Even with hearing aids or cochlear implants, group conversations, telephone calls, and low-quality digital content can be challenging to comprehend. Subtitles, transcription tools, and captions improve communication and quality of life for those with hearing loss. Even for those without hearing loss.
Why Use Captioning Service Apps if You Don’t Have Hearing Loss?
While popular for those with mild, moderate, and full hearing loss, the use of video captioning software is increasingly popular for those with little to no hearing loss. Even with full hearing, video captions improve learning and comprehension by enabling auditory and visual processing. So much so that 71% of all students regularly use captions. Regardless of age or hearing capacity, studies find that adding caption tools improves comprehension, attention, and memory.
Reading text also allows you to watch and comprehend videos on your mobile devices without earbuds, audio, or language fluency.
For example:
- Watch and read the audio of a quick video while standing in line at a grocery store, during your commute, or any time you are on the go.
- Enhance language learning for those who speak English as a second language or to aid in learning a new language.
- Translation-enabled caption software enables you to watch foreign TV, films, and digital content that do not have voiceovers in English—or the languages you speak.
- If you are a visual learner, reading text while listening to audio improves comprehension.
Now, let’s explore your top captioning options.
#1 Built-In Captions and Subtitles
Before you narrow down your options in caption speech apps, explore the built-in captioning options in your technology. If you go to the settings on your television remote control you can turn subtitles on, sometimes in a variety of languages. On YouTube and other video content platforms, there is often a built-in closed caption (CC) or subtitle tool. The built-in tools are not 100% accurate and the timing of the text can be early or delayed.
Computers and search engines also have built-in or downloadable captioning tools.
#2 Streaming Service Subtitles
When streaming on Netflix, Apple TV, Hulu, and other entertainment apps, use the tool’s subtitle feature instead of your remote control subtitles. These apps often have a higher accuracy rate than your TV’s tools. This is because many streaming platforms manually input the original or translated text for most of the content they stream. For shows the streaming app has self-produced, the accuracy is up to 100% and the timing of delivery is far superior to built-in apps.
#3 Speech-to-Text Phones
Landline phones that double as assisted listening devices are a popular option for those with hearing loss. Particularly those with full hearing loss or partial hearing loss and declining vision. These phones have a medium-sized screen that displays large text and prompts, such as letting you know that the caller has hung up the phone.
For those who qualify, these assisted listening devices are free. Reach out to Audiology Island to see if you qualify!
#4 Smartphone Apps With Captions
Computer, mobile device, and smartphone apps with captions enable modern means of learning, entertainment, and communication. Below are the key features of your top options.
Notta
Rating: 4 stars on Apple
Price: Free option with $9 monthly for full features
Languages: Available in 5 languages
Accessibility: Available on Android, iOS, and desktop
The Notta app records and transcripts in real-time, enabling you to listen to voice memos, podcasts, radio stations, online classes, business meetings, and everyday conversations. The ability to record allows you to edit and add notes.
Ava
Rating: 4.4 stars on Apple
Price: Free option with $9.99 monthly for full features
Languages: Available in over 20 languages
Accessibility: Available on Android, iOS, and desktop
Ava was designed specifically with the deaf and hard of hearing (HoH) community in mind. For many, it is an essential part of their daily communications and interactions. The app utilizes AI to transcribe speech-to-text in real-time with up to 95% accuracy in live communication—and 99% accuracy for prerecorded audio.
It is designed for multi-person meetings and conversations. The app can identify who is speaking and transcriptions can be saved.
Innocap
Rating: 4.7 stars on Apple
Price: Free in the United States for those with registered hearing loss
Languages: Available in over 20 languages
Accessibility: Available on Android and iOS
Innocap is funded by the Federal Trade Commission (FCC) for those who have registered hearing loss. What makes this caption app unique is that you can utilize automated speech recognition software or live stenographers. The benefit of a live stenographer is that they provide verbal cues, such as the speaker’s tone, emotions, laughter, and more.
Innocap transcribes live phone calls, videoconferences, meetings, and other real-time interactions.
Is It Time to Have Your Hearing Assessed?
Hearing is a sense, but sound processing in the brain is complex. How you filter and process speech, music, and background noise shifts drastically once hearing begins to decline. Regular hearing assessments are required to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
If you live in or around Holmdel, New Jersey or Staten Island, New York and it is time for a hearing assessment—schedule an appointment with Dr. Zhanneta Shapiro. Beyond your hearing, Dr. Shapiro will advise on the most effective methods of improving your communication. This may include the use of caption apps, smartphone decibel meter apps, and other tools and technologies that enhance communication.
