Technology is key to improving people’s quality of life. It facilitates processes and situations that were previously impossible. A good example is the relationship between mobile applications and people with hearing problems, which is allowing them to improve their communication and autonomy. From facilitating the call to the emergency service to monitoring Menière’s disease to a guide for visiting cities, the options are multiple. The relationship between applications and hearing is, without a doubt, fruitful. And prolific.
The list of applications related to hearing is extensive and is renewed periodically. In this list we highlight some of the most notable ones.
Contact the emergency service
There are already several applications that make it easier for people with severe hearing problems to communicate with the emergency service. In this sense, one of the pioneers and one that has received the most recognition is 112 accessible, which makes it easier for those affected to communicate an incident by selecting the type of emergency using icons – ambulance, fire brigade or police -, geolocating the call and also offering translation into sign language of various situations. It is available for Android. Another similar app, in this case valid for the community of Madrid and operational for iOS and Android, is My112.
Receive notifications about noises in the home
Another notable app, due to its usefulness, is MyEarDroid, also available for Android, and which makes it easier for people with hearing problems to be aware of whether a tap is poorly closed, the doorbell or telephone is ringing or, more importantly, if a fire alarm is triggered. The application, once downloaded, notifies the interested party using their own smartphone.
Mobile notifications via vibration
People with hearing problems have problems keeping up with the notifications they receive through their mobile phone. To make it easier, Visualfy helps you configure a color or vibration pattern for each notification that arrives on the device, from receiving a WhatsApp message to being informed that the battery is running out. This app is available for Android.
Monitor Menière’s disease
Ménière’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can cause tinnitus, hearing loss, vertigo, pressure, and a feeling of fullness in the ears. And the cause that originates it is still unknown. Therefore, the Ménière’s Monitor app is of great help, as it allows you to monitor your symptoms daily, which provides experts with useful information about the disease. This app is available for both iOS and Android.
Detect possible hearing problems in boys and girls
The Early Ears app is an app created by audiologists that offers a digital version of the McCormick toy test, which is used to help detect hearing loss in children ages 2 to 8. This test consists of 14 words arranged in pairs, where a child with normal hearing ability must recognize at least 80% of what is said at a voice volume of 40 decibels. Early Ears features simple instructions at different sound levels and takes 1 to 3 minutes to complete, depending on age and level of hearing difficulty.
A travel guide accessible on mobile
Although it is not yet available as it is in the testing phase, its announcement has had a lot of impact. This is Prometeo App, a tourism social network with video information and subtitles or sign language. A platform where people with different types of hearing problems can obtain the information that interests them: sensitized airlines, accessible leisure offers, adapted hotels or venues with professionals trained in sign language.
