When it’s turned on, your phone automatically captions videos, podcasts, and audio messages on the screen, even if the app itself doesn’t offer captions.

On Windows 11, there’s a built-in Live captions feature that can transcribe any audio playing on your PC, including Zoom calls, YouTube videos, or training webinars. You can customize the font, size, and color so text is easier to read.

On Google Chrome, the browser’s Live Caption setting can generate captions for online videos and audio, which is helpful for people who move between different sites all day.

These real examples of assistive technologies for hearing impairments help in noisy offices, quiet libraries, or any situation where sound is hard to hear or understand. They also support people who prefer reading along with audio.

Built-in captions and subtitles for media

Streaming platforms and operating systems now treat captions as a standard, not a bonus.

Most smart TVs, streaming boxes, and apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ support closed captions and subtitles. On phones and computers, you can usually set a preferred caption style—larger text, high contrast colors, or a dark background—to make reading easier.

On iOS and macOS, the Subtitles & Captioning settings allow you to turn on Closed Captions + SDH (Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) by default. These versions often include sound descriptions like “[door slams]” or “[music playing],” not just dialogue.

These are simple but powerful examples of assistive technologies for hearing impairments that benefit everyone, including people watching in a noisy bar or on a quiet train.

Video call captioning in conferencing apps

If you use Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet, you’ve probably seen live captions appear at the bottom of the screen. This is another example of assistive technology for hearing impairments that has gone mainstream.

• Zoom offers automated captions and transcripts that participants can view during and after meetings.
• Microsoft Teams supports live captions and a live transcript, which can be saved for later review.
• Google Meet provides live captions in multiple languages, which helps in international teams.

For students and employees with hearing loss, these examples of assistive technologies for hearing impairments can be the difference between “I caught half of that” and “I can fully participate.”

Real-time text and TTY over IP

Traditional TTY (Text Telephone) devices let people type messages over phone lines instead of speaking. Today, many of these functions have moved into apps and internet-based tools.

• Real-Time Text (RTT) on iPhone and Android lets you type during a phone call, with text appearing instantly on both sides.
• Many telecom providers in the U.S. offer IP Relay services, where a communication assistant relays your typed text to a hearing person and types back their response.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) provides an overview of these services and eligibility details on its site: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/telecommunications-relay-service-trs

These are practical examples of assistive technologies for hearing impairments that support phone communication without relying only on voice.

Hardware-based examples: from hearing aids to alerting systems

Software is only half the story. Hardware devices provide some of the best examples of assistive technologies for hearing impairments, especially when combined with smart features.

Modern hearing aids with Bluetooth and app integration

Today’s digital hearing aids are much more than simple amplifiers. Many models now:

• Connect to phones and laptops via Bluetooth
• Stream calls, music, and meetings directly into the ear
• Offer custom sound profiles for work, restaurants, or outdoor use
• Pair with smartphone apps that let users adjust volume, directionality, and noise reduction

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) offers an accessible overview of hearing aids and related tech: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing-aids

These devices are classic examples of assistive technologies for hearing impairments that blend medical technology with consumer electronics.

Cochlear implants and compatible accessories

For some people with severe or profound hearing loss, cochlear implants are another option. While they require surgery and medical evaluation, the accessories around them are very much part of the assistive technology ecosystem.

Many cochlear implant systems now include:

• Wireless microphones that a teacher or speaker can wear
• TV streamers that send audio directly to the implant
• Phone and tablet apps for fine-tuning settings

The Mayo Clinic provides a plain-language overview of cochlear implants and who may benefit: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cochlear-implants/about/pac-20385021

These are more advanced examples of assistive technologies for hearing impairments, often combined with training and rehabilitation.

Visual and vibrating alerting systems

Not all assistive tech is about conversation. Sometimes, the priority is safety and awareness.

Alerting systems are a strong example of assistive technologies for hearing impairments that use light or vibration instead of sound. These can include:

• Doorbells that trigger flashing lights in multiple rooms
• Bed shakers connected to smoke alarms or alarm clocks
• Wearable devices that vibrate when a phone rings or a baby monitor detects sound

In many U.S. workplaces and campuses, fire alarms now include both loud sound and bright strobe lights to support people with hearing loss. This combination of visual and tactile alerts is a practical, life-saving example of assistive technologies for hearing impairments in the built environment.

Mobile and desktop accessibility settings you should actually turn on

If you’re supporting students, employees, or family members, you don’t always need to buy new devices. Many of the best examples of assistive technologies for hearing impairments are already built in.

iOS and iPadOS: Sound Recognition, mono audio, and headphone accommodations

On iPhones and iPads, the Accessibility settings include several features designed for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing:

• Sound Recognition: The device listens for sounds like doorbells, sirens, or a baby crying and sends a visual notification. This can be a powerful example of assistive technology for hearing impairments in a home setting.
• Mono Audio and Balance: For people who hear better in one ear, you can merge stereo channels and adjust the left-right balance.
• Headphone Accommodations: Customizes audio for supported headphones to make speech clearer.

