15 Convenient Services and Apps for People with Hearing Impairments and Hard of Hearing

For individuals with hearing impairments, there are many scenes in everyday life where they experience inconvenience.

Therefore, by utilizing services and apps that support hearing impairments, it is possible to enhance the quality of life (QOL).

So, what specific services and apps are available?

This article introduces convenient services and apps for those with hearing impairments.

We have carefully selected tools that support communication for individuals with hearing impairments, so please use this as a reference.

1. The Need for Services and Apps to Solve Communication Challenges

For those with hearing impairments, the most challenging aspect is the difficulty in communicating.

While communication through words is easy between individuals without impairments, those with hearing impairments need to use the following methods since they cannot hear words:

• Sign language
• Writing
• Speechreading
• Hearing aids
• Speech recognition

It's important to combine the optimal methods while considering the other person's situation and preferences.

For example, it is said that only about 10% to 20% of people with hearing impairments can use sign language.

Moreover, the percentage is even lower among those without impairments, making communication through sign language quite challenging.

Additionally, writing takes more time than speaking, making it unsuitable for detailed communication.

From a business perspective, with the obligation to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities starting April 1, 2024, it is necessary to offer reasonable accommodations to alleviate the difficulties faced by those with hearing impairments, without imposing an undue burden.

From the above, it can be said that there is a growing demand for services and apps that can solve communication challenges with individuals with hearing impairments.

2. Six Convenient Services and Apps for Daily Use by Individuals with Hearing Impairments

2-1. "Yometel" - A Phone That Reads the Other Person's Voice

"Yometel" is a phone app that converts the voice of the person on the other end of the call into text, designed for those who have difficulty hearing the other person's voice over the phone. It is provided by the Nippon Foundation Telephone Relay Service, designated by the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications as a telephone relay service provider.

It can be used 24/7, allowing for two-way communication and can also be used to contact emergency services.

As a service based on law, it is available for use with public infrastructure services like 110 (police), 119 (fire department), and 118 (coast guard).

Depending on the call destination and purpose, users can choose between a text input operator and AI (automatic speech recognition) for transcription.

Yometel offers two plans, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their needs.

Registering for Yometel is simple, and if you can verify your identity documents online, registration is completed immediately, allowing you to start using the app.

Support systems are robust, with workshops on Yometel being held at mobile phone shops nationwide.

Reference: Yometel

2-2. "Telephone Relay Service" - Interpreting Calls with Sign Language and Text

The "Telephone Relay Service" connects conversations between people with hearing or speech difficulties and those who can hear, through an interpreting operator who translates between "sign language/text" and "voice." It is provided by the Nippon Foundation Telephone Relay Service, designated by the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications as a telephone relay service provider.

It is used in various scenarios, including communication with businesses, municipalities, and medical institutions.

The usage fees are the same as those for Yometel.

Reference: Telephone Relay Service

2-3. iPhone Feature "Sound Recognition"

Even without using special services for individuals with hearing impairments, communication is possible using the standard features of smartphones.

iPhones have a "Sound Recognition" feature that can be used to help individuals with hearing impairments become more aware of surrounding sounds.

The sound recognition feature is very easy to set up; simply select "Settings" > "Accessibility" > "Sound Recognition" and turn "Sound Recognition" ON.

With sound recognition, the following sounds can be recognized and notified by default:

• Fire alarm
• Sirens
• Smoke detector
• Cat
• Dog
• Appliances
• Car horn
• Doorbell
• Door knock
• Glass breaking
• Kettle
• Running water
• Baby crying
• Coughing
• Screaming

Additionally, doorbells and sirens can be set separately, and specific sounds can be memorized with the custom alarm feature to notify in the same way.

Notifications can also be sent to Apple Watch, making it convenient.

It is a feature that can help prevent harm by recognizing sounds and notifying you when you might be in danger, so be sure to take advantage of it.

Reference: Recognize Sounds on iPhone | Apple

2-4. Google Android Feature "Sound Notifications"

Android smartphones also have a "Sound Notifications" feature.

However, unlike iPhones, it is not a standard feature, and not all Android smartphones have the app installed.

Therefore, a separate app needs to be installed.

By using the sound notifications feature, you can be notified when the following sounds are recognized:

• Smoke/fire alarm
• Sirens
• Baby sounds
• Dog barking
• Knocking
• Doorbell
• Appliance sounds
• Running water

The notification method is not only vibration but also uses the camera flash for easy visual recognition.

Reference: Sound Notifications: Receive Alerts for Important Sounds Around You | Google

2-5. "Sound Display" App for Recognizing and Notifying Users of Surrounding Sounds

In addition to standard features for smartphone OS, there are general apps that recognize and notify sounds.

