The Evolution of Assistive Technology for the Deaf and HoH
Interested in learning about assistive technology for the deaf and hard of hearing, and the impact it has made over the years?
Interested in learning about assistive technology for the deaf and hard of hearing, and its impact over the years?
The numbers don’t lie: more than 1.5 billion people live with hearing loss; 430 million have disabling hearing loss, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). That is roughly 20% of the global population who are hard of hearing or deaf. By 2050, an estimated increase of 2.5 billion people with hearing loss is anticipated, with over 700 million needing support services.
Yet, for the deaf and hard of hearing community, integrating with the hearing population remains challenging, particularly when assistive hearing technology fails to keep up with the rapidly evolving world. For example, placing a voice call often requires human-operated relay services or text messaging to communicate with others over the phone.
But let’s talk about the real elephant in the room: integration.
Integrating the hearing and non-hearing communities is crucial for creating a more inclusive society. One thing is certain: assistive hearing technology is key to connecting both worlds, enhancing communication, and promoting a sense of community.
From developing new ways to engage with content and advancing assistive listening and communication devices, assistive hearing technology can help make workplaces, schools, and public spaces more inclusive for everyone.
But before diving into the growing opportunity to bridge this gap, let’s go back in time to grasp how much hearing assistive technology for the deaf and hard of hearing has evolved in recent years: history buffs, rejoice!
A Brief History of Assistive Technology For The Deaf And HoH
The first hearing assistive technology was the hearing aid, a custom device that amplifies sounds to improve hearing. The first electric hearing aid was invented in the early 1900s, and by the mid-20th century, hearing aids had become widely available.
Then came the TTY (teletype) device in the 1960s, which allowed communication through a typing system. In the 1980s, the more advanced TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) was introduced, along with Speech-to-Text (STT) technology, which translates speech into text in real-time.
Real-time Text (RTT) followed, allowing instant messaging between people. In the 1990s, Text-to-Speech (TTS) entered the scene, translating the written text into spoken words.
Today, these technologies evolved in various forms, including mobile apps like Nagish, which convert text-to-speech and speech-to-text in real-time with complete privacy and even access to call transcripts!
How Does Assistive Hearing Technology Improve Daily Life?
From boosting confidence, productivity, and collaboration at work to creating an inclusive environment in the school classroom and even increasing safety and independence at home, assistive hearing technology is advancing and improving daily life for those with hearing impairments.
Fortunately, technological advances are promising, and here we’ll cover everything:
Hearing Aids
Today's hearing aids are small and discreet, and they include features such as Bluetooth connectivity, noise reduction, and directional microphones. Some can also be controlled through a mobile app, allowing users to adjust the settings based on their environment and preferences. The latest advancements include the use of Artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze audio and help the user adapt settings according to their environment and preferences. AI can also be used to analyze data and reduce background noise. Some models have added the ability to mask tinnitus symptoms through the use of white noise or other sounds.
Caption Call Telephones
Caption Call telephones allow users to read captions of the conversation in real time and can be used with or without hearing aids. The Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund can make many captioning telephones available free of charge for deaf and hard of hearing users. Captioning telephones often require an internet connection or a landline.
Captioning Call Apps
The market is increasing for captioning apps for phone calls for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers. There are many paid and free versions to choose from, including Nagish’s own app. In our article here, we cover many different options available, from newer to tested versions.
Captioning Glasses
In 2024, we saw new brands offer smart glasses that can transcribe audio into automatic captions on the lens. Users can read text from different speakers in real-time with at least 95% accuracy rates. The costs of acquiring glasses are still inaccessible, but as more competitors enter the market, the prices will likely decrease.
Technology such as STT, TTS, RTT, TTY
STT, TTS, RTT (real-time text), and TTY (teletype) technologies transmit text as you type and allow the recipient to read the message right away. RTT is a more advanced protocol that transmits audio as you type text. These technologies are used in different settings, such as classrooms, hearing assistive technology, accessible workplaces, and everyday life.
VR Technology
Meta added the ability to use VRS (virtual relay services) for deaf and hard of hearing users in its portal in 2021. In 2023, Quest Hand Tracking was added to Meta to create sign language recognition during video game usage for ASL, which is still under development.
AI Sign Language Technology
Going into 2025, many robust programs are emerging with the ability to offer sign language recognition or generation. Soon, we can convert typed text to sign language or sign language to text for ease of communication between deaf and hearing users.
AI sign language interpretation is also on the horizon, with the ability to send emergency notifications to smartphones, translate PSA announcements, and more.
Accessibility Apps
Apps for messaging and video calling, such as WhatsApp and FaceTime, have drastically changed how deaf and HoH people communicate. And yet, voice calls still play a prominent role in everyday life.
Some mobile apps provide real-time captions for videos and phone calls, while others offer text-to-speech technology. Some apps provide low-tech assistive technology, such as visual alerts for phone calls and notifications.
Conclusion
At Nagish, we believe that speed is a key component of integration. That’s why we’re creating an accessible and innovative form of communication that keeps up with the natural flow of a conversation using real-time captioning powered by AI.
This means both hearing and non-hearing parties can now interact and grow together seamlessly and enjoyably because getting the full picture of a conversation beats just getting the gist of it anytime.
Matt Sherman is the Head of Community at Nagish, where he serves as a bridge between the company and its community, working to identify accessibility needs and break down communication barriers. He leads conferences, partnerships, strategic initiatives, and advocacy efforts, while also nurturing Nagish’s online and offline communities to keep them thriving and growing every day. Outside of work, Matt is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys fishing and exploring the serenity of Minnesota’s land of 10,000 lakes.
