Hearing Loss: Come introduce yourself and connect with others

I am pretty far along in my hearing loss where sound amplification is not 100% helpful. I am wondering if anyone has any experience with AI eyeglasses that provide transcription onto the lens when looking at a speaker..

Joe

Try the free AVA app that will transcribe speech onto your phone not perfect, but helpful.

Hi joemd. I had to retire from my work as a bank trust officer because my hearing was so bad. I want to remain social and meet and discuss with people in person. So I an interest in the AVA app you mentioned. I went to the Apple Store but could not find it. Can you give me more detail? Thanks

joemd. Sorry. I found it and just now added it to my iPhone. Will advise how it works. Thanks. T

I also use another free app. Caption call. It transcribes phone calls and when combined with the speaker option it’s very helpful. I’m also researching personal induction loops. Let me know how the apps work.

I tried AVA this morning at coffee with some friends at the mall. It worked well but noticed it got confused sometimes, I think because of loud surroundings and music. Thanks for your research.

It's so important to know what technologies are available to help those of us who have hearing loss. The concept of having technology that could transcribe speech to text was only a dream a few decades ago! We are so fortunate it is happening today. And, that the quality is improving all the time.

You mentioned induction loops. Definitely do the research on that and don't let anyone tell you that they are obsolete. Venues that install induction loops (hearing loops) provide an amazing opportunity for people who use basic hearing technology to participate like everyone else! However, you must have a component called a 'telecoil' available and activated in your personal hearing device, whether that is a hearing instrument or a cochlear implant processor. That telecoil connects you to master loop systems installed in may venues. It's remarkable at performing arts centers, meeting rooms, worship centers, etc. Unfortunately, people who provide hearing instruments don't always explain this. Instead, they promote BlueTooth technology. BT is important too, but it does different things such as connecting you to your cell phone and perhaps your TV. It will not do that in a large venue.

I encourage you to check the website of The Hearing Loss Assn. of America at http://www.hearingloss.org for more in depth information. Also check out http://www.loopamerica.com This technology can also be plugged in to personal audio devices like computers, radios, iPods, etc. by using a personal device called a 'neckloop'. ASK your audiologist about this and insist that any hearing device you buy includes the telecoils feature as well as BT.

I've used Ava and Otter. I rate both about the same. In loud environments they will not work as well. What I've had better luck with is the Beta version of Live Caption on Apple Phones. It came out about 1-2 years ago and is included in the Settings on the Apple phone. It can be activated by going to Accessibility under Settings. Then scroll down to the Hearing section of Accessibility and Live Caption should be at the bottom of the Hearing options. Click on it then turn all buttons to green. It also will caption FaceTime calls if you happen to use them.

It will put a small floating icon on your screen that you need to tap to open. Then tap the double arrow on the right to expand it on your screen. At the bottom the microphone should be white and the other 2 buttons black. Then start talking. I find it very accurate compared to Otter and Ava. And it is free. Ava and Otter will charge you if you exceed a certain number of minutes in a month.

http://www.hearingloop.org is another resource where you can learn more about how valuable telecoils and hearing loops are.

Hi happy to join . My hearing loss started 3 yrs ago in the right ear only. I got Widex hearing aids but after a few months they caused my to developed Hipercusus. Without the aids in I heard everything too loud. So I stopped using them and it took a few months to improve. Then I started to hear only my voice like I was talking with clogged ears but the sound of everyone else was normal and clear. I had eustation tube ballooning done with some improvement. I am interested to find a hearing aid that make sound normal. Any suggestions would help. Thanks