Month: November 2023
Nothing Gold Can Stay: Embracing Darkness

As the leaves fall, the trees become bare, and a few apples hang stubbornly on my apple tree; ebony crows sit watchful on the fence row. I, too, have hung stubbornly to the tree, resisting change. In the last few evening hours before Daylight Savings time ended, I frantically spent every moment outside, worshipping the last moments of that honey colored sun because I know what is coming. Darkness.
Despite being a gardener and naturalist, who is aware of the cycle of life, it has taken me a long time to honor this honest and inevitable turning of the wheel of the year. It was not until I addressed my own darkness and inability to rest, that I became able to accept and embrace the fading of the light. It is the fact that nothing lasts forever that makes every moment so precious.
Type A x 10, and Forest Gump
Like a beehive at the height of summer, I spent most of my life moving at warp speed. In my 50s, I realized this was a coping mechanism to avoid mourning and grieving the losses in my life, the heartache in my soul and the sadness of what had been taken from me physically, emotionally and spiritually.
When I ran a 10K like a pirate with a peg leg, three days before my first hip replacement, I had my come-to-Jesus moment. If you are stubborn and brave enough to do this, you are brave enough to stop because this is lunacy. It was like that iconic scene in the movie Forest Gump when he slowly stops his years of literarily running back and forth across the United States and announces he is going home.
Coming Home
This is not an easy process, but in a season where we are called to be grateful and give thanks, I am relieved that I am at peace. Just like that leaf slowly spinning as it falls from its mother tree, letting go of the life and sustenance, and spring and summer days of growth and sunshine, can be enlightening.
I, too, can finally let go of summer, embrace the unknown and all that comes with it. I can look into the darkening sky and not be afraid because I have learned to shift my focus inward, toward self-reflection and restoration.
My invitation to you is to rest with the cycles of nature, sending your energy down to your “roots” so that you may re-enter the next year from a nourished and replenished place and know that death is never final for the cycles of nature always promise rebirth.
Letting go of my emotional, and eventual mortal coil, like the leaf, I must have faith that I may not be the same person emerging in the spring or the next life, but I will reemerge.
Some Customs of Autumn that I Embrace
I remember all my friends and family that have journeyed on. My Italian family goes to the cemetery and has a picnic celebrating both our ancestors and their memories.
The Celts gathered around the fire and told and shared stories of their loved ones and warriors.
Meditation Is Part of It
I meditate on what behaviors, bad habits, and anxieties I would like to let go of as I release the emotions that come with each. It is amazing what I chose to hold onto, especially when release can be so very sweet.
Fire, the element of Autumn, is a potent way to release, let go or transform. I have numerous ways of working with fire and some are as simple as that first lighting of the woodstove, or the pine scented candles that line my windows. Also, I like to sit outside with a mug of warm cider and watch the glow of the burning wood in my outdoor fire pit.
My Burning Ritual
Finally, through the year I throw old trees limbs, the detritus of broken furniture, wood pallets and all other burnable materials on a pyre worthy of the Vikings. My family and I gather round with chairs, and I send all I want to dissipate into those orange, blue, yellow and green flames. It is a symbolic and very real way of burning off the dross of the year and all things that I do not want to carry forward. And then, after doing that, I can enjoy the warmth and magic of the flames!
A Shift in Lifestyle and Diet
I curtail wine drinking, prepare nourishing herbal infusions, cook my root vegetables, and take joy in the chestnuts, pomegranates, and cool weather greens like kale, spinach and swiss chard. Venison, acorn fed pork and that turkey grace my table.
Interestingly, it was the pomegranate that tempted Persephone, the Goddess of Spring. Hades, the God of the Underworld, lured and tempted her to his dark kingdom with that mahogany red fruit. But he found out he could not keep her forever. Her mother, Demeter, reminded Hades of the need for reawakening and revival, so he releases her every year for seedtime and pink blossoms.
There will always be spring, and I must remember, as the light closes in earlier and earlier every evening, the darkness, too, has earned its place.
Also read THE AUTUMN QUEEN, A FABLE.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Who will you be next year? What would you like to let go of? Are there any old beliefs that may hold you back? What end-of-year rituals have you established to cleanse yourself of the old?
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Lisa Barlow’s Brown Suede Sweatshirt
Lisa Barlow’s Brown Suede Sweatshirt / Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 4 Episode 10 Fashion
I’m still processing the unexpected interaction between Lisa Barlow, Monica Garcia and Angie Kansanevas at Whitney Rose’s event on last week’s #RHOSLC But now I’m eagerly anticipating the repercussions on tonight’s episode! And based on the previews Lisa’s conversation with Angie might make you feel the need to look for some comfort. And her brown suede sweatshirt, which gives “cozy for fall but make it fashion”, might just be exactly what you’re looking for.
Best In Blonde,
Amanda

