Best Assistive Technology for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People
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Table of Contents
- What Is Assistive Technology for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People?
- Why Assistive Technology Matters
- Hearing Aids
- Cochlear Implants
- Assistive Listening Devices
- Captioned Phones
- Speech-to-Text and Live Captioning Apps
- Caption Glasses and Wearable Caption Technology
- Alerting and Notification Devices
- Video Relay and Remote Interpreting
- Smart Home Accessibility Technology
- Assistive Technology for Work and Meetings
- Assistive Technology for School and Learning
- Assistive Technology for Travel and Public Spaces
- How to Choose the Right Assistive Technology
- Can You Use Multiple Assistive Technologies Together?
- Where MyView 2 Fits
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
Explore more guides on wearable captions, hearing accessibility, AI captioning, assistive listening devices, and communication technology in our Caption & Accessibility Technology resource hub.
What Is Assistive Technology for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People?
Assistive technology for Deaf and hard of hearing people includes devices, software, services, and systems that make communication, safety, information, and everyday activities more accessible.
Some technologies improve access to sound. Others turn speech into text. Some use visual or vibrating alerts instead of audio. Others connect users with interpreters or make phone conversations easier to follow.
That means assistive technology is much broader than hearing aids alone.
Examples include:
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
- Assistive listening devices
- Captioned telephones
- Speech-to-text apps
- Caption glasses
- Visual and vibrating alerting systems
- Video relay services
- Smart-home accessibility tools
- Live captioning and meeting software
The best technology depends on the person, the situation, and the type of access they want.
Someone who wants clearer audio may prefer hearing technology. Someone who prefers visual access to speech may rely more on captions. Another person may use sign language, interpreters, captions, hearing devices, and smart-home alerts at different times of the day.
There is no single device that is best for everyone.
Why Assistive Technology Matters
Accessibility challenges often appear in ordinary moments.
A coworker asks a question during a meeting. A phone rings. Someone knocks at the door. A teacher explains something quickly. A fire alarm goes off. A family conversation moves between several people.
Good assistive technology helps make information available through more than one channel.
Instead of depending only on sound, information can also be delivered through:
- Text
- Light
- Vibration
- Visual displays
- Sign language
- Direct audio transmission
This flexibility matters because Deaf and hard of hearing people do not all communicate in the same way.
Some primarily use sign language. Some use spoken language. Some use hearing aids or cochlear implants. Some rely heavily on captions. Many combine several methods.
The most useful technology is usually the technology that fits naturally into a person's existing communication preferences.
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are among the most familiar forms of hearing technology.
They are designed to capture, process, and amplify sound. Modern hearing aids may include features such as:
- Directional microphones
- Background-noise processing
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Rechargeable batteries
- Smartphone controls
- Multiple listening programs
- Direct audio streaming
Hearing aids are primarily designed for auditory access.
They may help users access speech and environmental sounds more effectively, depending on the person's hearing profile and the device.
However, hearing aids are not the right solution for every Deaf or hard of hearing person.
Some users do not benefit enough from amplification. Others prefer visual communication. Some use hearing aids alongside captions or other accessibility tools.
If you want a more detailed comparison between audio amplification and wearable captions, read MyView 2 vs Hearing Aids: What’s the Difference?
Cochlear Implants
Cochlear implants work differently from hearing aids.
Rather than simply amplifying sound, they use an implanted electronic system to stimulate the auditory nerve.
They may be appropriate for some people who receive limited benefit from conventional hearing aids.
Cochlear implants involve medical evaluation and surgery, so they belong to a very different category from consumer accessibility devices such as captioning apps or smart glasses.
Outcomes vary from person to person. Some users gain significant access to speech sounds, while others have different experiences.
Not every Deaf person wants or needs a cochlear implant. The decision is personal and should involve qualified healthcare professionals.
Assistive Listening Devices
Assistive listening devices, often called ALDs, are designed to make specific sound sources easier to access.
They can be particularly useful when distance or background noise makes speech harder to follow.