A representative example is "Sound Display," which is popular as an app that visualizes sounds to improve daily life and work environments.

It fully utilizes technologies related to AI, smart devices, and the cloud, achieving highly accurate speech recognition.

Preset sounds that can be recognized include:

• Emergency earthquake alert (TV)
• Fire alarm
• Emergency vehicles (police car, fire truck, ambulance)
• Intercom

Additionally, sounds other than those listed above can be recorded and recognized using the sound registration feature.

It can recognize sounds just by keeping the app running in the background, and you can use other apps or return to the lock screen after pressing the start button.

The notification feature can be set to notify a smartwatch, and it can also notify with an LED light, making it easy to convey visually.

Reference: Sound Display | TDI Information Technology Development Co., Ltd.

2-6. "YY Transcription" Real-time Speech Recognition App

"YY Transcription," provided by Aisin Corporation, is an app that transcribes speech easily and accurately.

If you pre-install the offline engine, it can be used even in airplane mode or in areas with poor network environments.

You can use it immediately without registering an account, and you can edit the transcription on the spot.

The screen can be split in two, allowing text to be displayed simultaneously to the person facing you.

It supports over 30 languages and can translate, and it also recognizes sounds like laughter, applause, and train noises, displaying animations.

The free plan for individuals allows for 80 hours of speech recognition per month. Additional usage time requires a fee.

Reference: YY Transcription | YYSystem

3. Tools and Apps for Visualizing Online and Offline Conversations

3-1. "VUEVO" - A Tool to Visualize Everyone's Conversations

"VUEVO," developed by Pixie Dust Technologies, is recommended as a tool for visualizing everyone's conversations.

VUEVO is used in combination with wireless microphones and smartphone/web apps.

By adopting highly accurate wireless microphones developed with proprietary technology, it can capture speech content from 360° in all directions during conversations with multiple people or in meetings.

It can display the spoken content in real-time in the direction of the speaker, making it easy for individuals with hearing impairments to confirm what was said.

The interface is designed to intuitively understand the conversation content of multiple people, making it easy for anyone to use.

With an AI-powered automatic summarization feature, it is possible to create meeting minutes.

VUEVO is mainly used in business settings and has been widely adopted, especially in the construction industry, by companies like Taisei Construction and Mitsui Fudosan Management.

Reference: VUEVO | Pixie Dust Technologies

Additionally, when used with the VUEVO Display, a transparent translation display, it enables smooth communication during face-to-face conversations, mainly utilized in customer service operations.

Reference: VUEVO Display | Pixie Dust Technologies

3-2. "YYProbe" Real-time Speech Recognition App

The real-time speech recognition app "YYProbe" is developed by Aisin Corporation, a well-known automotive parts manufacturer.

Aisin Corporation is known for its development capabilities that cover almost all major automotive parts, and in recent years, it has been focusing on utilizing digital technologies such as AI and IoT, with its expertise fully incorporated into YYProbe.

YYProbe allows users to enjoy conversations through a chat-like interface using speech recognition.

It even converts laughter into "(laugh)" to express emotions in text, facilitating more empathetic communication.

Furthermore, it is possible to build a database by repeatedly recording sounds and analyzing them.

In addition to text, users can also post images and videos.

YYProbe supports 22 languages, making it widely used in all locations of the hotel chain Tokyu Stay, especially for communication with international guests.

Reference: Real-time Text Conversion of Conversations | Aisin Corporation

3-3. "UD Talk" Communication Support and Conversation Visualization App

"UD Talk" is a communication support app with features such as speech recognition transcription and automatic translation.

UD in UD Talk stands for Universal Design, aiming to be an app that can be used regardless of disabilities or differences in abilities.

In addition to speech recognition, it also features speech synthesis, allowing it to speak, which is a major feature.

Therefore, it is possible to communicate between visually impaired and hearing-impaired individuals through UD Talk.

Input methods include not only speech but also keyboard and handwriting, providing support for smooth communication.

With a hiragana conversion feature, users can restrict the use of kanji according to their learning level.

UD Talk is available not only as a smartphone app but also on wearable devices and AR devices, making it a service that can be used in a wider range of scenarios.

Reference: UD Talk | RoiS Corporation

4. Two Hearing Media Options That Make "Hearing" Possible

4-1. TH-1105

TH-1105, provided by Rionet, a major hearing aid manufacturer, is known as a rare glasses-type hearing aid.

With hearing aids, there are cases where users feel uncomfortable because their ears are blocked.

TH-1105 transmits sound by vibrating the temple part of the glasses, providing comfort without a sense of blockage.

