Talking health monitors
Many home health devices only show results on a small screen. Talking versions read your results out loud, so you can check your own health privately without asking for help.
Important: This guide is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which device is right for you, and whether your insurance covers it.
In this guide
- Talking blood pressure monitor
- Talking thermometer
- Talking bathroom scale
- Talking glucose meter
- Talking pulse oximeter
- Medications
Talking blood pressure monitor
A talking blood pressure monitor announces your systolic and diastolic numbers and your pulse.
What to check before buying
- Accuracy: look the model up on the U.S. Validated Device Listing (validatebp.org), a list of monitors that have been checked for accuracy.
- Upper-arm cuffs are generally more accurate than wrist cuffs. Check the cuff size against your arm.
- Whether it reads out the saved readings too, not only the latest one.
- Large start button you can find by touch.
Search on Amazon.com: talking blood pressure monitor
Compare eBay prices, shipping included: talking blood pressure monitor
Talking thermometer
A talking thermometer speaks your temperature when the reading is done.
What to check before buying
- Type: oral, forehead, or ear. Forehead and ear models are faster.
- Whether you can choose Fahrenheit, and it speaks the unit.
- Volume that is loud enough to hear clearly.
Talking bathroom scale
A talking scale announces your weight as soon as you step on, which is helpful for tracking weight for a health condition.
What to check before buying
- Automatic start when you step on, with no buttons to find.
- Weight capacity that fits your needs.
- A non-slip surface.
Search on Amazon.com: talking bathroom scale
Compare eBay prices, shipping included: talking bathroom scale
Talking glucose meter
For people with diabetes, a talking glucose meter speaks each step and reads out your blood sugar result.
What to check before buying
- Talk to your doctor or diabetes educator first. Test strips are the ongoing cost, and your insurance may cover only certain meters.
- Whether every step is spoken, including error messages and strip insertion.
- Ask whether a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) with an accessible phone app might suit you better.
Search on Amazon.com: talking glucose meter
Compare eBay prices, shipping included: talking glucose meter
Talking pulse oximeter
A pulse oximeter clips on your fingertip and measures blood oxygen and pulse. Talking models announce both numbers.
What to check before buying
- Confirm that the product page says it speaks the results, not only that it beeps.
- Consumer oximeters are for general wellness. Your doctor can tell you what readings should concern you.
Search on Amazon.com: talking pulse oximeter
Compare eBay prices, shipping included: talking pulse oximeter
Medications
Many U.S. pharmacies can provide talking prescription labels, large-print labels, or braille labels, often free on request. Ask your pharmacist before buying extra devices.
- Braille or large-print pill organizers are covered in our everyday living guide.
- A talking medication reminder or a smart speaker can remind you to take your medicine on time.
Search on Amazon.com: talking medication reminder
Compare eBay prices, shipping included: talking medication reminder