Use our quick Q&A to discover how you can benefit from captioned phone technology for hearing loss.
If you or a loved one struggles to hear conversations over the phone, captioned phone technology may help. But how do you know if these phones are right for you? Check out answers to common questions about these hearing loss telephones to help you decide:
- What are hearing loss telephones with captioned technology?
- How does captioned phone technology for hearing loss work?
- What types of captioned telephones are available?
- Is a captioned telephone right for me?
Discover the answers to each of these questions below.
What are hearing loss telephones with captioned technology?
Hearing loss telephones equipped with captioning technology, known as captioned telephones, are specially designed phones for people with some degree of hearing loss who have difficulty hearing over the phone. They work just like a traditional phone with the added benefit of displaying captions to help you catch every word.
How does captioned phone technology for hearing loss work?
Captioned telephones work with a no-cost captioning service that transcribes the captions during your calls. The cost of the service is federally-funded, so there are no costs for the people who need captioning. CapTel captioned telephones are easy to use. To start a conversation using an Internet-based model, simply dial the other person’s number, just as you would with any other telephone. Your call will automatically connect to the captioning service. During the call, you can listen to your caller while reading captions of everything they say.
If you don’t have access to high-speed internet, the CapTel 840 model might be the right hearing loss telephone for you. Calls you make will still automatically connect to the captioning service, but depending on how you set it up incoming callers will first dial the toll-free service and then enter your phone number.
What types of captioned telephones are available?
CapTel offers four models of captioned telephones for hearing loss based on your needs and preferences. Three models – 840i, 2400i, and 880i – are Internet-based and require access to high-speed Internet to connect with the captioning service. For people who don’t have high-speed Internet access, CapTel’s analog model 840 works with a standard analog telephone line.
How to choose which model? That’s up to your preference! If you prefer the familiarity of a traditional style telephone, the CapTel 840 or CapTel 840i fit the bill. If you enjoy the convenience of a touch screen display, the CapTel 2400i is ideal. If you would benefit from larger font sizes, the CapTel 880i is designed to make it easy for people with low vision. The choice is yours!
Discover more differences between these four models of captioned telephones and how to choose the right captioned telephone here.
Is a captioned telephone right for me?
CapTel is designed specifically for people who:
- Experience mild, severe, or profound hearing loss
- Struggle to hear conversations over the phone and need additional assistance
- Prefer a simple and easy-to-use telephone with amplification to further help hear their best during calls
Hearing loss telephones with captioning technology can be incredibly helpful for staying in touch with the important people in your life. For help choosing the best CapTel captioned telephone for you, contact us today.
Check out these other resources for people with hearing loss and read more hearing loss articles on our blog.