Common types include:
- Hearing loops
- FM systems
- Infrared systems
- Remote microphones
- Personal amplifiers
- Broadcast audio systems
For example, a teacher may wear a remote microphone that sends their voice more directly to a student's hearing device. A theater may use an infrared system. An auditorium may have a hearing loop.
These technologies can reduce some of the distance and competing noise between the speaker and listener.
ALDs are often used in schools, theaters, conference rooms, places of worship, public venues, and meetings.
If you are comparing multiple categories rather than one specific technology, our guide to the best devices for people with hearing loss provides a broader overview.
Captioned Phones
Phone calls can be challenging because visual communication cues disappear.
There is no face to watch, no lip movement, and no body language.
Captioned phones add text to the conversation so the user can read what the other person is saying.
Depending on the service, captions may appear:
- On a dedicated captioned telephone
- In a smartphone app
- On a computer
- Through a wearable display
For people who prefer visual access to speech, captioned calling can make everyday tasks easier, including:
- Booking appointments
- Speaking with customer service
- Work calls
- Family conversations
- Delivery calls
Newer wearable devices are also beginning to move phone captions away from a separate screen and into the user's field of view.
Speech-to-Text and Live Captioning Apps
Speech-to-text apps use automatic speech recognition to convert spoken language into text.
They can be useful during:
- One-on-one conversations
- Meetings
- Classes
- Appointments
- Restaurants
- Travel
- Group discussions
One of their biggest advantages is convenience. Most people already carry a smartphone, so a captioning app can be easy to start using.
However, there is an obvious limitation: the captions are usually on the phone.
That means the user may have to repeatedly shift attention between the speaker and the screen.
For occasional caption use, that may be perfectly fine. For people who rely on captions throughout the day, wearable displays may offer a more integrated experience.
For a deeper look at the technology behind automatic transcription, see our guide to AI caption technology for Deaf and hard of hearing people.
Caption Glasses and Wearable Caption Technology
Caption glasses move real-time speech-to-text from a phone screen into the wearer's field of view.
Someone speaks. Speech-recognition technology converts the words into text. The captions appear through the glasses.
This can allow the user to continue looking toward the person speaking while still accessing:
- Facial expressions
- Lip movements
- Gestures
- Body language
- Captions
at the same time.
You may also see these devices described as:
- real-time caption glasses
- speech-to-text glasses
- smart caption glasses
- glasses with subtitles
- live caption glasses
Wearable caption technology is especially interesting because it approaches communication through visual access rather than amplification.
For a full explanation of how these devices work, what features matter, and who they may be useful for, read our complete guide to caption glasses for Deaf and hard of hearing people.
Alerting and Notification Devices
Not every accessibility need is about conversation.
Sometimes the issue is simply knowing that something happened.
Alerting devices for Deaf and hard of hearing people can replace or supplement audible signals with:
- Flashing lights
- Vibration
- Bed shakers
- Smartphone alerts
- Smartwatch notifications
- Connected smart-home signals
These systems may be used for:
- Doorbells
- Smoke alarms
- Carbon monoxide alarms
- Alarm clocks
- Phone calls
- Baby monitors
- Security systems
For example, a doorbell might trigger a flashing light. An alarm clock might use a bed shaker. A smartwatch might vibrate when a connected safety device detects an alert.
This category is especially important because accessibility includes environmental awareness and safety, not just speech.
Video Relay and Remote Interpreting
For people who use sign language, Video Relay Service (VRS) and Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) can provide communication access in situations involving spoken-language users.
These services are different.
VRS is commonly used for telephone communication, connecting a sign-language user with another person through an interpreter.
VRI uses remote interpreters through video in situations such as:
- Meetings
- Appointments
- Workplaces
- Customer service
- Other in-person interactions
These services can be valuable because they provide communication through a natural signed language rather than requiring users to rely only on text or speech.
They also demonstrate an important point: assistive technology does not always mean a physical device. A service can be just as important as hardware.
