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Sound Amplifier (Google): What It Does and What You Need

Checked November 10, 2026. Next full check February 2027.

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Uses your Android phone and headphones to make speech easier to hear.

At a glance

MakerGoogle LLC
GroupHear speech better
Works onAndroid
CostNo cost. The Google Play listing shows no price.
Good forAndroid users who want to try a phone tool in noisy rooms.

What it does

  • Reduces background noise to make speech easier to pick out.
  • Offers a conversation mode that focuses on a voice in noisy places, on Pixel 3 and later.
  • Amplifies conversation, TV and lectures.
  • Lets you adjust each ear: cut noise, or boost low, high or quiet sounds.
  • Turns on from the accessibility button, a gesture or Quick Settings.

What you need

  • An Android phone with Android 8.1 or later.
  • Wired or Bluetooth headphones.

Good to know

  • Google suggests Bluetooth headphones for far sources. They can add audio delay.
  • It does not replace a hearing evaluation or hearing aids.

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.

More in hear speech better

  • HeardThat

    Singular Hearing

    Uses software to separate speech from background noise and sends it to your headphones or hearing aids.

    No-cost tier and paid plansiPhone, Android

Where Sound Amplifier (Google) fits

Compare Sound Amplifier (Google) with another app

Read more on our site

Questions to bring to your visit

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

  • Does my hearing loss make noise harder than quiet?
  • Can my hearing aid programs do the same job as this app?
  • Which earbuds or headphones should I pair with this app?

Sources

We read these pages on November 10, 2026. Prices and phone requirements change, so check the listing before you install.

Need help with this app?

Always struggling in noise? That is a common first sign of hearing change. Book a hearing test: 650-342-9449.

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

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