Voice-to-Text Apps for the Hearing Impaired: iPhone & Android

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

While both iPhone and Android smartphones come with built-in voice-to-text conversion features, using apps specifically designed for people with hearing impairments or external services like AI transcription services can make converting audio to text even more convenient.

We'll introduce various voice-to-text conversion apps that can be used for free, so why not use this article as a guide?

4 Ways to Convert Audio to Text for People with Hearing Impairments (Including Free Options)

What are the methods available for converting audio to text for people with hearing impairments?

Here are some free ways to convert audio to text.

1. Use the Standard Features of iPhone/Android Smartphones

For people with hearing impairments, audio-to-text conversion is possible for free by using the standard features of iPhone or Android smartphones.

The biggest advantage is that no additional installation is required since it's a built-in smartphone feature.

However, since it's not an app specifically designed for people with hearing impairments, it may be less user-friendly.

Another drawback is that it's less convenient than AI transcription services for transcribing recorded audio.

How to Convert Audio to Text for Free on iPhone

*This explanation uses iOS 15. Operations may differ in other versions.

To convert audio to text for free using the standard iPhone features, first open an app for typing text.

Any app that allows text input will work.

In this case, I created a new note in the "Notes" app.

Next, press the microphone icon button on the bottom left of the keyboard.

Then, the keyboard display area will switch to voice input display.

Now, voice-to-text conversion is ready.

*When used by someone with hearing impairment, hand the smartphone to the person they are speaking with once this state is reached.

By speaking into the iPhone in this state, the content will be converted to text and input.

This completes the process of converting audio to text for free using the standard iPhone features.

How to Convert Audio to Text for Free on Android Smartphones

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

To convert audio to text for free using the standard Android smartphone features, just like with iPhone, open an app for typing text.

For Android, any app that allows text input will work.

In this case, I created a new document in the "Google Docs" app.

Next, press the microphone icon button on the top right of the keyboard.

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

Now you're ready for speech-to-text conversion.

※When used by individuals with hearing impairments, hand the phone to the person you're speaking with once it's in this state.

After that, simply speak into your Android phone, and the content will be transcribed and displayed.

This completes the process of converting speech to text for free using the standard features of an Android phone.

2. Koetra (App for People with Hearing Impairments)

"Koetra" 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).

Both iPhone and Android versions are available and can be used for free.

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

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

In addition to converting spoken content from hearing individuals to text, it also includes a feature to synthesize speech from content typed by individuals with hearing impairments on the keyboard, conveying it audibly.

Pre-set phrases can also be registered, allowing for smoother communication in common situations such as greetings and shopping.

Koetra

3. SpeechCanvas (App for People with Hearing Impairments)

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

This also has both iPhone and Android versions.

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

Content spoken by hearing individuals is converted to text and displayed, and furigana (phonetic guides) are automatically added.

Input from individuals with hearing impairments is done via a handwriting method, similar to written communication.

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

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

SpeechCanvas

4. Mojikoshi-san (AI Transcription Service)

"Mojikoshi-san" is an AI transcription service that automatically transcribes audio files and videos when uploaded.

It's a web browser-based service that can be used not only on iPhones and Android smartphones but also on PCs.

A key advantage of "Mojikoshi-san" for individuals with hearing impairments is its ability to quickly transcribe long audio or video content.

Even audio files over an hour long can be transcribed in about 10 minutes, making it a convenient tool to understand meeting content, read transcribed lectures or videos, and generally support the daily lives of people with hearing impairments.

"Mojikoshi-san" can utilize two types of cutting-edge AI, each with distinct features:

• PerfectVoice: Transcribes long audio in about 10 minutes, supports 100 languages.
• AmiVoice: Transcribes audio in roughly the same time as the audio file's duration, includes speaker diarization (transcribes per speaker).

Furthermore, for up to 1 minute, you can transcribe audio for freewithout registration or login.

If you're looking for a way to transcribe audio files, we highly recommend trying "Mojikoshi-san".

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

As shown, free speech-to-text conversion for individuals with hearing impairments is indeed possible.

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

Furthermore, when you need to convert audio or video files to text, AI transcription services like "Mojiokoshi-san" are very useful.

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

■ AI transcription service "Mr. Transscription"

"Mr. Transcription" is an online transcription tool that can be used from zero initial cost and 1,000 yen per month (* free version available).

• Supports more than 20 file formats such as audio, video, and images
• Can be used from both PC and smartphone
• Supports technical terms such as medical care, IT, and long-term care
• Supports creation of subtitle files and speaker separation
• Supports transcription in approximately 100 languages ​​including English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, German, French, Italian, etc.

To use it, just upload the audio file from the site. Transcription text is available in seconds to tens of minutes.
You can use it for free if you transcribe it for up to 10 minutes, so please try it once.

It is "Mr. Transcription" who can easily transcribe from audio, video, and images. Transcription allows you to transcribe for up to 10 minutes for free. You can copy, download, search, delete, etc. the transcribed text. You can also create subtitle files, which is ideal for transcription of interview videos.

HP: mojiokoshi3.com
Email: mojiokoshi3.com@gmail.com