Smart Home Accessibility Technology
Smart-home systems have created new possibilities for Deaf accessibility technology.
Connected devices can turn sound-based events into visual or vibrating notifications.
Examples include:
- Smart doorbells
- Security cameras
- Smart lighting
- Smoke and safety alerts
- Connected watches
- Baby monitors
- Smartphone notifications
A smart doorbell, for example, can send a visual notification to a phone or watch. Smart lights can flash when an alert occurs. A security camera can provide visual confirmation of who is at the door.
These technologies may not be marketed specifically as Deaf accessibility products, but they can still provide meaningful accessibility when configured thoughtfully.
Assistive Technology for Work and Meetings
Workplaces often involve rapid communication.
Meetings, phone calls, presentations, one-on-one conversations, video conferences, and quick questions at a desk can all require different types of access.
Useful workplace accessibility technology may include:
- Live meeting captions
- Remote microphones
- Hearing loops
- Sign-language interpreters
- VRI
- Captioned phone services
- Speech-to-text apps
- Caption glasses
- Visual notification systems
For someone who frequently switches between meetings, calls, and informal conversations, no single tool may cover every situation.
For example, live meeting captions may work well during a video call, while wearable captions may be more convenient during an unexpected hallway conversation.
Assistive Technology for School and Learning
Education requires constant access to information.
A student may need to follow teachers, classmates, presentations, videos, group discussions, and announcements.
Accessibility options may include:
- Professional captioning
- Sign-language interpreters
- FM or remote-microphone systems
- Hearing loops
- Speech-to-text apps
- Captioned video
- Note-taking tools
- Wearable captions
Different learning environments require different approaches.
A lecture hall may benefit from an assistive listening system. A small discussion group may work better with captions. A student may also combine multiple supports.
Technology should complement formal educational accommodations rather than automatically replace them.
Assistive Technology for Travel and Public Spaces
Travel creates unpredictable communication situations.
Airports, hotels, restaurants, public transportation, tourist attractions, people giving directions, and public announcements can all create different access needs.
Useful accessibility tools may include:
- Live caption apps
- Translation apps
- Caption glasses
- Hearing loops
- Visual travel alerts
- Smartwatches
- Text-based transportation updates
Translation can also become important when language and hearing access overlap.
Wearable technology may be especially useful when users want to keep their hands free while navigating unfamiliar environments.
How to Choose the Right Assistive Technology
The best assistive technology for Deaf and hard of hearing people depends on the problem you are trying to solve.
Start with the situation rather than the device.
Do I want better access to sound?
Hearing aids or assistive listening devices may be relevant.
Do I want to read conversations?
Speech-to-text apps or caption glasses may be more useful.
Are phone calls the biggest challenge?
Captioned calling or wearable call transcription may help.
Do I need household safety alerts?
Visual and vibrating notification systems may matter most.
Do I primarily use sign language?
VRS, VRI, interpreters, and video communication may be more important.
Do I struggle most in meetings?
Live captions, interpreters, remote microphones, or wearable caption tools may help.
Also consider practical factors such as:
- Comfort
- Battery life
- Language support
- Phone compatibility
- Internet requirements
- Portability
- Subscription costs
- Privacy
- Training or setup
The technology with the longest feature list is not automatically the best choice.
The best option is the one that solves the problem you actually have.
If you want to compare device categories side by side, see our Best Devices for People with Hearing Loss guide.
Can You Use Multiple Assistive Technologies Together?
Yes.
In fact, many people do.
Assistive technology does not need to be an either-or decision.
Someone might use:
- Hearing aids for environmental sound
- Caption glasses for difficult conversations
- VRS for signed phone communication
- Visual alerts at home
- Live captions during online meetings
These tools solve different problems.
A hearing aid provides auditory access.
A captioning app provides text access.
A vibrating alert provides tactile access.
A sign-language interpreter provides linguistic access through sign.
Combining technologies can create a more flexible communication setup.
Where MyView 2 Fits
MyView 2 fits into the category of wearable caption and visual communication technology.
