Technology That Helps Deaf Children Thrive

Hearing aids and cochlear implants are only part of the picture. A growing range of assistive technology can make a real difference in the classroom and beyond.

The technology available to deaf children has improved enormously over the past decade. Beyond the core hearing technology — hearing aids and cochlear implants — there's now a range of devices, apps, and systems that can bridge gaps in the classroom, help with communication at home, and give deaf children more independence as they grow.

This article covers the most useful options. Not every child will need everything listed here, but it's worth knowing what exists so you can ask for what might help.

Radio Aids and FM Systems

If there's one piece of technology that makes the biggest difference in school, it's a radio aid. The teacher wears a small transmitter (often a clip-on microphone), and the signal is sent wirelessly to a receiver attached to the child's hearing aid or cochlear implant. The teacher's voice arrives directly, cutting through classroom noise, distance, and echo.

Without a radio aid, a deaf child sitting in the middle of a classroom might only catch 50 to 60 per cent of what the teacher says. With one, that figure can jump to 90 per cent or more. It's a transformative difference.

Radio aids should be provided free of charge through the local sensory support service or the NHS, depending on the area. If your child doesn't have one and you think they'd benefit, speak to their teacher of the deaf. Our educational rights guide explains what schools are required to provide.

Roger Systems

Phonak's Roger range has become the standard in many areas. The Roger Touchscreen or Roger On transmitter can be passed between speakers (useful in group discussions), and the signal adapts to the noise level in the room. Some newer models connect to multiple hearing devices simultaneously, which is helpful for bilaterally aided or bilaterally implanted children.

Captioning and Speech-to-Text

Automatic captioning technology has improved dramatically. Several apps can now transcribe spoken language in real time with reasonable accuracy:

  • Google Live Transcribe — free on Android, provides real-time captions for in-person conversations. Not perfect, but surprisingly useful.
  • Otter.ai — records and transcribes meetings and lectures. The free tier is limited, but the paid version is powerful.
  • Microsoft Teams / Google Meet captions — both platforms now offer built-in live captioning, which is helpful for online lessons and virtual meetings.

For older deaf students, captions during lectures and group discussions can be a game-changer. They're not a substitute for a radio aid, but they complement it well, especially in complex or fast-paced settings.

Alerting Devices

At home, deaf children and teenagers benefit from devices that replace sound-based alerts with visual or vibrating alternatives:

  • Vibrating alarm clocks — placed under the pillow, these wake a deaf child without relying on sound. Essential for teenagers who need to get themselves up independently.
  • Flashing doorbells — a light flashes when someone rings the door.
  • Fire alarm adaptations — strobe lights or vibrating pads under the pillow that activate when the smoke alarm goes off. This is a safety essential, and your local fire service may install them free of charge.

Streaming and Connectivity

Most modern hearing aids and cochlear implant processors can connect to smartphones and tablets via Bluetooth. This means your child can stream phone calls, music, and video audio directly to their hearing device. For older children and teenagers, this is a big deal — it means they can use a phone like everyone else, and enjoy music and podcasts without struggling to hear through speakers.

TV streamers are another useful addition. These devices connect to the television and send the audio directly to hearing aids or cochlear implants, so the volume can be at a comfortable level for everyone else in the room.

Communication Apps

Several apps are designed to support communication for deaf children:

  • BSL dictionaries — apps with searchable video clips of signs. Useful for quick reference when you need to look up a sign on the go.
  • Visual phonics apps — help children learn the link between sounds and written letters using visual cues.
  • Video calling — FaceTime, WhatsApp Video, and similar apps are crucial for deaf people who rely on sign language or lip-reading. The video quality of modern phones makes remote signed conversations practical in a way that wasn't possible a few years ago.

At School: Making Sure Technology Is Used

Having the right technology is only half the battle. It needs to be used consistently and correctly. Common problems include:

  • Teachers forgetting to turn on the radio aid at the start of the lesson.
  • Supply teachers not knowing the equipment exists.
  • Radio aids running out of battery mid-morning.
  • The device sitting in a drawer because nobody knows how it works.

As a parent, you can help by ensuring the school has clear instructions for the equipment, that there's a named person responsible for checking it daily, and that supply teacher instructions include information about the radio aid. The teacher of the deaf should also carry out regular checks.

Funding and Access

Core hearing technology (hearing aids, cochlear implants, and their maintenance) is provided free by the NHS. Radio aids are usually supplied through the local sensory support service. Beyond that, funding can be patchy. Some useful technology — vibrating alarm clocks, TV streamers, and specialist apps — falls outside NHS provision.

The NDCS Technology Test Scheme lets families borrow equipment before buying. Financial assistance may be available through charities like Family Fund. And some local authorities provide equipment through their social care or short breaks budget.

Technology changes quickly, and what's available today may be superseded within a few years. Stay curious, ask other parents at our support groups what they use, and don't be afraid to push for equipment that could make a difference to your child's life. Get in touch if you'd like advice on what's available.