Click Here to Shop for Additional Stock
#RHOSLC S14 E10
Bravocon Looks
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Madison LeCroy’s Football Mom Sweater
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Brynn Whitfield’s Pink Slit Leather Skirt
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Madison LeCroy’s Pink Cable Knit Sweater
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Erin Lichy’s White and Red Printed Dress
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Brynn Whitfield’s Leather Pants and Bustier
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Erin Lichy’s Striped Long Sleeve Maxi Dress
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Jessel Taank’s Black Strapless Jumpsuit
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Originally posted at: Lisa Barlow’s Brown Suede Sweatshirt
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10 European Bus Trips for Older Women

Are you ready to go on a journey through the heart of Europe, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes await? If you’re an older woman with a passion for travel, there’s no better way to explore the charm of the continent than by hopping on a bus and hitting the open road.
- Best of Western Europe Tour – This fast-paced 9-night one-way tour explores seven countries and 19 memorable experiences, all with a knowledgeable tour leader. Enjoy the highlights of iconic cities, historic landmarks, and natural wonders, all while benefiting from flexible booking options.
- Best of UK & Ireland – Go on a 12-night UK and Ireland adventure that includes 21 unforgettable experiences, all guided by an experienced leader. Explore cities, historic landmarks, and natural wonders while traveling in comfort on a modern coach.
- European Tapestry – Explore Europe’s rich tapestry on a 14-day tour through seven countries, from Amsterdam’s canals to Monte Carlo’s casinos, featuring stunning scenery and encounters with skilled artisans.
- Classical Greece – Prepare for a captivating journey through Classical Greece, exploring historical sites and engaging in cultural experiences while learning to dance the sirtaki and mastering Mediterranean cuisine. This small group adventure promises an immersive exploration of Greece’s rich history and vibrant culture.
- EUROPEAN ACCENT – Go on a 14-day Europe tour from Amsterdam to Paris via Rome, covering 15 cities in 7 countries with comfortable accommodations and culinary delights. Witness epic landscapes, explore iconic cities, and delve into centuries of history, all while forging new friendships along the way.
- SPANISH EXPERIENCE – Explore the vibrant spirit of Spain on a 9-day tour, from Madrid to Seville, Granada, and Barcelona. With comfortable accommodations and delightful meals, experience the best of Spain’s culture, from flamenco rhythms to Gaudí’s masterpieces.
- Iceland Northern Lights & Golden Circle – Experience the enchanting beauty of winter in Iceland with the Northern Lights, geothermal hot springs, hiking in Þingvellir National Park, and encounters with Icelandic horses. This unique winter adventure promises a blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences in an otherworldly setting.
- European Traveller – Go on a 10-day journey across Europe, exploring five countries and nine cities from London to Rome. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, delightful meals, and the romance, history, and adventure of Europe’s charming streets and stunning landscapes.
- Premium Portugal – Discover the multifaceted beauty of Portugal as you journey from the birthplace of port wine in the Douro Valley to the ancient University of Coimbra, exploring hidden gems in Porto’s backstreets and immersing yourself in Lisbon’s rich history. With a local leader, uncover the authentic Portugal, rich in history, diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and refined cuisine.
- The Best of Turkey – Experience the best of Turkey’s landscapes and history in a time-efficient journey, starting at Gallipoli, visiting Troy, Ephesus, and Pamukkale, and ending in Istanbul. This adventure offers a rich blend of historical sites, natural wonders, and vibrant city exploration.