It is not a hearing aid and is not designed to amplify environmental sound.
Instead, it converts spoken communication into visible text and displays the captions through smart glasses.
Current MyView 2 features include:
- Real-time face-to-face transcription
- Phone call transcription
- Transcription support across multiple languages
- Real-time translation
- Hearing Assistance Mode
- Navigation
- Teleprompter and meeting tools
- Music playback
- AI assistance
That places MyView 2 in a different category from traditional hearing technology.
A hearing aid helps users access sound. An assistive listening device delivers sound more directly. MyView 2 provides visual access to spoken language.
That may make it useful for people who prefer captions, including users who already use hearing aids or other accessibility tools.
For a full overview of the product and how it works, read What Is MyView 2? A Complete Guide to Real-Time Caption Glasses.
If you want to compare visual captions with sound amplification, see MyView 2 vs Hearing Aids.
You can also view the latest product details on the MyView 2 product page.
Final Thoughts
The world of assistive technology for Deaf and hard of hearing people is much broader than a single device.
There are technologies for:
- Hearing
- Reading speech
- Phone communication
- Sign-language access
- Safety
- Meetings
- Education
- Travel
- Everyday conversations
Hearing aids and cochlear implants provide forms of auditory access.
Assistive listening devices improve access to specific sound sources.
Captioned phones and speech-to-text apps make spoken language visible.
Alerting devices use lights and vibration.
Video relay connects sign-language users with interpreters.
And newer wearable tools such as caption glasses bring live text directly into the user's field of view.
The most important point is that these technologies do not need to compete.
People communicate in different ways.
The best accessibility setup may involve one device—or several.
What matters is giving users more ways to access communication, information, and the world around them.
FAQ About Assistive Technology for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People
What is assistive technology for Deaf people?
Assistive technology for Deaf people includes devices, software, and services that improve access to communication, information, safety, and everyday activities.
Examples include captions, alerting systems, video relay, smart-home technology, and wearable caption devices.
What are the best assistive devices for hard of hearing people?
The best device depends on the user's needs. Options include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, captioned phones, speech-to-text apps, alerting systems, and caption glasses.
Are hearing aids assistive technology?
Yes. Hearing aids are one type of assistive technology designed to improve auditory access.
What are assistive listening devices?
Assistive listening devices help deliver specific sound sources more directly to the user. Examples include hearing loops, FM systems, infrared systems, and remote microphones.
What technology can turn speech into text?
Speech-to-text apps, live captioning systems, captioned phones, and caption glasses can convert spoken language into readable text.
You can learn more about wearable speech-to-text technology in our Caption Glasses Complete Guide.
What technology can help Deaf people with phone calls?
Options include Video Relay Service, captioned phone services, speech-to-text apps, and devices that support phone call transcription.
What technology can alert Deaf people to alarms or doorbells?
Visual and vibrating alerting devices can use flashing lights, vibration, bed shakers, smartphones, or smartwatches to indicate events such as doorbells and alarms.
Are caption glasses assistive technology?
Yes. Caption glasses are wearable assistive technology that converts spoken language into visual text displayed within the wearer's field of view.
Can hearing aids and caption glasses be used together?
Yes. Some users combine hearing aids for auditory information with caption glasses for visual access to speech.
Are caption glasses the same as hearing aids?
No. Hearing aids process and amplify sound, while caption glasses convert speech into text.
What is MyView 2?
MyView 2 is a pair of real-time caption glasses designed to display spoken conversations as text, with features including face-to-face transcription, phone call captions, translation, and Hearing Assistance Mode.
Does MyView 2 require a subscription?
MyView states that its real-time transcription features are available without a required monthly transcription subscription. For the latest product details and terms, check the official MyView 2 product page.
How do I choose the right assistive technology?
Start with the situation you want to improve—such as conversations, phone calls, safety alerts, work, school, or access to sound—then compare technologies based on your communication preferences, comfort, compatibility, and cost.