Is there an app to make your cell phone louder?

Most smartphone users want to get the loudest volume possible from their phone’s speakers. However, built-in smartphone speakers tend to have limited volume due to their small size. This can make it difficult to hear notifications, music, videos, etc. Many people look to third-party apps as a solution to increase the volume output of their phones.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of ways to safely increase the maximum volume output of your smartphone. We will explore options such as software volume booster apps, hardware modifications, and accessibility settings. However, we also need to be mindful of potential hearing damage from excessive volume as well as regulatory limits on sound levels from mobile devices. Our goal is to recommend safe, practical solutions to make your smartphone loud enough without compromising hearing health.

Built-in Volume Boosters

Both iOS and Android operating systems come with some default features to help boost volume.

On iOS devices, users can go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Toggle on “Headphone Safety” to enable an extra +25dB of volume over the normal limit (1). However, this may result in listening volumes that can damage hearing over time.

The latest versions of Android also allow increasing maximum volume by going to Settings > Sound & Vibration > Volume panel and dragging the volume slider to the right. This can boost speaker/headphone volume more than what was possible before. However, the exact amount of volume gained depends on the device’s hardware capabilities (1).

So in summary, both mobile platforms provide optional built-in volume boosting to make devices louder than the default volume limit. But this should be used cautiously and sparingly to prevent long term hearing loss.

Third-Party Volume Booster Apps

There are several popular third-party volume booster apps available on the Google Play Store that can help make your Android device’s volume louder. Some top options include:

Volume+: This highly-rated app can boost your device’s volume by up to 200%. It offers customizable volume settings and an equalizer to fine-tune your audio.
Volume Booster GOODEV: Uses your phone’s built-in software to safely boost volume higher than the max setting. Offers simple, easy-to-use volume sliders.

Extra Volume Booster Equalizer: Combines volume boosting with a graphic equalizer for ultimate audio control. Includes customizable presets and stereo expansion.

These volume booster apps work by taking over your device’s built-in volume controls and overriding the max volume limit set by your phone’s manufacturer. They tap into software capabilities to squeeze out louder volume levels without additional hardware. However, there are some limitations to be aware of when using these apps which will be covered later.

Limitations of Software Solutions

While built-in volume boosters and third-party apps can help make your phone’s speaker louder, they ultimately have limited effectiveness. As explained on Reddit, mobile operating systems often put limits on maximum speaker volumes to prevent the small phone speakers from blowing out or distorting at high volumes. Phone manufacturers determine the peak acoustic output that the speakers can safely handle without damage. Software solutions essentially max out what the hardware can accommodate.

So while volume booster apps may claim to boost levels, they realistically can only go as high as what the phone hardware and operating system allow. Once that limit is reached through system settings or third-party apps, there’s not much additional volume to be gained strictly through software.

Hardware Modifications

One way to make your phone louder is to use hardware solutions that amplify the sound or route it to external speakers. Some options include:

Amplified phone cases – Cases like the Serene HearAll Cell Phone Amplifier have built-in amplifiers to boost volume beyond the phone’s maximum settings.

Bluetooth amplifiers/neck loops – Devices like the QUATTRO 4.0 Bluetooth Amplifier pair with your phone via Bluetooth and route the audio through an external amplified speaker.
Wired audio routers – These devices connect directly to your phone’s headset jack and port the audio out to headphones or a louder external speaker.

The advantage of hardware amplifiers is they can increase volume louder than what’s achievable through phone settings alone. The downside is that they require carrying an additional accessory. It’s also important to be mindful of excessive volume and hearing health.

Regulatory Limits on Volume

The U.S. government does regulate the maximum volume level that cell phones can produce in order to protect hearing. The FCC sets rules on hearing aid compatibility and volume control for both wireless and wireline phones under the Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of 1988.

Specifically, cell phones sold in the U.S. have a limit of 100 decibels output to protect against noise-induced hearing loss according to FCC regulations. The FCC conducted scientific research to determine this limit would provide reasonable protection for most people while allowing flexibility for those with hearing impairments (https://www.fcc.gov/hearing-aid-compatibility-and-volume-control).

