Comparison

AudioKey 3 vs Deaf Transcriber

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

AudioKey 3

This app serves as a remote control for compatible MED-EL audio processors, allowing users to customize settings and access support materials. Caregivers can also utilize its features to assist others, and it includes a function to locate misplaced devices.

Highlights
  • Remote control for audio processors
  • Customize personal settings
  • Caregiver support mode
  • Find My Processor functionality
  • Check usage statistics
  • Access support materials
  • Configure streaming devices
Features
Read full description

The AudioKey 3 mobile app from MED-EL can be used as a remote control for supported MED-EL audio processors which are SONNET (EAS), SONNET 2 (EAS), SONNET 3 (EAS), and RONDO 3. Additionally, AudioKey 3 lets you customize personal settings, such as the names of programs on the audio processors. AudioKey 3 can be used by caregivers to support other users, such as young children. You can use the Find My Processor functionality to help locate lost or misplaced audio processors. AudioKey 3 also lets you check the usage statistics of the connected audio processors and quickly access helpful support material from MED-EL. If you own a MED-EL streaming device, you can configure it with AudioKey 3.

About

Deaf Transcriber

This app provides real-time speech-to-text transcription and sound amplification for individuals with hearing loss. It aims to help users follow conversations and hear clearly in various environments without expensive hardware.

Highlights
  • Live speech-to-text transcription
  • Sound amplification via headphones
  • Real-time conversation captions
  • Noise reduction for clarity
  • Large, readable text display
  • Offline transcription mode
Read full description

Hearing loss shouldn't mean missing out. Restaurants, family dinners, work meetings, doctor appointments — when you can't hear clearly, you feel left out. Disconnected. Like you're on the outside looking in. HearingPal changes that. HearingPal is the deaf transcriber app built for the Hard of Hearing community. It transcribes speech to text in real time — so you can read every word as it's spoken. And it amplifies sound through your AirPods or any headphones, turning them into a hearing aid. No expensive hardware. No complicated setup. Just your iPhone. • Live Transcribe — words appear on screen the moment they're spoken • Hearing Aid Mode — amplify and clarify sound through any headphones or AirPods • HoH Captions — follow one-on-one and group conversations in real time • Works Everywhere — restaurants, meetings, classes, doctor appointments, anywhere • Accurate Deaf Transcription — advanced recognition built for the Hard of Hearing • Noise Reduction — speech clarity even in loud, noisy environments • Large, Readable Text — designed for comfort and low vision • Offline Mode — works without an internet connection • People with hearing loss or hearing impairment • The d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HoH) community • Anyone who struggles to follow conversations in noisy places • Older adults experiencing age-related hearing loss • Families and carers supporting loved ones with hearing difficulties Traditional hearing aids cost thousands. HearingPal is the affordable, always-with-you alternative that fits in your pocket. We built HearingPal for the Hard of Hearing community — so you can walk into any room with confidence, follow any conversation, and feel like yourself again. Join thousands of HoH users who rely on HearingPal every single day. Your audio is processed on-device where possible. We never sell your data. HearingPal is built with the Hard of Hearing community — not just for them. Download HearingPal and follow every conversation with confidence. HearingPal is designed to assist people with hearing loss and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your hearing, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. Questions? Contact: admin@burotec.co.uk Privacy Policy: https://burotec.co.uk/apps-privacy.php Terms of Service: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

AudioKey 34 screens
Deaf Transcriber4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Deaf Transcriber at 67% against AudioKey 3's 19%. Deaf Transcriber also leads on rating (4.3 vs 2.9) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 4 months). AudioKey 3's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Deaf Transcriber sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. AudioKey 3 asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Deaf Transcriber holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 2.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 15 and 12 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 19% of AudioKey 3's written reviews are positive against 67% of Deaf Transcriber's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AudioKey 3 ships an update every 4 months, Deaf Transcriber every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
AudioKey 3 versus Deaf Transcriber: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAudioKey 3Deaf Transcriber
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.9 (15 ratings)4.3 (12 ratings) — better
Positive reviews18.8% of reviews66.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings15 — better12
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size247 MB11 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperMED-ELBurotec Limited

Customer experience

AudioKey 3

All ratings15 ratings
Positive33.3%
Neutral13.3%
Negative53.3%
Written reviews16 reviews
Positive18.8%
Neutral12.5%
Negative68.8%

Deaf Transcriber

All ratings12 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral8.3%
Negative8.3%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%

In-app purchases

None

AudioKey 3

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Deaf Transcriber

Subscriptions2
  • Unlock Full - Weekly Plan3 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Unlock Full - Yearly Plan$34.991 Year

Questions

Is AudioKey 3 free?
AudioKey 3 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Deaf Transcriber free?
Deaf Transcriber is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, AudioKey 3 or Deaf Transcriber?
Deaf Transcriber is rated higher. AudioKey 3 averages 2.9 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while Deaf Transcriber averages 4.3 from 12 ratings.
Do AudioKey 3 or Deaf Transcriber have ads?
Deaf Transcriber shows ads; AudioKey 3 does not.
Which is updated more often, AudioKey 3 or Deaf Transcriber?
AudioKey 3 ships an update every 4 months, and Deaf Transcriber every 2 weeks. Most recently, AudioKey 3 was updated on October 15, 2026 and Deaf Transcriber on October 16, 2026.

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