Stay Connected – With Speech-to-Text Interpreting or Live Captions
It’s not always enough to hear a little. You also need to understand what is being said.
For people with hearing loss, meetings, lectures, and conversations involving several participants can be challenging, even when using hearing aids. It can be difficult to catch every word, especially when several people are speaking, there is a lot of background noise, or the conversation includes technical terms and new information.
This is where speech-to-text interpreting or live captions can provide valuable support.
What is speech-to-text interpreting?
A speech-to-text interpreter converts spoken language into written text in real time. As participants speak, the interpreter types what is being said, allowing you to read the conversation on a screen, for example on a PC or tablet. This gives you visual access to the content of the conversation as it takes place. Live captioning is now also available in Teams and various mobile apps. Read more below.
You can still use your hearing aids and listen to the conversation if that works well for you. Speech-to-text interpreting is a supplementary service that can make communication more accessible. The interpreter facilitates communication between participants by conveying what is being said, without taking part in the conversation on their own behalf.
When can you benefit from speech-to-text interpreting?
Speech-to-text interpreting can be used in many different situations in everyday life, at work, and in education.
At work
Meetings with colleagues and management.
Courses, seminars, and conferences.
Work-related conversations and training.
Online meetings with multiple participants.
In education
Lectures and teaching sessions.
Group work and study meetings.
Academic presentations and seminars.
In everyday life
Doctor’s appointments and other healthcare-related conversations.
Meetings with public authorities.
Courses, lectures, and organisational meetings.
Other situations where it is important to understand information communicated verbally.
The need for speech-to-text interpreting varies from person to person. Some people find it particularly useful when several people are speaking at the same time, while others need it in situations involving a lot of information, unfamiliar words, or limited ability to understand speech.
People who are deaf, deafblind, or have hearing loss may be entitled to interpreting services through NAV. You do not need to use sign language to benefit from speech-to-text interpreting.
People who have been approved for hearing aids will have their application for speech-to-text interpreting approved.
As a general rule, you must apply for and be granted interpreting assistance to use NAV's interpreting services. NAV assesses your needs and determines which solution is most appropriate.
NAV covers interpreting services in areas such as working life, higher education, healthcare, and everyday life. In certain areas, such as kindergartens, primary and lower secondary schools, and upper secondary education, other public authorities are responsible for covering interpreting services. Services for children from preschool age through upper secondary school are covered by the municipality or county authority. Services for students, adults, and older people are covered by the state.
Unsure whether you may be entitled to speech-to-text interpreting?
Contact your local NAV Assistive Technology Centre for guidance.
How do you book a speech-to-text interpreter?
If you have already been granted interpreting assistance, you can book a speech-to-text interpreter through NAV's booking service.
Visit NAV's website for interpreting services.
Log in and open the booking service.
Specify when and where you need an interpreter, what type of event it is, and whether you prefer in-person interpreting or remote interpreting via a screen.
Book as early as possible, particularly for longer events, courses, or meetings that require special preparation. You can also contact the interpreting service at NAV's Assistive Technology Centre if you need help with your application, booking, or advice on which solution is best suited to your needs.
Read more and book through NAV: Interpreting services for deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing people | Book an interpreter
Speech-to-text interpreting via Teams – also remotely
You do not always need to have the interpreter physically present.
NAV also offers remote interpreting, where the speech-to-text interpreter participates digitally. For online meetings, the interpreter can connect through platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom, making the text available to you throughout the meeting.
This can be particularly useful when:
Meeting participants are located in different places.
You are attending online courses or conferences.
It is difficult to arrange for a speech-to-text interpreter to be physically present.
You want to participate in meetings from your workplace or home.
The practical arrangements must be agreed upon in advance. The organiser and interpreting service should clarify how the interpreter will participate, how the text will be displayed, and how privacy will be protected.
Live captioning: Are there apps that convert speech into text in real time?
Yes! There are digital live captioning solutions that automatically convert speech into text. They can be useful as a supplement in everyday life, at work, or during online meetings.
Microsoft Teams – live captions
Teams has a built-in free live captioning feature that displays automatically recognised speech on the screen during a meeting. It is also possible to enable live transcription, which provides a written version of the conversation.
This can be useful in online meetings where you want to follow the conversation both visually and aurally.
Google Live Transcribe – Live Captioning
Google Live Transcribe is designed to convert speech into text in real time on your mobile phone. This solution can be useful for face-to-face conversations, for example at work or in other everyday situations. Availability and support for Norwegian may vary depending on your device and settings.
Other speech-to-text solutions
There are also other apps and services that can transcribe speech continuously. The most suitable solution depends on factors such as language support, audio conditions, device compatibility, and what you intend to use the text for.
It is important to be aware that automatic speech recognition is not the same as professional speech-to-text interpreting. Background noise, dialects, technical terms, and multiple people speaking at the same time can lead to errors or omissions.
For important meetings, healthcare consultations, or situations where it is essential to receive accurate information, a professional speech-to-text interpreter may therefore be a better option. Remember to also check privacy policies and data processing requirements before using an app in conversations involving sensitive information.
What are the benefits of speech-to-text interpreting and live captioning?
Speech-to-text interpreting and live captioning can make it easier to participate actively and independently in situations where communication might otherwise be challenging.
Better access to information: You can read what is being said instead of relying solely on your hearing.
Less uncertainty: Being able to follow the conversation visually can make it easier to catch names, numbers, appointments, and technical terms.
Greater participation: You are better equipped to follow discussions, ask questions, and contribute to meetings.
Increased flexibility: Speech-to-text interpreting can be used both in person and during online meetings.
A supplement to hearing aids: Even with well-fitted hearing aids, some listening situations can be challenging. Speech-to-text interpreting provides an additional channel for receiving information.
Improved accessibility in everyday life: The right accommodations can make it easier to participate on equal terms with others at work, in education, and in social situations.
We at AudioPlus are happy to help
Good hearing care is about more than hearing aids and other accessories. It is also about finding solutions that make communication and everyday participation easier.
At AudioPlus, we can discuss the challenges you experience and provide guidance on possible measures and assistive devices. If you are wondering whether speech-to-text interpreting might be relevant for you, we can help you find out where to turn for further assistance.
Contact AudioPlus if you would like advice on hearing, communication, and accessibility.
Together, we can explore which solutions may make your everyday life easier.
Feel free to contact us on 990 99 779 or via our contact form.
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