Read WHERE AND WHEN TO SEE EUROPE IN BLOOM.
How to Choose a European Bus Tour
With a plethora of options available, it’s essential to consider various factors to ensure you select the tour that best aligns with your interests, preferences, and needs.
Determine Your Interests
Start by identifying what interests you the most. Are you a history buff, a foodie, an art enthusiast, or an adventurer? Understanding your interests will help you narrow down your choices.
Set a Budget
Determine how much you’re willing to spend on your European bus tour. Prices can vary significantly, so having a budget in mind will help you eliminate tours that are out of your price range.
Choose the Duration
Decide how long you want your tour to be. Some tours are as short as a few days, while others can last several weeks. Ensure the duration of the tour aligns with your availability and stamina.
Select Your Destination
Europe is vast and diverse, so pinpoint the specific countries or regions you’d like to explore. Do you dream of the Mediterranean coast, the charm of Eastern Europe, or the iconic cities of Western Europe?
Research Tour Operators
Look for reputable tour operators that specialize in European bus tours. Check their websites, read reviews, and ask for recommendations from friends or online travel communities.
Itinerary and Inclusions
Carefully review the tour itineraries to see what each one offers. Are there specific landmarks, cities, or experiences that are must-see for you? Also, check what’s included in the tour package, such as accommodations, meals, guided tours, and transportation.
Group Size
Consider the size of the tour group. Smaller groups can offer a more personalized experience, while larger groups may be more budget-friendly but potentially less intimate.
Accommodations
Check the quality of accommodations provided during the tour. Make sure they meet your standards for comfort and convenience.
Guides and Expertise
Find out if the tour includes knowledgeable guides who can enhance your understanding of the destinations you’ll visit.
Special Interests
If you have specific interests or requirements, such as dietary restrictions or mobility issues, inquire whether the tour operator can accommodate them.
Compare Options
Once you’ve gathered all this information, compare different tour options side by side to see which one best suits your desires and needs.
Read the Fine Print
Carefully read the terms and conditions of the tour, including cancellation policies and any additional costs that may apply.
By following these steps and considering your interests, budget, and personal preferences, you can confidently select a European bus tour that promises an unforgettable and enriching travel experience.
Read BUS TOURS FOR SINGLE WOMEN OVER 50.
European Bus Trips for Women Over 60
Best of Western Europe Tour

Over 10 days, you’ll explore seven fascinating countries, from the historic landmarks of the United Kingdom and France to the natural beauty of Switzerland and the culture of Italy.
Transportation is on a modern air-conditioned coach, complete with reclining seats and an onboard toilet. Any public transport used as part of the tour is included, except on free days. Your tour includes 9 breakfasts and 4 dinners, with vegetarian options available upon request. Meals are your chance to savor the flavors of each destination.
A dedicated and experienced tour leader will accompany your group throughout the journey, managing all logistical details and ensuring a seamless experience.
Prepare for a total of 19 unforgettable experiences, including a driving tour of London’s most famous landmarks, dinner at a traditional British pub, champagne tasting in Reims, and visits to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, the romantic Neuschwanstein Castle, and many more exciting destinations.
- Tour Operator: Expat Explore
- Days: 10
- Cost: From $2,100
Best of UK & Ireland

