SDH Subtitles
Clear, accurate SDH subtitles for deaf and hard of hearing audiences
VoiceBox's fully managed SDH subtitle services
From films and streaming content to eLearning, corporate videos and online media, VoiceBox delivers accurate SDH (Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) that make your content more accessible.
Our team manages the full process, from transcription and timing to speaker identification, sound cues and final quality checks, ensuring every subtitle supports an inclusive viewing experience.
SDH captures the full audio landscape, including sound effects, tone, music and background clues that matter. When crafted properly, they make your content easier to follow, more engaging and genuinely accessible.
At VoiceBox, we take a partnership approach. We learn about your audience, platform and accessibility goals, then create SDH subtitles that are accurate and compliant with accessibility standards and requirements.
Ready to get started? Contact us today and find out why we score 4.7* on Trustpilot.
"It's lovely to work with someone who truly values and understands the importance of accessibility. Thanks Ffion!"
"We are really lucky that VoiceBox could help us fulfil our mission of inclusivity and accessibility; and help us raise the calibre of our event."
"I'd highly recommend VoiceBox. Not only was the cost fair, but the customer service was second to none."
- Accessibility-first SDH subtitles, tailored to your content and audience
- Honest advice on AI and human-led subtitling solutions
- End-to-end, dedicated project management
- Trusted by global brands, non-profits, broadcasters and event organisers
- Broadcast-ready SDH subtitles, delivered at scale
- Flexible solutions for WCAG, broadcast, streaming and digital video!
Contact us today for a free quote or accessibility consultation.
Designed for accessibility and compliance
SDH subtitles play a key role in meeting accessibility expectations across broadcast, streaming and digital platforms.
Our team produces SDH subtitles that align with accessibility standards and platform requirements, focusing on readability and correct use of sound descriptions. This helps ensure your content is inclusive, compliant and ready for real-world audiences!
What are SDH Subtitles?
Subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing (SDH) are a type of subtitle specially designed for those who may not be able to hear audio.
In contrast to other types of subtitles, SDH does not assume the viewer can hear the audio of a piece of video content. This means the subtitles will display not only the dialogue, usually indicating the different speakers’ names, but also describe any other aural content, such as background noise, information about songs or off-screen sound effects.
These sounds often add crucial detail about the plot or content of what’s being said. That’s why it is so important to guarantee that they are described for those viewers who would not otherwise hear it. The text typically runs along the bottom of the video screen.
Fully managed, end to end
We manage the entire SDH subtitling process, so you don’t have to.
From transcription and subtitle translation through to formatting, time-coding and final delivery, every stage is handled by experienced specialists. We supply SDH subtitles in the formats required for broadcast, streaming and online platforms, ensuring smooth integration with your content.
Multilingual SDH subtitles
Need to reach audiences across different languages? We provide multilingual SDH subtitles across 220+ language pairs, helping make content accessible to deaf and hard of hearing viewers worldwide.
Our localisation approach ensures that sound cues, music descriptions and speaker labels are culturally appropriate and easy to follow in every language.
SDH subtitles for every type of content
We deliver SDH subtitles for a wide range of media, including:
- TV programmes and broadcast content
- Streaming and on-demand platforms
- Films and documentaries
- Corporate and training videos
- Online and social media content
Whatever the format, we tailor our SDH subtitles to suit how and where your content will be viewed.
Accessibility built in
At VoiceBox, Accessibility is never an add-on.
SDH subtitles can be delivered alongside captions, audio description and other accessibility services, helping you create inclusive content that works for everyone!
- Accessibility-first SDH subtitles, tailored to your content and audience
- Honest advice on AI and human-led subtitling solutions
- End-to-end, dedicated project management
- Trusted by global brands, non-profits, broadcasters and event organisers
- Broadcast-ready SDH subtitles, delivered at scale
- Flexible solutions for WCAG, broadcast, streaming and digital video!
Contact us today for a free quote or accessibility consultation.
What are SDH subtitles?
SDH (Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) are subtitles that include both spoken dialogue and important audio information, such as sound effects, speaker identification and tone of voice.
They make content more accessible for deaf and hard of hearing audiences.
How are SDH subtitles different from standard subtitles?
Standard subtitles usually show spoken dialogue only.
SDH subtitles provide additional context, including [music], [door closes], [laughter], and who is speaking, which helps viewers follow the full audio experience.
Do you follow accessibility guidelines?
Yes, our SDH subtitles follow accessibility best practice, including WCAG guidance and broadcast standards.
We also follow inclusive language principles to ensure respectful and accurate descriptions of audio.
When do I need SDH subtitles?
SDH subtitles are commonly required for broadcast, streaming and public-facing video content, and are often expected to meet accessibility standards.
Can you create SDH subtitles in multiple languages?
We can translate your content and produce subtitles in 220+ language pairs. This includes localising sound cues and speaker tags in a culturally appropriate way.
Do you work with different video formats and platforms?
We accept and deliver all major video formats, and we tailor SDH to the platform you need, whether it’s broadcast, streaming, social media, education or internal comms.
Do you handle the full SDH subtitling process?
We take care of transcription, translation (where required), formatting, time-coding and delivery in the formats your platform needs!
How long does SDH subtitling take?
Turnaround times depend on your video length and complexity, but we offer rapid delivery when needed.
We’ll always give you a clear schedule before work begins.
Can you add SDH subtitles as part of other services?
Yes, we often add SDH subtitles as part of wider accessibility workflows, such as captioning, voice over, audio description or video editing.
How do we get started?
We offer a free consultation to understand your content and recommend the right SDH subtitling solution.
VoiceBox: Your go-to SDH agency
- Versatile: With an experienced team and a trusted network of accessibility specialists, we create SDH subtitles for every sector, platform and content type.
- Collaborative: We work closely with you at every stage: understanding your goals, reviewing your content and ensuring every subtitle is accurate and aligned with accessibility standards. Every client also benefits from a free localisation and accessibility consultation.
- Flexible: Since 2014, we’ve supported clients in the fast-moving world of media and content creation. If your brief, budget or deadline changes, we adapt quickly while maintaining the high quality and consistency your viewers rely on.
