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 and iPadOS devices are filled with accessibility features like these, which can help people who are deaf, have limited hearing, or have unique hearing needs use their devices:
Hearing devices
Hear phone calls and other audio more clearly on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with Made for iPhone (MFi) hearing devices. After you pair your hearing device, you can control it with your iOS or iPadOS 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 device, AirPods, or Beats.
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 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 iPhone and iPad comes with FaceTime, so you can have video calls with other iPhone and iPad users wherever they are. High-quality video and fast frame rate make FaceTime 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 customize 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 customize audio settings.
Learn more
Learn more about 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.