Go on a 13-day adventure through captivating destinations with this comprehensive tour, offering a blend of 2, 3, and 4-star hotel accommodations in twin rooms, with private bathrooms. Single travelers can opt for a single supplement to ensure a private room.
Included are 12 breakfasts and 6 dinners, with vegetarian options available upon request.
Travel in comfort aboard a modern, air-conditioned coach equipped with reclining seats and onboard toilets. A seasoned tour leader will guide your group throughout, expertly managing all logistical details, making your journey hassle-free.
Experience 21 remarkable moments, from exploring historic Bath and the birthplace of Shakespeare in Stratford-Upon-Avon to witnessing the natural wonder of the Giant’s Causeway and enjoying a punting trip along the River Cam in Cambridge.
Discover the beauty, culture, and history of these enchanting locations on this all-encompassing tour, creating cherished memories and embracing unique experiences at every turn.
- Tour Operator: Expat Explore
- Days: 13
- Cost: From $2,555
European Tapestry

Experience a 14-day European tour that weaves together the rich tapestry of seven countries, from the enchanting canals of Amsterdam to the glitz of Monte Carlo. Delight in the picturesque landscapes of the Rhine Valley, the Swiss Alps, and the Tuscan hills, while meeting the skilled artisans of the Black Forest, the glassblowers of Venice, and the beer makers of Rhineland.
This expertly crafted itinerary seamlessly combines fascinating cities, idyllic countryside, and delectable cuisine, ensuring an unforgettable journey through Europe’s timeless tales and cultural treasures.
- Tour Operator: Globus
- Days: 14
- Cost: From $4,149
Classical Greece

Go on a journey through the heart of Greece, where your packing list includes a sun hat and a curious mind. Prepare to be fascinated by the fascinating tales of Sun Gods, ancient philosophers, and Olympic legends.
From Athens’ iconic Acropolis to the sacred Temples of Olympia, the mountainous ruins of Delphi, and the awe-inspiring monasteries atop the Meteora rock formations, you’ll follow in the footsteps of Greece’s most legendary figures and even dance in them, thanks to a lively sirtaki lesson.
This adventure is not just about sightseeing, it’s also a culinary odyssey where you’ll uncover the secrets of Mediterranean cuisine and learn to craft traditional tzatziki cucumber dip. So, pack your appetite and a sense of wonder as you prepare to explore Greece in a unique and engaging small group setting.
- Tour Operator: Globus
- Days: 8
- Cost: From $2,089
European Accent

Experience the adventure of a lifetime on a two-week Europe tour from Amsterdam to Paris, passing through Rome and other incredible destinations. Over 14 days, you’ll go through seven countries, explore 15 vibrant cities, and spend 13 nights in comfortable accommodations.
This tour is a whirlwind of European highlights, including beautiful cities like Venice, Paris, Rome, and Avignon. Dive into centuries of papal history, cruise down the powerful Rhine River, and create unforgettable memories with new friends.
This 14-day expedition is your passport to discovering the beauty, culture, and history of Europe’s most celebrated destinations. Don’t miss the chance to explore the continent with like-minded travelers and make memories that will last a lifetime.
- Tour Operator: Costsaver
- Days: 14
- Cost: From $2,228
Spanish Experience

Step into the lively rhythm of Spain on a 9-day journey that will sweep you from Madrid to Seville, Granada, and Barcelona. With 8 nights of comfortable accommodation and an array of delectable meals, this trip encapsulates the essence of Spain.
Your adventure in Spain is a celebration of life, from leisurely afternoons of siestas to the spirited rhythms of flamenco and late-night tapas bars. Stroll through buzzing plazas, where well-dressed locals prepare for a night of revelry and greet the next day with a relaxed start.
As you travel this captivating country, you’ll marvel at Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces in Barcelona, uncover the medieval treasures of Toledo, and be swept away by the beautiful Andalusian plains. Spain showcases its best, and you won’t want to miss a single moment of this mesmerizing experience.
- Tour Operator: Costsaver
- Days: 9
- Cost: From $1,508
Iceland Northern Lights & Golden Circle

