In the past, many technology companies made minor efforts to provide accessibility features for their products. Phones and computers have become a part of us, making them even more important than ever.

As the age of technology moves forward, Apple has perfected various features for deaf or hard of hearing users. From visual guides to new versions of Siri, Macs can now become primary tools for more individuals. This guide focuses on several macOS settings and tweaks that are perfect for anyone who's deaf or hard of hearing.

7. iMessage

iMessage in macOS

A free and effective solution for users who're deaf or hard of hearing is to communicate with others via the native Messages app in macOS. Apple's iMessage service is baked right in, meaning staying in touch with your family and friends—who own an iPhone, iPad, or Mac—is just a text message away.

When you don't have your iPhone by your side, this preinstalled app can be the perfect alternative. Apple's Handoff feature allows those who own an iPhone to get iMessages on both their iPhone and Mac simultaneously. So, as long as you have a Wi-Fi or hotspot connection, your Mac can send and receive messages for free.

6. Mono Audio

Mono Audio in macOS

Some individuals might have the ability to hear in only one ear. And while those with average hearing can use two headphones to hear directionally, macOS offers a simple solution. Mono audio lets you play both audio tracks in each ear, allowing all sounds to be audible in all situations.

To enable this feature, go to System Preferences > Accessibility and look under the Hearing category on the left pane for the Audio section. Now, check the box next to Play stereo audio as mono; you should now hear mono audio in both headphones.

5. Closed Captions

Closed Captions in macOS

Apple works closely with its products to provide accessibility in all formats. For those hard of hearing, a great tool is closed captions. So, when you're watching your favorite movie or show via the Apple TV app, you can use closed captions to read the dialogue and know exactly what's happening during a scene.

However, it's worth noting not every piece of media has closed captions, so it's always best to check. The best way to know if a product has closed captions is to check for the little CC icon, usually located right next to the title.

To use closed captions on your Mac, head over to System Preferences > Accessibility and click on the Captions section under Hearing. Now, check the box next to Prefer closed captions and SDH.

Note that this setting will automatically enable closed captions on your Mac whenever you're watching supported content. In the same menu, you can also choose your desired size and style for the subtitles and captions to further personalize this feature.

4. FaceTime

FaceTime in macOS

While regular phone calls are mainly for people who can hear, FaceTime is perfect for anyone who can use sign language to communicate. And if you don't know sign language, there are plenty of iPhone apps to master sign language quickly.

Considering how popular FaceTime is today, getting on a video call with your loved ones should be effortless, as long as they own an Apple device too. Remember that your Mac must be connected to a Wi-Fi network or hotspot to start or join FaceTime calls with other iPhone, iPad, and Mac users.

Apple worked on FaceTime from the ground up to provide a quick frame rate and visuals that work even in low lighting—perfect for those who need to capture every detail on screen.

3. Real-Time Text

RTT setting in macOS

Real-time text (RTT) is a feature that allows you to use text to actively communicate during a phone call. However, it's quite different from a regular text message, as the receiver can read your messages as you're typing them (in real-time); they don't need to wait for you to finish a sentence and hit the Return or Enter key.

As a result, RTT effectively allows those with hearing loss to communicate with the person on the other end with minimal effort. This feature can also come in handy when someone wants to secretly share information with emergency services without uttering a word.

To enable RTT on your Mac, you should first set up Wi-Fi calling on your iPhone. Once you do that, go to Settings > Accessibility and look for RTT on the left pane under Hearing. Click on it and then check the box next to Enable RTT. By default, Send Immediately will be enabled; if not, check that box too.

You may also enter an RTT relay number to start relay calls, which is 711 for those in the United States. Now, you can not only use the RTT functionality during FaceTime calls but also start RTT calls from the Contacts app on your Mac.

2. Type to Siri

Type to Siri in macOS

Siri is Apple's equivalent of Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, featured across its devices, like the iPhone, iPad, HomePod, and Mac. With the push of a button, you can babble any request, question, or alarm you wish to set. You typically communicate with Siri using voice commands, so you might wonder why we've featured it here.

Thanks to Type to Siri, you can also type your queries to Siri and respond without even using your voice—perfect for deaf or hard of hearing Mac users. Once again, this is an accessibility feature that's buried in macOS.

To start using it, go to System Preferences > Accessibility and scroll down all the way to the bottom of the left pane and click on Siri. Now, check the box next to Enable Type to Siri, and you're all set.

Now, long-press the microphone button on your keyboard or Siri in the Touch Bar (if your Mac has one) to activate it, and simply type your query as illustrated in the screenshot above.

1. Screen Flash

Screen Flash setting in macOS

The greatest hearing-related accessibility tool that Apple includes in Macs is screen flash.

Screen flash is a helpful tool for those who want alerts on their computers but would be unable to register the noises. You can use it with every app and program that uses system sounds. This means a complex network of notifications can all be signified via a screen flash, making this feature absolutely critical for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

To access this feature, first, head back into the Accessibility settings window. Under Hearing, click on the Audio tab. Now, on the right, look for the option that says Flash the screen when an alert sound occurs. Check the box and make sure to test the screen flash.

If the screen flash is too bright, you can adjust your Mac's brightness setting to make things more comfortable. If needed, you can also use apps that allow you to lower your Mac's brightness below the minimum.

Take Advantage of the Accessibility Features in macOS

Apple has always offered a set of accessibility features for users with various needs, but if you're fairly new to macOS, you'll have a hard time finding these settings.

From closed captions to Type to Siri, you can enable the features that you need to assist your hearing. And if you use an iPhone or iPad, you can find and access similar accessibility features from your device's settings—we've also covered a detailed article on that.