The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) estimates that 30 million Americans have some level of hearing loss. Many people do not wear hearing aids even though they would benefit from them. Often it is out of embarrassment.
For people with mild hearing loss Apple and Android phones have a sound amplifier.
Even if you do not suffer from hearing loss there may be times when increasing the sound is useful.
Apple
Apple devices use the Live Listen feature which is an accessibility tool to amplify the sound. It essentially turns your Apple device into a directional microphone. It works up to 15 meters away.
Your device must be using iOS 14.3 or later.
If you have not already done so, pair your AirPods or other compatible listening aid with your Apple device.
To use Live Listen with your iPhone or iPad, you first need to add it to “Control Center,” which is the screen meant to house your most used features.
Open the settings menu > control center.
Scroll down and tap the add button next to the hearing icon.
To use Live Listen open control center and then tap the hearing icon. Tap Live Listen.
Put your phone in front of whatever sound you want to hear and adjust the volume to the level you want.
When you are finished using Live Listen, open control center and tap the hearing icon. Tap Live Listen to turn it off.
Android
Pair your ear buds with your Android device.
Open the settings menu > accessibility > hearing enhancements.
Scroll down and tap amplify ambient sound. Turn the slider to the on position.
Once the amplify ambient sound feature is enabled tap the accessibility icon on the bottom of the screen to turn it on and off. The accessibility icon looks like a little man.
Enhancing the sound on your Apple or Android device can be quite useful in many situations. For instance, you could use it to monitor your baby or small children in another room, during meetings or lectures to better hear the speaker or to enhance the sound coming from your TV.
The Tech Minimalist 