These features show how mainstream devices can become examples of assistive technologies for hearing impairments with just a few configuration changes.

Android: Sound Notifications and Live Transcribe

On Android, two standout features are:

• Sound Notifications: Similar to Sound Recognition on iOS, your phone can alert you to important sounds using visual or vibration cues.
• Live Transcribe: A Google app that transcribes speech in real time into large, readable text. It’s especially useful in classrooms, meetings, or doctor visits.

Google provides more details and setup instructions for Live Transcribe and Sound Notifications here: https://support.google.com/accessibility/android/answer/9350862

These are clear, real examples of assistive technologies for hearing impairments that rely on AI to support everyday communication.

Windows and macOS: system-wide captions and audio routing

On Windows, under Accessibility > Hearing, you’ll find:

• Live captions for system audio
• Mono audio and audio alerts that can be visual instead of sound-based

On macOS, under Accessibility > Hearing, you can:

• Enable closed captions and SDH across apps
• Use Flashing screen instead of sound for alerts
• Route audio to hearing aids or other devices using Bluetooth

These operating system tools are subtle but important examples of assistive technologies for hearing impairments, especially in office and school environments where IT can configure them as part of standard setups.

Communication support: interpreters, CART, and hybrid solutions

Not all assistive technologies are gadgets or settings. Some of the most effective support comes from services that use technology.

CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation)

CART is a service where a trained captioner listens to speech (in person or remotely) and types a near-verbatim transcript that appears on a screen in real time. Think of it as live captioning done by a human instead of only by software.

CART is widely used in university classrooms, conferences, and legal or medical settings. It’s a strong example of assistive technologies for hearing impairments working with human expertise to provide accurate, reliable communication access.

Remote interpreting and hybrid setups

For people who use sign language, video remote interpreting (VRI) services connect users with interpreters through a phone, tablet, or computer. In many workplaces and hospitals, staff can tap a tablet to bring in a remote interpreter within minutes.

While interpreters themselves are not “technology,” the video platforms, secure connections, and integration with hospital or campus systems are real examples of assistive technologies for hearing impairments in action.

Choosing and combining the right tools

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of options, you’re not alone. Most people don’t rely on just one tool. They combine several examples of assistive technologies for hearing impairments to cover different parts of life.

A typical setup might look like this:

• At home: visual doorbell, bed shaker alarm, TV captions always on
• At work: live captions in Teams or Zoom, Windows live captions, Bluetooth hearing aids connected to the computer
• On the go: Android Live Transcribe or iOS Sound Recognition, text or RTT for phone calls

The best examples are the ones that fit your context: your job, your school, your family, your comfort level with tech.

For medical questions—like whether hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other devices are appropriate—it’s always wise to talk with an audiologist or hearing specialist. The NIDCD has a helpful starting point for finding hearing health professionals: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/directory

FAQ: common questions about examples of assistive technologies for hearing impairments

What are some everyday examples of assistive technologies for hearing impairments?

Everyday examples include live captions on phones and computers, closed captions on streaming services, Bluetooth hearing aids connected to smartphones, visual doorbells that flash lights, vibrating alarm clocks, and apps like Live Transcribe that turn speech into text in real time.

Can you give an example of assistive technology for hearing impairments in the workplace?

A practical example of assistive technology for hearing impairments in the workplace is using Microsoft Teams or Zoom with live captions turned on, combined with Windows live captions for system audio and Bluetooth hearing aids or headphones. Many employees also use CART services for important meetings or trainings.

Are hearing aids the only option for people with hearing loss?

No. Hearing aids are one important tool, but not the only one. Other examples of assistive technologies for hearing impairments include cochlear implants with wireless accessories, visual alerting systems, captioned telephones, smartphone apps for transcription, and remote interpreting services.

What are some of the best examples for students in school or college?

For students, some of the best examples of assistive technologies for hearing impairments are CART captioning in lectures, live captions in Zoom or Google Meet for online classes, FM or remote microphones that send the teacher’s voice directly to hearing aids, and apps like Live Transcribe for quick, on-the-fly note support.

How do I know which example of assistive technology is right for me or my child?

Start by listing the situations that are hardest—classroom discussions, phone calls, alarms, meetings—and match tools to those specific needs. Then talk with an audiologist, disability services office, or assistive technology specialist. They can suggest examples of assistive technologies for hearing impairments that work well together, rather than relying on a single device.