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DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1718712
Smartphones and Hearing Loss: There's an App for That!
- Abstract
- Sound Amplifier Apps
- Face-to-Face Communication (Video Call) Apps (Without Captioning)
- Phone and Video Call Apps (With Captioning)
- Live Communication Captioning Apps
- Television Apps
- Alerting Apps
- Tinnitus Relief Apps
- Noise Measurement Apps
- American Sign Language Apps
- Hearing Screening Apps
- Other Apps
- Conclusion
- References
Abstract
Smartphone use has become increasingly prevalent and patients are frequently using this technology to engage in health-related activities. There are a variety of smartphone applications that can be used to assist individuals with hearing loss, particularly during extreme situations such as a global pandemic which results in restricted face-to-face interactions. The hearing-related applications can be divided into four categories: (1) screening and assessment, (2) intervention and rehabilitation, (3) education and information, and (4) assistive tools. Several subcategories of applications in the assistive tools category are described that may be of interest to individuals with hearing loss, whether they wear hearing aids or not. Examples of the apps along with links are included for each subcategory.
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The era of electronic health (e-health) began in the late 1990s. While the specific definition of this term has evolved over time, it has grown to represent healthcare provided on an electronic platform that is evidence based, efficient, empowering, and easy to use.[1] With the restricted access to healthcare imposed by a pandemic, there has been an increased interest in the availability of mobile health (m-health) services—care that is accessed via mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets—to address patients' health-related needs.[2] The Pew Research Center estimates that 96% of American adults own a cell phone, with 81% reporting that they own a smartphone.[3] Additionally, children[4] and elderly adults[3] often can overcome common barriers (physical limitations, lack of knowledge, etc.) to utilizing this technology.[5]
The field of audiology had already embraced this trend prior to 2020 and, as a result, m-health solutions for communication challenges have become pervasive in clinical settings. Many audiologists have assimilated smartphone technology into their rehabilitation plans and, despite some frustration related to Bluetooth connectivity,[6] have demonstrated a willingness to provide m-health services to their patients.[7] The use of applications (apps) goes hand in hand with smartphone use. Of note, hundreds of apps that are specific to hearing have been identified and sorted into four categories[8]:
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Screening and assessment.
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Intervention and rehabilitation.
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Education and information.
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Assistive tools.
The goal of this article is to describe several subgroups of smartphone apps falling into the assistive tools category above. This list is by no means exhaustive—rather, it is designed to give examples of apps that are available for purposes related to hearing or hearing loss and provide the necessary resources to access them. The best solution for any given communication challenge is the one that works best for each individual user. Sometimes this solution involves hearing aids. Sometimes, as described later, it does not. When treatment options are limited by financial concerns, it could be argued that, given the myriad of m-health solutions that are readily available, an individual with hearing loss may be better served by purchasing a smartphone and data plan than hearing aids. There are many apps which were not developed specifically for individuals with hearing loss or tinnitus, but can be used by people with auditory issues to enhance communication, create alerting options, distract attention from tinnitus, etc.
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, apps that provide live captioning options to patients with hearing loss are more important than ever. The ability to convert speech to text can be useful in many situations. Fortunately, there are several options to provide this option for patients (some of which will be discussed later in this document). Patients and providers are both likely to be wearing masks that obscure facial cues and make lipreading impossible while communicating in the office. [Fig. 1] outlines some suggestions for optimizing communication while wearing a mask. Telemedicine video and phone visits will be attractive options for patients who would prefer to be evaluated or receive care at a distance, and individuals with hearing loss may need captioning assistance to communicate successfully using these mediums. Additionally, many of our patients will be practicing physical distancing and forced to rely on telecommunications to stay socially connected to family and friends.
The remainder of this article will focus on select examples of smartphone apps in the assistive tools category in each of the following subcategories for both the Apple operating system (iOS) (Apple) and Android platforms ([Fig. 2]).
