September 28, 2023
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Technology can be a great tool for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Aside from assistive hearing devices like hearing aids and PSAPs, there are plenty of accessibility settings within your operating system that can help with hearing. Windows 11’s improved hearing features can easily be activated in your settings. Learn about Windows accessibility features for hearing and how they can help.
How do computer accessibility settings empower users?
Windows devices aren’t one-size-fits-all. Accessibility settings empower people to use their devices comfortably. For instance, you may find that having larger text sizes or reducing screen color contrast makes it easier to look at your computer screen. These are just two examples of the many settings available to make your device work best for you.
How to open your accessibility settings
If you were using Windows 10 before, you may remember that most accessibility features were found under the Ease of access section in settings. The Ease of access section was renamed Accessibility in Windows 11 to make it more identifiable for users. After selecting the new Accessibility tab, you’ll find a list of features categorized by different needs.
Windows 11 accessibility features for hearing
Here are some accessibility features in Windows 11 that can help with hearing:
Captions
With captions, words that are spoken or sung can be read. To turn on your captions, select the Windows logo key and go to Settings > Accessibility > Captions. You can customize your caption details, from increasing contrast to adding highlighting, and control where they appear by selecting Edit.
Convert sounds to a single channel
Single audio channels make it easier to hear sounds, unlike stereo audio, which sends out two sound signals. Stereo audio transmits sounds from different directions, while mono audio only comes from one direction. To convert sounds to a single channel, select the Windows logo key and go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio. From there, toggle on Mono audio.
Visual audio alerts
Your Windows 11 device can display audio alerts as visual alerts. Select the Windows logo key and go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio to customize how your notifications appear. Notifications can pop up in the title bar or your screen can flash to indicate new notifications.
With these and other Microsoft features for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, your Windows 11 device can be customized for happy, easy computing. Want to learn more tips for using Windows 11? Visit the Windows Learning Center to find helpful articles to make the most out of your PC experience. You can also learn how to upgrade to Windows 11 to try the newest version of Windows.
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