In addition to learning how to use your new auditory device, strategic auditory exercises can help you to better comprehend and discern sound. There are apps that can assist with both. Below are the best apps for auditory training. Many have Bluetooth capabilities to sync with your hearing aid or cochlear implant.
How Does Auditory Training Help?
Wondering if auditory training is helpful with hearing loss management? Even though you have been diagnosed with hearing loss, hearing can be exercised. When you think of exercising the body, exercising your 5 senses is not likely to be top of mind. However, you can strengthen any of your senses with strategic training.
You may also utilize caption apps to enhance real-time communication.
Top Apps for Auditory Training
There are a range of auditory training apps to choose from. All are designed to improve your hearing in everyday environments, but some are targeted. You may utilize more than one app to address different needs.
For example, apps designed:
- To improve comprehension and clarity of sound.
- To help children with hearing loss expand their vocabulary.
- To help you adjust to your hearing with new auditory technology.
- As sound therapy to minimize inner ear ringing for those diagnosed with tinnitus.
Hearing Hunt
Price: Free
Accessibility: iOS only
The auditory exercises in this game are integrated with word searches to exercise both your brain and your hearing. The game has colorful graphics and 3 ability levels for ages 12 and up. You search for words to earn coins before the clock runs out. The hearing portion of the game is designed to sharpen clarity. The audio queues include fun facts and educational content.
You can use this app without syncing it to your hearing aid. For maximum auditory training, sync via Bluetooth.
AudioCardio Hearing & Tinnitus
Price: Free with in-app purchases
Accessibility: Available on Android and iOS
This sound therapy app is clinically proven to strengthen hearing for those living with an auditory processing disorder. It also provides relief from tinnitus ringing. To personalize your exercises and determine how to stimulate your inner ear, you begin with an app-based auditory processing test.
Full features cost $12.99 per month; less if you purchase 6 or 12 months at a time. This app has been validated by Stanford University, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Samsung Medical Center, and other revered medical facilities.
Hearoes
Price: Free with in-app purchases
Accessibility: Available on Android and iOS
Hearoes is one of the top auditory training apps for those recently prescribed a hearing aid or cochlear implant. It was developed by an audiologist and speech pathologist to provide an interactive and gamified way to distinguish environmental sounds, high and low pitches, single vowels, consonants, and other sounds that you must relearn to process as hearing degrades.
There are over 90 games spread out between 5 different modules. The games are both kid and adult-friendly.
HearCare by ReDi
Price: Free
Accessibility: Available on Android and iOS for those with MED-EL cochlear implants
This is one of several proprietary apps from ReDi (Rehabilitation Digital). This app is only available to those with MED-EL cochlear implants. The app utilizes advanced AI to train you to better use your hearing device. You listen to and identify a range of everyday sounds for both in-home settings and common day-to-day environments.
In addition to learning how to use your new device, you can share the results of your cochlear implant and audio processor with your clinician. This can minimize your in-person appointments as your device can be adjusted remotely.
Parents often download the HearCare app for their child, and the LittlEARS Questionnaire app for themselves. LittlEARS Questionnaire allows parents to see how well their child is adjusting to their new technology. LittlEARS is available on both Android and iOS.
Don’t have a MED-EL CI hearing device?
Not to worry, as most cochlear implant brands offer similar apps. Or use the Hearoes app detailed above.
The Ear Gym
Price: Free
Accessibility: Android only
Auditory training apps are not only for those with a diagnosed hearing impairment. Many musicians utilize apps to improve their vocal or instrumental performance. This includes apps that provide exercises to help with pitch recognition, identifying chords, and rhythm training.
The Ear Gym app contains exercises for pitch, intervals, scales, chords, rhythm, harmony, and more. There are more comprehensive auditory apps for musicians, including instrument-specific apps, but Ear Gym is the best of the free options.
Can’t Hear Like You Used To?
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. If you or your child are diagnosed with hearing loss, Dr. Shapiro will prescribe a tailored treatment plan. This includes advanced audiology technology, apps, and other tools to maintain or improve communication and quality of life.