Please note that this technology is continually evolving and, although all links were active at the time of publication, the information may become outdated over time. Each subcategory will include a chart which includes the application's name, the platform that supports it, the cost, a quick response (QR) code, and any relevant notes. The QR code can be scanned with a smartphone camera and the link to download the app will open in the smartphone browser. Although some apps included in this list may be capable of working offline (i.e., without a Wi-Fi or data plan connection), many of the apps listed below require an internet connection. Additionally, this connection would be required for all users involved if internet-based communication is occurring through the app.
Sound Amplifier Apps
The subcategory of amplifiers includes examples of apps that utilize a microphone of the listener's choice (smartphone, headset mic, and external mic) to pick up sounds, amplify sounds to a preferred level, and deliver them to the listener through headphones or ear buds. Though, like personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), these apps are not specifically intended to compensate for hearing loss, listeners may find them useful for improving the perception of a desired signal in various listening conditions ([Table 1]).
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Face-to-Face Communication (Video Call) Apps (Without Captioning)
Apps designed to facilitate face-to-face communication (i.e., video chat) involve the use of both audio and video signals. Visual cues can enhance understanding of individuals who have hearing loss. Users must grant these apps permission to utilize their smartphone's microphone and camera(s) ([Table 2]).
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Phone and Video Call Apps (With Captioning)
Other phone and video call apps used to facilitate social connections do so with the addition of captioning, which increases accessibility for individuals who have hearing loss. Landline phones with captioning abilities are available, but smartphone users can utilize apps designed for this purpose to achieve a similar outcome ([Table 3]).
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Live Communication Captioning Apps
Live communication captioning is likely to be of interest to patients with hearing loss and providers alike. A variety of options are available which will allow individuals with hearing loss to follow conversations by reading live transcriptions of the interactions ([Table 4]).
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Television Apps
In crowded environments (e.g., airports, restaurants, sports bars, and gyms), hearing the television can be difficult if not impossible. The apps in this subcategory help users to improve signal-to-noise ratio when listening to television audio or view subtitles on their smartphone. Some smartphones provide the ability to activate captions for television programs directly through the phone. This capability would be activated under the “Accessibility” menu under the phone settings ([Table 5]).
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Alerting Apps
Individuals with hearing loss often rely on alerting devices (e.g., vibration, flashing lights, and amplified sounds) to warn them when their doorbell, smoke alarm, or alarm clock has been activated or when their phone is ringing. The apps listed in [Table 6] can turn a smartphone into an alerting device that will accomplish some of these goals.
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Tinnitus Relief Apps
Many individuals who experience or suffer from tinnitus find that sound enrichment is beneficial (especially in very quiet environments) to distract them from their tinnitus. A few apps that use sound to facilitate relaxation or reduced awareness of tinnitus are listed in [Table 7].
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Noise Measurement Apps
Individuals who are concerned about damaging their hearing or exacerbating their tinnitus may be interested in calculating their noise dose. Apps that measure sound levels using the smartphone microphone or use crowdsourced reporting can provide an estimate of noise exposure in any given place. Note that smartphone-based measurements may not comply with calibration standards required of approved sound level meters ([Table 8]).
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American Sign Language Apps
The deaf community in our country is composed of individuals who communicate primarily through American Sign Language. The app listed in [Table 9] includes demonstrations of the signs for numbers, letters, commonly used phrases, and basic signs that may help someone who does not know any signs to convey rudimentary ideas using American Sign Language.
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Name |
American Sign Language (ASL) |
|---|---|
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Platform |
iOS and Android |
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Cost |
Free |
|
QR Code |
(iOS)
(Android) |
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Notes |
Requires iOS 9.0 or later; requires Android 4.0 or later |
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Hearing Screening Apps
Because hearing screenings often lead to comprehensive hearing evaluations when individuals do not pass, hearing screening apps have become popular. Individuals can use the apps listed in [Table 10] to complete a digits-in-noise screening and connect to an audiologist for further care. Please scan the QR codes in Table 10 to read the disclaimers associated with each hearing screening app.