Iceland’s allure takes on an otherworldly enchantment during the winter season. It’s a time when the Northern Lights grace the sky with their mesmerizing dance, creating a celestial spectacle that leaves visitors in awe. The contrast between the cool, crisp winter air and the geothermal hot springs, with their billowing steam, adds a touch of magic to the landscape.
Explore ancient lava caves that hide secrets of Iceland’s volcanic past, and chase the awe-inspiring waterfalls that dot the landscape, including the iconic Gullfoss.
Winter in Iceland is a time of wonder, where natural beauty and cultural experiences intertwine to create an adventure like no other.
- Tour Operator: G Adventures
- Days: 5
- Cost: From $1,519
European Traveller

Start a 10-day journey across Europe, beginning in London and concluding in Rome. This adventure will take you through five countries and nine remarkable cities, with nine nights of comfortable accommodation awaiting you.
Your days will begin with delicious breakfasts, providing the perfect fuel for your exploration, and you’ll savor three delightful dinners during your journey.
As you stroll through charming European streets, you’ll find yourself immersed in romance, surrounded by a rich history, and fueled by a sense of adventure. Relax on the shores of Lake Lucerne, where the tranquil waters and stunning scenery will mesmerize you. Witness master craftsmen at work in the canals of Venice, creating intricate treasures that reflect the city’s artistic soul. Finally, marvel at the magic of the snow-capped Swiss Alps, a pristine and awe-inspiring landscape that embodies the essence of winter wonder.
- Tour Operator: Trafalgar
- Days: 10
- Cost: From $2,285
Premium Portugal

Explore the multifaceted beauty of Portugal on a journey that traverses grand cities, medieval villages, and enchanting coastlines. This Western European haven is a treasure trove of imagery waiting to be discovered.
Begin your adventure by exploring the birthplace of port wine and uncovering the hidden gems of the Douro Valley. Immerse yourself in history at the ancient University of Coimbra, where time seems to stand still. Wander through the labyrinthine backstreets of Porto, learning the secrets of this charming city. Finally, travel into the heart of Lisbon, a city that exudes glorious beauty and history at every turn.
Throughout your journey, a local leader will guide you, providing an authentic glimpse into Portugal’s rich history, diverse regional cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and the artistry of its refined cuisine. Portugal is a land of captivating stories waiting to be told and an experience that will stay with you long after your journey is over.
- Tour Operator: Intrepid
- Days: 8
- Cost: From $4,175
The Best of Turkey

For the traveler seeking to make the most of their time in Turkey while immersing themselves in its remarkable landscapes and rich history, this journey is the perfect choice. The adventure starts at the historic WWI battlefield of Gallipoli, a place of great significance and reflection.
Next, dive into the captivating realm of Greek myths and explore the intriguing ruins of the legendary city of Troy, evoking the tales of ancient heroes and epic battles. The journey continues with a visit to the well-preserved streets of Ephesus, where you’ll walk in the footsteps of those who lived in antiquity.
This trip offers a dynamic blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, providing an enriching experience in Turkey that will leave you refreshed and inspired to explore Istanbul’s bustling streets.
- Tour Operator: G Adventures
- Days: 8
- Cost: From $1,019
Read 6 SLOW-PACED TOURS FOR SENIORS.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Do you like bus tours? Have you been on a bus tour in Europe? What do you enjoy about bus tours? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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Top 10 Android Apps for The Hearing Impaired

According to the National Institute on Aging, approximately one in three people between 65 and 74 years old has hearing loss, while 50% of those 75 years and older have an age-related hearing impairment. Senior citizens face unique healthcare challenges with hearing loss.
The latest smartphones come with different settings and apps to help hearing-impaired individuals easily communicate with others and make their lives easier.
This article covers the 10 best Android apps for hearing-impaired seniors that turn your phone into an assistive device for the elderly.
1. Live Transcribe & Notification

