Conversations
Group talk, background noise, masks and phone calls can make following speech hard.
An everyday field guide
Hearing
Deaf and hard-of-hearing people have varied languages, identities and preferences. Some use a sign language as their first language and identify as culturally Deaf. Others lose hearing later in life, use hearing technology, lipread, or combine approaches.
Access might mean sign language, written information, captions, sound support, or a combination. The person gets to choose what works for them.
Reading preferences
Choose what feels comfortable. Settings are shared with every Waythrough page and saved on this browser when storage is available.
A quiet page by design: no animated backgrounds, flashing, or automatic media.
What it can involve
Everyone's experience is different. You might recognize some of these, all of them, or none.
Alerts
Doorbells, alarms, timers and announcements may be missed if they rely on sound.
Media and events
Videos, films, lectures and meetings may need captions or interpretation.
Listening fatigue
Concentrating to follow speech can be tiring over a long day.
Tools to explore
Start with what you already have. Feature names vary by device and software version.
Already on many devices
- Live captions for calls, videos and audio (Live Caption on Android, Live Captions on Apple devices and Windows).
- Sound recognition that alerts you to alarms, doorbells or a baby crying.
- Flash or vibration for notifications.
- Video calls for sign-language conversations, and text-based messaging.
Low-tech and everyday
- Choosing seats with a clear view of faces and away from noise.
- Asking speakers to face you, rephrase rather than repeat, and share notes.
- A notepad or phone notes app for quick written exchanges.
- Agreeing simple signs or gestures with family and friends.
Specialist options
- Hearing aids and cochlear implants, with individual professional support.
- Hearing loops and personal FM or Bluetooth microphones.
- Vibrating or flashing alarm clocks, smoke alarms and doorbells.
- Professional sign-language interpreters and live human captioning (CART).
Before you choose
- Does it connect to your hearing aids, implant or phone?
- How accurate are the captions in the accents and settings you'll use them in?
- Will it alert you while you're asleep, if that matters for safety?
- Can you book qualified interpreters, and who pays for them in that setting?
Costs, availability, compatibility, and suitability vary. Before paying, check trial options, ongoing fees, privacy settings, repair support, and whether a tool works with what you already use. A simple or free option may be the best fit.
Start small. Stay in charge.
Try one thing
Turn on captions
Enable live captions on one device and try them on a video or call.
Set visual alerts
Switch on flash or vibration for notifications, and sound recognition if available.
Share one request
Tell one person or workplace what helps most: facing you, captions on, or an interpreter.
Who can help
Support is optional and on your terms. Names and availability of services vary by country and region.
Audiologist
Can test hearing and fit and adjust hearing aids or other devices.
Deaf-led organizations
Can connect you with sign-language classes, community and advocacy.
Interpreting and captioning services
Can provide qualified interpreters and human captioners for events and appointments.
Automatic captions can miss words and meaning. They do not replace requested sign-language access or a qualified interpreter.