We Round Up Four Of The Most Powerful Apps That Help Transform Spoken Language Into Text For The Hearing
Automatic Speech Recognition has been around for some time, but Googles Live Transcribe has brought ASR back into the spotlight. Available on computers, smartphones and tablets, these apps and services are invaluable to the hearing-impaired.
Speech-recognition software identifies spoken language and turns it into text. Some of them only recognise selected words and phrases, while the more sophisticated apps understand and transcribe live speech.
In this article, we look at four popular apps that can help the hearing-impaired, and some of their features.
Ibm Speech To Text App
Also known as IBM Watson, IBM Speech to Text voice typing app works on artificial intelligence. In addition to converting spoken words to written text, it extends API for attaching speech transcription capabilities to apps.
IBM Speech to text Software Features
- Real timespeech recognition
Watsontranscribes spoken words and phrases in real time even from low quality audio.
- Multiplelanguage support
IBM Watsonidentifies over 7 languages other than English.
- Accuratespeech engine
The speech totext app recognises specific keywords, terminologies and names spoken in youraudio.
- Analysis oftranscription
- Securelybacked to the cloud
All yourtranscriptions are backed to IBM cloud servers
Voice text to speech pricing: IBM text to speech software price starts from 1.47 per minute.
Availability: IBM voice to text online app for Windows and mac OS users.
How to Find the Best Speech to Text Apps for Android & iPhone
With the competition for the best speech to textapps growing, app developers are coming up with new intrinsic features everyday. In some of the best speech to text apps for Android and iPhone, you getthe following features:
Easy integrationwith other apps: The best speech to text software enables easyintegration with other writing related apps for writing SMSs, emails, or tweets.
Added dictionary: The audio to text converter app should also feature a custom dictionary for adding personal information such as phone numbers and addresses.
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Speech Recognition Apps For The Hearing Impaired And Deaf
Speech recognition apps for the hearing impaired and deaf
VCCA2020 SUBMITTED ABSTRACT
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre Nijmegen, the Netherlands
Background Speech recognition software has become increasingly sophisticated and accurate due to progress in information technology. The software converts speech into text using artificial intelligence. The intended purpose of most developed apps is taking voice commands and taking notes. Nevertheless, some apps are specially developed for the hearing impaired and deaf. This project aims to examine the performance of speech recognition apps and to explore which audiological tests are a representative measure of the ability of these apps to convert speech into text.
Method Four apps have been tested on an iOS and an Android smartphone, respectively AVA , Earfy , Live Transcribe and Speechy . The audiological tests battery consisted of speech audiometry , DIN test , and PLOMP test with and without noise. Lastly, we presented a dialogue in Dutch and English to the apps and scored all correct, incorrect, and missing words.
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Transcribe Audio To Text Converter App
Transcribe is a popularspeech to text app among professional transcribers, college students, lawyers,medical professionals, etc. You can export your transcribed files in SRT andwebVTT subtitle format and add them to your videos.
Transcribe Speech to Text App Features
- Integrationwith foot pedal
You can startand stop audio playback by using your foot. This feature is useful for disabledpersonnel.
You can setacronyms for words and phrases and Transcribe will automatically expand them.
- Insertingtimestamp
Transcribe hasa dedicated shortcut for inserting timestamps to speech to text converteddocuments.
- Offlinecompatibility
You can use Transcribein offline mode for generating text through voice commands.
- Auto savingtranscriptions
Transcribeauto saves each update and stores the transcribed document to your browserslocal storage.
Audio to text converter online pricing: The price of Transcribe starts from 1471.89 per year.
Availability: Transcribe voice to text app for Windows, mac OS, android and iOS devices.
The Best Free Speech To Text Apps:
If you already have an Android mobile device, then if it’s not already installed then download Google Keyboard from the Google Play store and you’ll have an instant text-to-speech app. Although it’s primarily designed as a keyboard for physical input, it also has a speech input option which is directly available. And because all the power of Google’s hardware is behind it, it’s a powerful and responsive tool.
If that’s not enough then there are additional features. Aside from physical input ones such as swiping, you can also trigger images in your text using voice commands. Additionally, it can also work with Google Translate, and is advertised as providing support for over 60 languages.
Even though Google Keyboard isn’t a dedicated transcription tool, as there are no shortcut commands or text editing directly integrated, it does everything you need from a basic transcription tool. And as it’s a keyboard, it means should be able to work with any software you can run on your Android smartphone, so you can text edit, save, and export using that. Even better, it’s free and there are no adverts to get in the way of you using it.
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Dictationio App To Convert Voice To Text
Dictation.io free speech to text app is useful for generating emails, letters, essays, etc. through voice commands. It checks the document for punctuation errors and typos once you are done dictating. You can then export your transcriptions in .txt format.
Dictation.io Voice to Text Software Features
- Recognises multiplelanguages
It can be used for voice to text Hindi typing. In addition, it recognises other languages such as Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, etc.
- Secure transcription
Allvoice converted texts are stored on your browser rather than being uploaded ona third-party platform.