Additionally, it can be used as glasses, making it suitable for those who do not want others to know they are wearing a hearing aid.

It features an analog volume control, making it easy to adjust the volume.

Reference: TH-1105 | Rion Co., Ltd.

4-2. Vibone nezu 3 

Vibone nezu 3 is technically not a hearing aid but a sound amplifier, and it is not intended for individuals with hearing impairments.

However, unlike general sound amplifiers, it is recommended as a device that can capture sound through bone conduction.

While there are relatively many bone conduction headphones, Vibone nezu 3 is a rare bone conduction earphone that uses a method of attaching a vibrator to the ear canal.

Many users have expressed surprise at being able to hear sounds that were previously difficult to hear by using Vibone nezu 3.

This is because it uses a unique device called SSDD TM.

It excels in its ability to convey what it captures and achieves clear sound, making it highly rated.

With features like noise reduction and equalizing, it is suitable for those who want to focus on sound quality.

Additionally, it has a water-resistant feature, making it easy to use in various situations.

With more permanent stores and listening event trials being held, be sure to give it a try!

Reference: Vibone nezu 3 | Solid Sonic Co., Ltd.

5. Introduction to Other Services for Individuals with Hearing Impairments!

5-1. "Miruoto" - A System to Visualize the Sounds and Atmosphere of Sports

For individuals with hearing impairments, it is said that watching sports competitions can be stressful.

This is because it is difficult to immediately understand what is happening and the excitement and atmosphere are not easily conveyed.

"Miruoto" is a service that captures the atmosphere and energy of cheering in competitions as onomatopoeia and displays it as sound effects on large screens, allowing for visual communication that has not been emphasized before.

It is developed with technical support from Aisin Corporation and Waseda University's Iwata Laboratory, with members who have hearing impairments also involved in its development.

It is attractive because it allows individuals with hearing impairments and those without to share an emotional competition experience together.

It aims to be introduced at the 2025 Tokyo Deaflympics, and it is something to look forward to experiencing!

Reference: Miruoto

5-2. "Ekimatope" - A Device That Visually Represents the Sounds Overflowing in Stations

"Ekimatope" is a device that visually represents environmental sounds such as station announcements and train sounds on a liquid crystal display installed above vending machines on station platforms, using text, sign language, and onomatopoeia.

There are many sounds in the stations we use daily for commuting or school.

For example, announcements of train arrivals and departures, as well as chimes and bells, are used to alert us to danger.

Therefore, Ekimatope, which conveys the surrounding situation not through sound but through text, is a valuable presence for individuals with visual impairments.

Ekimatope uses AI to identify environmental sounds such as train arrival sounds and announcement sounds, displaying them as text, sign language, and onomatopoeia animations.

It is a great strength that it can display in appropriate fonts according to the content to be displayed.

It won the Good Design Award in 2022, demonstrating its excellence in design.

Ekimatope is also attracting attention as a convenient device for individuals without impairments, as it provides accurate information in text format.

Reference: Ekimatope | Fujitsu Limited

5-3. "Mieru Announce" - Multilingual and Textual Station Announcements Without a Dedicated App

"Mieru Announce" is a service that allows station announcements to be displayed in multiple languages on users' smartphones without using a dedicated app.

Among several services that can visualize announcements using a dedicated app, "Mieru Announce," jointly developed by Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. and Yamaha Corporation, displays announcement content in multiple languages by holding a smartphone over a dedicated panel called a trigger board installed in the station or by scanning a QR code.

The content announced through the station staff app "Omotenashi Guide for Biz" can be confirmed in text, making it a convenient service for individuals with hearing impairments.

Mieru Announce is being gradually introduced at all Tokyo Metro stations from April 2025, in anticipation of the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics.

Reference: Introduction of "Mieru Announce" at All Tokyo Metro Stations | Tokyo Metro

5-4. "Gratuna" - A Job Service for Individuals with Hearing Impairments

"Gratuna" is a portal site that gathers job information for individuals with hearing impairments.

It allows users to view and apply for various job information without requiring membership registration.

Unlike regular job sites, it is convenient because individuals with hearing impairments can easily search for the information they want using tags, allowing them to easily check conditions that were not visualized in general job listings.

Additionally, it features "Gratuna Points," which provide more detailed information that individuals with hearing impairments want to know.

Furthermore, the selection method is clearly stated, allowing both job seekers and hiring companies to proceed with the recruitment process with the same understanding.

Reference: Gratuna | Hogaku Co., Ltd.

For more detailed information about Gratuna, please refer to the following article.

Reference:

6. Conclusion

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