Free Speech-to-Text Apps for Deaf & Hard of Hearing | 2024 Guide

This article explains how individuals with hearing impairments can convert audio to text for free.

Both iPhone and Android smartphones come with built-in speech-to-text functionality. However, by using apps specifically designed for people with hearing disabilities or external services like AI transcription services, you can convert audio to text more conveniently.

We'll introduce various speech-to-text apps that can be used for free, so why not give them a try based on this article?

4 Methods for Speech-to-Text Conversion for the Hearing Impaired (Including Free Options)

What are the available methods for speech-to-text conversion for individuals with hearing impairments?

We will introduce free speech-to-text conversion methods.

1. Using Standard Features on iPhone (iOS) and Android Smartphones

For individuals with hearing impairments, free speech-to-text conversion is possible using the standard features of iPhone, iPad, and Android smartphones.

The biggest advantage is that since these features are built into your smartphone, no additional app installation is required.

However, since these are not apps specifically designed for people with hearing impairments, they may be less user-friendly.

Another drawback is that they are less convenient than AI transcription services for transcribing recorded audio.

How to Convert Speech to Text for Free on iPhone/iPad

*This guide uses iOS 26 screens. Operations may differ in other versions.

To convert speech to text for free using the standard features of iPhone/iPad, first open any app that allows text input.

Any app where you can type text will work.

In this example, we created a new note in the standard iPhone "Notes" app.

Next, tap the microphone icon located at the bottom left of the keyboard.

The input cursor will then change to a microphone icon, indicating that it's ready for voice input.

Now, speech-to-text conversion is ready.

*When used by individuals with hearing impairments, hand the smartphone to the person speaking once it's in this state.

By speaking into the iPhone in this state, your speech will be converted into text and entered.

Once you've finished inputting, tap the microphone button at the bottom left of the keyboard again to end voice input.

This completes the process of free speech-to-text conversion using the standard features of iPhone and iPad.

You can also find more information on iPhone transcription methods in this article.

Please take a look.

【iPhone Voice Memo | How to Transcribe with Images】Complete on Smartphone. Also OK on PC

This article introduces how to easily transcribe iPhone voice memos on your smartphone using the "AI Transcription Service: Mr. Transcription". It's very convenient as everything can be done on your iPhone.

iPhone/iPad can also use the "Live Captions" feature

iPhone and iPad also include a feature called "Live Captions", which displays real-time subtitles for FaceTime calls, app audio, and conversations with people nearby.

Its characteristic is that it can convert incoming audio into text on the spot.

Live Captions is available on iPhone 11 and later (may not be supported on some models).

Here's how to use the Live Captions feature:

Open "Settings" app → "Accessibility" → Select "Live Captions" and turn it on

This is recommended for real-time speech-to-text conversion.

How to Convert Speech to Text for Free on Android Smartphones

*This guide uses Android 12 screens. Operations may differ in other versions.

To convert speech to text for free using the standard features of Android smartphones and tablets, similar to iPhones, open any app that allows text input.

For Android, any app where you can type text will work.

In this example, we created a new document in the "Google Docs" app.

Next, press the microphone icon at the top right of the keyboard.

Then, "Speak now" will appear to the left of the microphone.

Now, speech-to-text conversion is ready.

*When used by individuals with hearing impairments, hand the smartphone to the person speaking once it's in this state.

After that, simply speak into your Android smartphone, and your speech will be converted into text and displayed.

Once input is complete, tap the microphone icon again to end voice input.

This completes the process of free speech-to-text conversion using the standard features of Android smartphones and tablets.

You can also find more information on recommended Android transcription methods in this article.

Please take a look.

Top 9 Free Android Transcription Apps: Audio/Video/Meeting Minutes

For those who want to easily transcribe on their smartphone, we've compiled a list of recommended free Android apps by genre. We also explain how to easily try transcription using standard features.

2. CoeTora (App for People with Hearing Impairments)

"CoeTora" is an app designed for communication between individuals with hearing impairments and those with normal hearing.

It performs speech-to-text conversion using the speech recognition technology of the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT).

Available for both iPhone and Android, and both versions can be used for free.

Demonstration experiments were also conducted at schools for the deaf/hearing impaired and information centers for the hearing impaired across Japan.

Its greatest feature is the abundance of detailed functions, as it is designed specifically for use by people with hearing impairments.

In addition to converting speech from hearing individuals into text, it also includes a function to synthesize speech from text input by individuals with hearing impairments via keyboard, communicating it audibly.

You can also register frequently used phrases, allowing for smoother communication in common situations like greetings or shopping.

CoeTora

3. SpeechCanvas (App for People with Hearing Impairments)

"SpeechCanvas" is also an app developed for communication between people with hearing impairments and those with normal hearing.

It is also available for both iPhone and Android.

While "CoeTora" is intended for daily use, "SpeechCanvas" is characterized by its support for business use.

Speech from hearing individuals is converted to text and displayed, and furigana (phonetic guides) are automatically added.

Input from individuals with hearing impairments is done by handwriting, similar to written communication.

Personal use is free, while corporate use is paid (starting from 30,000 yen per month).

It is a highly-regarded app used by many companies and government agencies that employ individuals with hearing impairments.

SpeechCanvas

4. Mr. Transcription (AI Transcription Service)

Mr. Transcription is an AI transcription service that automatically transcribes audio files and videos when uploaded.

It's a web browser-based service, accessible from iPhones, Android smartphones, and PCs.

A key advantage of Mr. Transcription for people with hearing impairments is its ability to quickly convert long audio or video into text.

Even audio files over an hour long can be converted to text in about a minute, making it a convenient tool for understanding meeting content, reading transcribed lectures or videos, and generally supporting the daily lives of individuals with hearing impairments.

For businesses that need to provide information to individuals with hearing impairments in the workplace or at service counters, it can be used as a means to transcribe and share meeting recordings or explanatory videos.

The transcription results include a play button for each utterance, allowing users to check against the original audio.

Additionally, the text display changes in sync with the audio playback position.

Mr. Transcription is characterized by its ability to transcribe with the latest AI.

High-performance AI can convert long audio into text in about a minute.

Furthermore, no registration or login is required for up to 3 minutes per day.

Registering an account allows for up to 10 minutes of free audio-to-text conversion per day.

If you are looking for a way to convert audio files to text, we recommend trying Mr. Transcription.

Looking for convenient and free speech-to-text conversion for the hearing impaired?

As described, free speech-to-text conversion is available for individuals with hearing impairments.

If you have an iPhone or Android smartphone, you can communicate conveniently using speech-to-text apps and services.

Furthermore, when you want to convert audio files or video files to text, AI transcription services like Mr. Transcription are very useful.

Why not try the convenient methods introduced in this article to improve your communication?