Hearing accessibility features in iOS
Get to know some of the powerful features that Apple builds into iPhone, iPad and iPod touch to support people who are deaf, have limited hearing or have unique hearing needs.
iOS devices are filled with accessibility features that can help people who are deaf, have limited hearing or have unique hearing needs use their devices, such as:
Hearing aids
Hear phone calls and other audio more clearly on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch with Made for iPhone hearing aids. After you've paired your hearing aid, you can control it with your iOS device.
Live Listen
Use Live Listen, a feature that turns your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch into a remote microphone that sends sound from your environment to your Made for iPhone hearing aids or your AirPods.
Visual alerts
The LED flash on your iPhone or iPad Pro can blink when your device is locked and you receive a notification. This can be useful if you don't want to miss a notification while your device is locked.
RTT calls
Real-time text (RTT) phone calls provide instant transmission of a message as you compose it. Transcripts are saved in the call history of the Phone app, and you can upgrade a regular call to RTT.
FaceTime video calls
Every iOS device comes with FaceTime, so you can have video calls with other iOS users wherever they are. And FaceTime's high-quality video and fast frame rate make it ideal for communicating with sign language.
Video subtitles
Some video content from the iTunes Store includes alternative audio languages or other accessibility features, such as closed captions (CC) and subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing (SDH).
Headphone Accommodations
Use Headphone Accommodations to customise headphone audio settings to amplify soft sounds and adjust certain frequencies for your hearing needs. You can also use your audiogram data from the Health app to customise audio settings.
Learn more
Find an overview of Apple’s approach to accessibility, including stories of people who use Apple products to do amazing things.
Get accessibility support for all Apple devices.
Need more help with accessibility features? Contact Apple Support.