Used For: Live Captions for videos, podcasts, phone calls, audio messages, video calls, and more. The app captures speech and sounds and displays them as text on your phone screen.
Live Transcribe & Notification is developed by Google and is one of the best apps for hearing impaired individuals. The app generates live captions with the help of automatic speech recognition and enables the deaf and hard of hearing to have a conversation by using their Android phone.
Other key features are:
- The app is powered by Google’s speech recognition technology and uses machine learning to generate captions, similar to YouTube’s auto-generated captions.
- Live Transcribe helps you communicate in the moment with real-time captions whether you are meeting someone or ordering a coffee.
- Live Transcribe supports over 80 languages and dialects.
- It supports non-speech sounds including clapping, laughter, music, applause, whistling, and more.
- Google has also released an offline mode of the app that works without internet connectivity.
Live Transcribe is a free and easy-to-use app that enables hearing-impaired individuals to have conversations easily using their Android phones. With support of 80+ languages, it can be used by most Android users and has over 500 Million downloads on the Play Store.
Get Live Transcribe & Notifications on the Google Play Store
2. Sound Amplifier

Used For: Making everyday conversations and sounds more accessible for hard-of-hearing individuals by amplifying the sounds and filtering the noise.
Sound Amplifier, developed by Google, is the best sound amplifier app for Android. It amplifies the sounds around you, and the conversation mode helps you hear better in noisy places by reducing the noise, boosting quiet sounds, and tuning frequencies.
Perfect Hearing Assistance
Sound Amplifier is the best app to filter out background noise. It works in the background so you can watch videos and still hear people. A great tool to understand speech better in noisy environments. Works best when paired with noise-canceling headphones.
Multiple Uses
It works while watching TV so you can hear at a comfortable level without disturbing others. You can use it during a meeting or lecture in school to be able to hear the presenter better. It is great to filter distracting surrounding noises like music in a busy restaurant.
Sound Amplifier is one of the most useful Android apps for the hearing impaired and acts as a hearing aid, making everyday conversations and sounds more accessible for the hard of hearing.
Get Sound Amplifier | How to use Google’s Sound Amplifier app
3. Otter

Used For: Recording and transcribing meetings, interviews, lectures, and everyday conversations.
The basic function of Otter is to record the audio and live transcribe the meetings and conversations. It is one of the best apps for taking meeting notes in real time and recording them in a searchable and shareable format.
You can stay focused on the conversation and rest assured that information and conversation are captured for future reference.
The key features of Otter include:
- Recording the audio and following the live transcribe.
- Capturing and sharing notes for virtual and physical meetings.
- Highlighting the snippets from the meeting and generating takeaways.
- Assigning action items to individuals with a single tap.
- An automated outline of the meeting.
Otter is a great app for the hearing impaired and other individuals to record, transcribe, and share conversations in real-time so you can focus on the current event without worrying about taking notes. The app is a great tool to remain informed and productive.
4. Volume Booster

Used For: Boosting the volume on Android devices to receive an amplified sound.
Volume Booster provides a high quality, louder sound on your Android phone to listen to your favorite podcast or music or watch videos. The sound quality is clean and accurate without interference and noise.
You can increase the volume up to 200% with a single tap. This is the best free volume booster for Android and has excellent reviews and ratings from users.
Get Volume Booster for Android
5. Hearing Test

Used for: The best hearing test app for Android.
If you are looking for an app to test your hearing, Hearing Test is your best shot. It’s rated the best app based on users’ feedback and the accuracy of results when compared to doctors’ charts and results. There are a few buttons on the start page that are responsible for all functionality of tests. The results are presented in graphs reflecting performance at different frequencies.
To get the best results of the hearing test, follow these tips:
- Use cleaner (if possible newer) headphones and avoid using damaged headphones.
- Find a quiet place and time for the test. You will need silence for a few minutes during the test.
You can take a screenshot of the results to keep a record in case you delete or uninstall the app in the future.
6. Petralex