While 100 decibels may still be loud enough to cause hearing damage over time, especially for children, the FCC decided this limit balanced hearing health concerns with accessibility needs. People who require louder volumes can purchase amplifiers or accessories to further increase volume. Cell phone makers also continue innovating technologies like headphone volume limiters and active noise cancellation to protect hearing.

Hearing Health Concerns

Medical professionals warn that prolonged exposure to loud noises over 85 decibels can lead to gradual or sudden hearing loss (https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/what_noises_cause_hearing_loss.html). Sounds over 120 decibels can cause immediate damage according to the CDC. Smartphones at full volume can produce sounds over 105 decibels, which is higher than the 85 decibel threshold (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5928569/), putting users at risk of hearing damage from prolonged listening.

Symptoms of hearing damage from loud noises include ringing in the ears (tinnitus), muffled hearing, and difficulty understanding speech. These symptoms may subside after exposure ends or can become permanent in cases of significant damage. Limiting volume and listening time is crucial for protecting long-term hearing health.

While software solutions make phones physically capable of producing louder audio, health experts strongly advise against exceeding recommended volume limits. Check your smartphone’s settings to enable volume protection features, use external speakers or headphones to improve clarity at lower volumes, and take regular breaks. Your ability to hear and communicate relies on safe listening habits.

Accessibility Options

There are a variety of solutions available to help make cell phones more accessible for those who are hard of hearing or deaf. Many modern smartphones come with built-in accessibility features such as subtitles, transcription, and hearing aid compatibility. There are also third-party apps that can provide real-time captioning, amplify sounds, or alert users to important noises.

For those with more significant hearing loss, there are special amplified phones designed specifically for this purpose. Companies like Clarity, CapTel, and ClearSounds make phones with adjustable amplification up to 40dB or more. These phones often have enhanced speakers, flashing ring indicators, and other useful features. Some providers like CapTel also integrate real-time captioning services.

The major wireless carriers in the US – Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint – all offer free amplified phones and accessories for customers who qualify. Non-profits like the National Association of the Deaf also have programs to provide free phones or discounts. Additionally, government programs exist to supply free captioned phones to seniors and low income households.

While software can help, specialized hardware like amplified handsets are often the most effective solution. With the right assistive technology and services, people with hearing loss can take advantage of the convenience of mobile phones just like anyone else.

Recommendations

When shopping for apps or modifications to make your phone louder, consider your specific needs and situation. Here are some recommendations for getting the volume you need:

If you just need a temporary volume boost in noisy environments, try a volume booster app first. They’re affordable and easy to use on the go.
For moderate long-term hearing challenges, a high-quality wired headset may provide enough amplification without mods.

If you require maximum volume due to severe hearing loss, wireless Bluetooth headsets with their own volume controls bypass software limits.
Explore accessibility features like Live Listen on iPhone to use your phone as a hearing aid.
For music at home, hi-fi speakers with an external headphone amp can make your phone far louder safely.

Consult an audiologist to ensure any volume increases do not exceed safe limits or exacerbate hearing loss.

Choosing the right solution for your needs and situation allows you to boost phone volume without sacrificing hearing health or audio quality.

Conclusion

Summary and Final Thoughts

In summary, while there are some software solutions like built-in volume boosters and third-party apps that can increase the loudness of your cell phone, they have limitations in how much they can amplify the volume before hitting regulatory limits or causing hearing damage. Hardware modifications like attaching external speakers can make phones louder but may be impractical. Ultimately, the maximum loudness of a cell phone is constrained by safety regulations, hardware capabilities, and concerns over hearing health. Users who need louder volumes due to hearing impairment or other accessibility needs may find more robust solutions in specialized amplification devices rather than modifying a standard cell phone. When increasing your phone’s loudness, be mindful of both regulatory limits and the potential for excessive volume to damage hearing over time. Reasonable loudness balanced with hearing health is ideal.