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Phone Features That Alert You to Sounds at Home

Last checked November 10, 2026. Next full check February 2027.

Email to a family member

Your phone can listen for certain sounds and send you an alert. This helps when you do not hear a doorbell or an alarm.

Both features are built into the phone. Each page lists the sounds it finds and the setup it needs.

The apps

We list the apps in no order. 2 apps.

  • Sound Recognition (iPhone)

    Apple

    Your iPhone listens for sounds you pick and sends you an alert.

    Good for: People who miss doorbells or appliance beeps at home.

    Built iniPhone, iPad

  • Sound Notifications (Android)

    Google

    Your Android phone listens for sounds and alerts you.

    Good for: Android users who want alerts for sounds at home.

    Built inAndroid

Limits to keep in mind

  • No alert feature is perfect. Keep working smoke alarms in your home.
  • The phone must be on and near you for alerts to reach you.
  • Test each alert before you rely on it.

This guide is general information. It does not diagnose hearing loss and it does not replace a hearing evaluation. An app cannot tell you why you hear less. An audiologist can.

Compare two apps side by side

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Questions to bring to your visit

Write these on your phone or print this page. Bring them to your hearing evaluation.

  • Which sounds must I not miss?
  • Do I need a flashing or vibrating alarm?
  • Can my hearing aids pass alerts to me?

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Talk to an audiologist

Missing sounds at home? Call 650-342-9449. We can check your hearing and talk about safe options.

California Hearing Center has offices in San Mateo and San Carlos. One phone number reaches both: 650-342-9449.

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