Used For: Converting your Android phone into a hearing aid.
Petralex is one of the useful apps for hard-of-hearing individuals, offering all the functions of a hearing aid. Seniors can use their Android phones with simple headphones as a delicate and unnoticeable hearing aid.
This app uses the microphone on a phone or headphones to capture sounds, then makes them thrice as loud and removes background noise. It’s an ideal app for hearing-impaired seniors because it helps with:
- Hearing the slightest sounds and whispers: The processing power of modern smartphones amplifies the sound and you can even hear the whispers and do not need a separate hearing aid.
- Providing great quality of sound: The sound is amplified and the app gets rid of background noise and personalizes the sound.
- Easy-to-use interface, buttons and controls suitable for elderly users. New profile-creating feature for any environment and fast, pre-saved profile selection.
This app is the best hearing aid app for Android users and one of the must-have apps for hearing impaired individuals.
7. Ava: Transcriptions & Captions

Used For: Live transcription of speech to text for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Ava provides accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing seniors by using captions to live transcribe speech to text. The elderly can use Ava to transcribe or live caption speech to text in meetings, classrooms, doctor’s appointments, shopping and other everyday conversations.
It can be used offline, but WiFi or cellular connectivity improves accuracy. The group conversation feature is easy to set up and use.
Get Ava: Transcriptions & Captions for Android
8. Rev Audio & Voice Recorder

Used For: Audio recording, dictation and transcription.
Rev Audio & Voice Recorder is another powerful audio recording app that comes with a transcription option. One thing that makes Rev a great audio recording tool is that it has no annoying ads and is free and simple to record audio.
Transcription is a paid service. Some of the features that make it one of the must-have Android apps for hearing impaired individuals include:
- Recording high-quality audio including interviews, lectures, meetings and more.
- Dictating memos and notes.
- Editing and organizing recordings on your phone and sharing them with others (via dropbox, email and your favorite sharing apps).
If you need an app for high-quality audio recordings without noise, Rev is your best bet. There is no recording limit. You can search and skip to any point while playing back a recording.
Get Rev Audio & Voice Recorder for Android
9. InnoCaption

Used For: Real-time call captioning for people with hearing loss.
InnoCaption makes phone calls easy and accessible for deaf and hearing-impaired seniors with the real-time captioning solution. If phone calls are difficult for you due to tinnitus or hearing issues and you have trouble understanding new voices and high-frequency sounds and have a hard time taking calls in noisy areas, InnoCaption is a must-have app for you.
This app enables you to make phone calls independently and keeps a record of all transcripts until you delete them.
- FCC-certified and funded by FCC, available for free.
- Make and receive calls with your existing number.
- Live stenography: Automated transcription including voicemail and past call transcripts.
- Sync contacts for quick and easy dialing.
Get InnoCaption Live Call Captions for Android
10. Olelo Captioned Calls

Used For: FCC-certified captioned calling app.
Olelo empowers deaf and hearing-impaired individuals to make and receive phone calls. The instant live captions help the elderly with hearing loss to have a better experience using their phone. The key features of this app are:
- Real-time captions: See the instant captions in less than 1 second, as the other person is speaking. The conversation flow is not interrupted by caption delay.
- Accuracy: FCC has rated Olelo the most accurate captioned call provider.
- Simple to use: All the saved contacts are synchronized and you can dial and answer calls as you would normally do. Voicemail is transcribed by accurate speech recognition, and you can access transcripts in call history.
Emergency 911 calls are captioned in real-time. Olelo is free for users with hearing loss and is part of the FCC IP CTS program that ensures functionally equivalent phone service for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Get Olelo Captioned Calls for Android
One of the most common misconceptions about hearing loss is that you cannot improve your hearing. I hope this article shows you how technology is effective in providing a better overall hearing experience.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Is it difficult for you to hear in loud environments? What do you do to solve this problem? Does background noise affect conversation clarity? Are there apps that you use to serve as a hearing aid?
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