There are countless ways to interpret the term communication.  In general, it is the means of connection between other people and environments.  It is so essential and common, yet so often taken for granted.  Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing understand this all too well, as they have to find alternative means to communicate with others around them.

Fortunately, many smart devices and their apps help these individuals communicate with others around them.  Keep on reading to learn more about 4 different apps to help them communicate, as well as teach American Sign Language!

“I’m a great believer that any tool that enhances communication has profound effects in terms of how people can learn from each other, and how they can achieve the kind of freedoms that they’re interested in.”  – Bill Gates

4 Apps for Hard of Hearing:

1. Glide – Live Video Messenger

Searching for a lightning-fast video messenger?  Check out Glide!  Glide allows you to “express yourself in the moment and share memories as they happen with lightning-fast videos.”  This is an ideal way for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to communicate with others.

Features of Glide:

• Available on iOS, Android, and Microsoft devices
• Video Chit Chat allows you to chat with friends and family easily by featuring instant messaging and real time videos, which can be watched immediately or saved for later.
• Send and receive unlimited videos without worrying about phone’s memory or your data plan
• Ability to delete a video you sent with a single tap
• Apple Watch compatibility

2. The ASL App

The ASL App was developed by individuals who are deaf to teach others conversational American Sign Language.  “The ASL App is designed to help you learn a new visual language in a way that is easy, intuitive, and well-paced.”

Features of ASL App:

• More than 450 videos, hundreds of signs, and many phrases commonly used by individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• More than 10 different bundles ranging on topics from “Dining, Food, Nature, Environment, Money, Time,” and many more.  (The starter pack is available for free!)
• Also includes:
  • Search index
  • Slow motion button
  • Tips
  • Favorites folder
  • and more!

3. TruLink Hearing Control

By pairing a Made for iPhone hearing aid with the TruLink Hearing Control app, “people with hearing loss can go anywhere and do everything more conveniently than ever before.”  The app seamlessly connects one’s hearing aids to an iOS device, making it easy to stream music, phone calls, FaceTime, videos and more directly to the ears with “pristine sound quality.”

Features of TruLink:

• Enables carefree communication using your iPhone
• Allows users to personalize and geo-tag memories to match what you do and where you go
• Ability to change memories automatically based on personalized geo-tags (e.g. Coffee shop memory kicks in when you walk into a coffee shop)
• Adapts automatically when you travel in a car
• Allows Siri to read texts and emails to you through your hearing aids
• Lets users control their hearing aid volume and memories via iPhone

4. Stratus Video Interpreting

Stratus Video Interpreting is the “first mobile cloud application for language services in healthcare and business.”  It transforms your smart device into an on-demand video interpreter.

The Stratus On-Demand Interpreting App requires users to create a corporate account.  According to the Stratus website, “Please contact customer service or sales representative to activate your account and interpreting options.”  Once you have an account, you’ll be able to use Stratus on all devices and platforms including: Mac/PC, iPad, iPhone, and Android Smartphones/Tablets.

Features of Stratus Video:

• Call volume is 50 times higher than their closest competitor
• Users can reach a certified interpreter in 30 seconds or less 24/7.
• Video calls require minimal bandwidth so calls can be made with 4G in areas with poor WiFi
• Complete ADA Compliance:
  • “Our ASL interpreters are nationally certified, and we provide free video relay service calls.  Our VRS calls are private and work with any and every VRS provider.  We now offer Certified Deaf Interpretation, ensuring complete compliance.”