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Other Apps
There are likely other apps available that would be of interest to individuals with hearing loss who do not fall into any of the specific categories mentioned earlier. Google Maps is one such app. It is primarily a location services app that provides navigation, but the app also provides attendance patterns for public places for each day of the week. Someone with hearing loss may be eager to use this feature to determine the quietest day and time to meet a friend for coffee at a local coffee shop (the time of day that is typically the least busy in that establishment; [Table 11]).
|
Name |
Google Maps |
|---|---|
|
Platform |
iOS and Android |
|
Cost |
Free |
|
QR Code |
(iOS)
(Android) |
|
Notes |
Requires iOS 11.0 or later; version of Android required varies with device |
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Conclusion
As smart devices continue to permeate Americans' personal and professional lives, healthcare providers will be required to adapt and integrate this technology into their evaluations and treatment plans. This will likely be the case even when healthcare returns to “pre-pandemic” operations. Audiologists should be aware of the types of hearing-related offerings in the iOS and Android app stores to support their patients who are unable to pursue customized amplification or who choose not to follow that specific pathway of hearing care. For certain patients, these apps may provide a sufficient solution to their hearing-related problems while allowing them to achieve some success when normal communication interactions are not possible as the result of unforeseen challenges such as the global pandemic.
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Conflict of Interest
None declared.
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References
- 1 Eysenbach G. What is e-health?. J Med Internet Res 2001; 3 (02) E20
- 2 Free C, Phillips G, Felix L, Galli L, Patel V, Edwards P. The effectiveness of M-health technologies for improving health and health services: a systematic review protocol. BMC Res Notes 2010; 3 (01) 250
- 3 PEW Research Center. Demographics of Mobile Device Ownership and Adoption in the United States. Accessed June 2, 2020 at: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/mobile/
- 4 Yadav S, Chakraborty P. Children aged two to four are able to scribble and draw using a smartphone app. Acta Paediatr 2017; 106 (06) 991-994
- 5 Mohadisdudis H, Ali N. A study of smartphone usage and barriers among the elderly. 3rd International Conference on User Science and Engineering. September 2–5, 2014: 109-114
- 6 Ng SL, Phelan S, Leonard M, Galster J. A qualitative case study of smartphone-connected hearing aids: influences on patients, clinicians, and patient-clinician interactions. J Am Acad Audiol 2017; 28 (06) 506-521
- 7 Kimball SH, Singh G, John AB, Jenstad LM. Implications and attitudes of audiologists towards smartphone integration in hearing healthcare. Hear Res 2018; 369: 15-23
- 8 Paglialonga A, Tognola G, Pinciroli F. Apps for hearing science and care. Am J Audiol 2015; 24 (03) 293-298
Address for correspondence
Publication History
Article published online:
16 December 2020
© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.
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References
- 1 Eysenbach G. What is e-health?. J Med Internet Res 2001; 3 (02) E20
- 2 Free C, Phillips G, Felix L, Galli L, Patel V, Edwards P. The effectiveness of M-health technologies for improving health and health services: a systematic review protocol. BMC Res Notes 2010; 3 (01) 250
- 3 PEW Research Center. Demographics of Mobile Device Ownership and Adoption in the United States. Accessed June 2, 2020 at: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/mobile/
- 4 Yadav S, Chakraborty P. Children aged two to four are able to scribble and draw using a smartphone app. Acta Paediatr 2017; 106 (06) 991-994
- 5 Mohadisdudis H, Ali N. A study of smartphone usage and barriers among the elderly. 3rd International Conference on User Science and Engineering. September 2–5, 2014: 109-114
- 6 Ng SL, Phelan S, Leonard M, Galster J. A qualitative case study of smartphone-connected hearing aids: influences on patients, clinicians, and patient-clinician interactions. J Am Acad Audiol 2017; 28 (06) 506-521
- 7 Kimball SH, Singh G, John AB, Jenstad LM. Implications and attitudes of audiologists towards smartphone integration in hearing healthcare. Hear Res 2018; 369: 15-23
- 8 Paglialonga A, Tognola G, Pinciroli F. Apps for hearing science and care. Am J Audiol 2015; 24 (03) 293-298