- Suitable for people withspecial needs
Dictation.iois a helpful tool for people with Carpal Tunnel syndrome and repetitive straininjury in the hand.
- Publishing your texts
Youcan put your converted text on the internet by hitting the publish button.
- Support service
Incase of a grievance, you can directly contact the developers through the onlineweb form or email.
Speech to text app pricing: Dictation.io is a free voice to text software.
Availability: Dictation.io is a voice to text app for PC and is available for use on windows, mac OS, Linux and Google Chrome.
What Are Speech To Text Apps
Simply put speech to text applications turn spoken words into written words. For many years speech to text applications would be used on desktop computers to be able to dictate notes quickly, especially used by health professionals and students.
Now in the era of smart phones and mobile phone applications “apps” there is a whole new world of speech to text apps. There are a number of these applications now that have been made with Deaf and hard of hearing people in mind so that they can be used in real time situations whether its in pulbic places, at an appointment or even just chatitng with new friends.
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Useful Apps For Hearing Loss
Computers, smartphones and tablets are increasingly prevalent in just about everyones life these days and with the use of the right websites, apps and services they can be valuable tools in helping one to live well with hearing loss.
With new services and apps popping up just about every day, we cannot hope to cover everything thats out there on this one page however we have attempted to curate a selection of what we believe to be some of the most useful options.
Recommended By Our Editors
Most people don’t need to install software to dictate text to their computer or phone. That’s because every major operating system has a speech-to-text feature built in, and they work about as well as anything else on the market. Here we point out where to find these features on your device, and talk about a powerful commercial product with more features, should you need to do more with a speech-to-text tool than the built-in options offer.
Best Speech-to-Text Tool for Windows
Also Check: Free Speech To Text Online
Apple Dictation To Translate Voice To Text
Apple dictation voice text to speech tool can be used not only for typing mails and letters but also with social media apps such as Facebook. The best voice to text software automatically stops listening when it is not spoken to for a specific amount of time
Apple Dictation Speech to Text Online App Features
- Punctuation marks
You can add punctuationmarks through voice commands within a text without having to access a differentoption for them
- Voice to text onlineconversion in real time
When you say a phrase, it issent over to apple servers to be analyzed and converted to text in real time.
- Sharing your audiorecordings
You can store a local copyof your transcription in audio format on your device.
- Multiple language support
With apple dictation, youcan choose a pre-listed language or even select an unlisted language.
- Enhanced dictation
The software uses Sirispeech recognition engine to undertake enhanced dictation of your text andpoint out incorrect words.
Voice to text software pricing: Apple Dictation is free voice to text app available on Apple app store.
Availability: Apple dictation is one of the best voice to text app for iPhone, iPad and MacBook users.
Google Live Caption And Google Pixel 4a Phone
Google Live Caption was launched in 2020. It provides real-time captions for YouTube videos, podcasts and voice recordings. Its available on some phones that are Android 10 and above.
The Google Pixel 4a phone goes a step further and can transcribe mobile network calls, voice and video calls on apps such as WhatsApp and Zoom. The ability to caption phone calls will likely roll out to other devices.
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Communicating On The Go: 5 Mobile Apps For The Deaf Or Hard
Sometimes all the smart technology and screens can seem overwhelming and even distracting. However, technology has a lot of significant pros when it comes to helping the hard-of-hearing and deaf communities. Thanks to incredibly talented app developers, you can use mobile applications on your smartphone to help make conversations feel effortless.
Take a look at some of the hearing- and speech-assistance apps you can download today.
Is There An App That Converts Speech To Text Using A Headphone Device
As mentioned in the beginning, the rapid adaptation of speech recognition technology within different commercial and assistive functions has led to the development of various speech to text devices that come with characteristic features and utility tools.
Today, students with writing disabilities are allowed to use speech to text devices as assistive technology for learning and studying purposes. In fact, students without any writing disability also frequently turn to technology as a replacement for typing long assignments. Converse Smartly® is one such device that is empowering students to get over with their educational needs.
Converse Smartly® is a proprietary text to speech software developed by Folio3, offering a technological alternative to individuals who find typing very stressful. The speech to text device from Folio3 is an intelligently developed tool that eliminates the need for typing lengthy documents altogether adding an element of convenience for users. With the strong algorithms powering the device, the tool can produce high-quality and precise transcription results to eliminate the hassles of typing.
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Useful Apps For People Who Are D/deaf Or Have Hearing Loss
There are multiple communication options used by people who are D/deaf or who have hearing loss. And, in the last five years, advances in automatic speech recognition have opened up further options.
Across the UK, 11 million people are currently affected by deafness or hearing loss, according to the charity Action on Hearing Loss. As the population ages, more people are expected to be affected.
In this blog, we explore some of the latest tech options available for communication, leisure and education for people who have hearing loss.
Don’t forget that you can get free one-to-one from our free Helpline on 0800 048 7642, as well as ask for free IT support at from our network of friendly volunteers.
