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What’s new in macOS Tahoe
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Accessibility features for hearing on Mac

Your Mac comes with built-in tools designed to help you hear better—or stay connected without hearing a sound.

To explore accessibility features for hearing, choose Apple menu > System Settings, click Accessibility in the sidebar, then go to the Hearing section.

Open Accessibility settings for me

Use alternatives to sound

Get notified when someone says your name

With Name Recognition, your Mac can continuously listen for your name and notify you when it’s recognized. Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Accessibility in the sidebar. Click Name Recognition, then click Set Up.

Have Mac notify you when your name is called

Get real-time captions of spoken audio

With Live Captions, get a transcription of the audio from any app and from live conversations around you. Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Accessibility in the sidebar. Click Live Captions, then turn on Live Captions.

Get captions of spoken and computer audio

Use subtitles and captions

Use subtitles and change how they look. Or instead of standard subtitles, use closed captions and SDH when available. Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Accessibility in the sidebar. Click Captions, then choose a style or setting.

Use subtitles and closed captions

Flash the screen for notifications

If you can’t hear your alerts, get notified visually. Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Accessibility in the sidebar. Click Audio, then turn on “Flash the screen when an alert sound occurs.”

Change Audio settings for accessibility

Make Real-Time Text (RTT) calls

Type to communicate on calls. The person you’re talking to sees your message as you type it. Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Accessibility in the sidebar. Click RTT, then turn on RTT.

Set up and use RTT calling

Type to Siri

Type your Siri requests instead of speaking them. Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Accessibility in the sidebar. Click Siri, then turn on Type to Siri.

Change Siri settings for accessibility

Apps like Podcasts and Voice Memos also have transcription features.

Use hearing devices and customize audio settings

Hearing devices

Pair Made for iPhone (MFi) hearing aids or sound processors with your Mac and adjust their settings. Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Accessibility in the sidebar. Click Hearing Devices, then connect your device.

Use hearing devices

AirPods

Set accessibility options for AirPods and other Apple headphones paired with your Mac. Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Accessibility in the sidebar. Click Audio, click your AirPods, then select a setting—like “Press speed” or “Press and hold duration.”

Change force sensor, Touch control, or button settings for AirPods

Audio balance

Customize audio so it sounds best to your ears—play stereo sound as mono, boost certain frequencies or soft sounds, and more. Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Accessibility in the sidebar. Click Audio, then select a setting—like Headphone Accommodations.

Change Audio settings for accessibility

Background sounds

Have your Mac play ambient sounds—such as ocean waves or rain—to help you focus or rest. Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Accessibility in the sidebar. Click Audio, then turn on “Background sounds.”

Play background sounds

Tip: Control your go-to accessibility features and settings with Siri, keyboard shortcuts, or from the menu bar. See Quickly turn accessibility features on or off.

Helpful?

Mac User Guide

Accessibility features for hearing on Mac

Use alternatives to sound

Use hearing devices and customize audio settings