Speech To Text Solutions For Deaf People
ASR still do not meet quality standards to replace professional human captioners. However, their accurate rate has significantly improved in the past few years to the point that they can be used for informal personal conversations and sometimes even for presentations or work meetings.
Whenever possible, please consider using human captioners first. If its not possible, speech technologies can help deaf and hard of hearing people to some extent.
Its important to ask deaf people first whats the best communication solution for them instead of assuming that a speech technology would be a perfect solution for them.
If you are considering using speech technologies, the following is a list of some tools that are commonly used and/or preferred by many deaf and hard of hearing people.
- : Free to use but available only for Android users.
- Otter.ai: Free for up to 600 minutes a month and can be used on iOs and Android.
- Microsoft Translator: Free to use on any device Android, Amazon, iOS, Windows and Powerpoint.
This list is not exhaustive. There are more speech technologies out there that you can find online. And many more new tools keep coming up with time.
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Aussie Transcribing App Supports Hearing Impaired
Australias national hearing research body has developed a free app that instantly transcribes conversations to make communication easier for people struggling to hear including due to mask and physical distance requirements.
The multilingual NALscribe app has been developed by the National Acoustic Laboratories, which is the research division of government-funded national body and service provider Hearing Australia.
The Apple app quickly and continuously translates speech into large, easy-to-read text on iPads and iPhones in real-time.
NALscribe, which adheres to accessibility guidelines, features an inclusive design with customisable settings, such as text size, screen clearing privacy options, and dark and light appearance.
The app is available in 11 languages including English, French, Spanish, Arabic, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Korean, Portuguese and Russian.
NAL director Dr Brent Edwards said the app was developed to support deaf and hearing-impaired people to better understand the speech of people wearing masks.
Our research over the past two years has identified the unique problems facing people with hearing loss during the pandemic and our innovation program continues to develop solutions to solve those problems, Dr Edwards said in a statement.
Our latest innovation, the NALscribe app, is designed to help improve communication for people with hearing loss, particularly when there are additional barriers such as when masks are worn.
Apps To Help Conversation With Deaf Children And Young People: Speech To Text
With lockdown restrictions loosening and facemasks becoming the new normal, the use of apps that transcribe a persons speech in real time are on the rise in the deaf community.
Live transcribe apps convert speech to text and can be useful when other people wear facemasks, making it difficult to lip-read and understand what they are saying. A speech to text app picks up speech closest to the phone or tablets microphone and converts it to text displayed on the screen.
Weve put several apps to the test by reading out the same 25-word long sentence:
The accuracy of live transcribe apps in part depends on the clarity of speech, the quality of the microphone, and the level of background noise.’
We judged all apps by looking at their accuracy, but also user-friendliness, cost, if they are ad free, and if they are set up to help with everyday conversations.
Weve tried lots of speech to text apps including SayHi, Hearing Helper, Dictate, Voice Dictation-Speechy Lite and speech-to-text to dictate notes in Evernote or iOS Notes. Here are our reviews of the three apps that worked best for us. Have you tried any other apps? How do you use different apps to help you communicate?
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New App Translates Speech Into Text For Deaf Individuals
There is a seemingly endless parade of novel audio smartphone-enabled apps, many of them either geared toward audiophiles who want to curate their own individual listening experience, or people with milder hearing loss who want to dabble with amplification. Recently, a new app one that has the potential to improve the daily living of individuals with severe-profound hearing loss has been created by Brandon Isobe. Inspired by his father, who is deaf, Isobes app allows deaf individuals to communicate with others using real time speech recognition.
Called App MyEar, with a simple pair of earbuds and an iPhone, the app translates verbal speech into written worlds that are displayed in real-time on the iPhone screen.
Estimates vary, but somewhere between 500,000 and 2 million Americans and Canadians use American Sign Language to communicate. Like any language, both the speaker and listener need to be fluent in the language for communication to occur. Even though many Deaf individuals and their families use ASL, it is difficult for Deaf people to communicate with others who are not fluent in ASL.
Speechnotes Voice To Text App
Speechnotes audio to text converter online uses sophisticated speech recognition technology to generate accurate transcriptions. The speech to text software free safely backs your transcriptions to Google drive and also lets you add timestamps with one click.
It also provides the feature of cheat keys where youcan add frequently used phrases with one tap.
Speechnotes Speechto Text Software Features
- Uploading audio files
You can upload audio files for automatic transcription.
- Sharing transcriptions in multiple formats
You can share your transcriptions in doc format, .txt format or upload it to Google Drive.
- Special character recognition
The software recognises characters such as colon, semicolon and even smileys.
- Dictation and editing simultaneously
You can edit your text at the same time as you create it without having to use a different tool.
- Automatic capitalization
The software capitalizes the first letter of the name of a person, place and word at the beginning of the sentence.
Speech to text app pricing: Speechnotes is a free speech to text app. It also offers a premium transcription service at 7.38 per minute.
The premium version offers features such as automaticinsertion of difficult to recognise phrases and floating text boxes.
Availability: Its a speech to text app for Android, which also has a web version.
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