Get your questions about captioned hearing loss telephones answered.
If you’re new to CapTel captioned telephones, you may have questions about how to set things up and use all the features. Whether you already own one or you’re considering it, let’s go over these FAQs about our captioned hearing loss telephones:
- How do I answer/make a phone call with captions?
- Can I use captions to review voicemail and answering machine messages?
- How do I change the volume and tone frequency?
- Can I turn captions on and off during a call?
- What display customization options are available?
- Can I add contacts and speed-dial?
- Will my hearing aids work with my captioned telephone?
Review the answers to these questions about using your captioned hearing loss telephone below! If you have additional questions about getting a CapTel phone, how much it costs, the difference between models, and how the phones work, visit our general FAQs page here.
How do I answer/make a phone call with captions?
With most CapTel models, the process for making or receiving a phone call is no different than any other phone you’re used to. You dial someone’s number, or they dial yours, your phone will connect to the no-cost captioning service, and then you’re ready to go!
The only model that works a little differently is the CapTel 840, which is an analog instead of an internet-based telephone. If someone is calling you, they will simply dial the captioning service first, then enter your phone number to have the call captioned. Or, you can set up 2-Line CapTel so they can call your phone directly.
Can I use captions to review voicemail and answering machine messages?
Of course! The phone display will let you know when you have messages. When you’re listening to messages, captions will display on the screen automatically, so there’s nothing else you need to worry about. Read this guide or your user manual to learn how to access your answering machine.
How do I change the volume and tone frequency?
Everyone’s level of hearing is different. A CapTel phone allows you to customize to the volumes and tones you hear best. All CapTel phones have amplification up to 40dB. Depending on whether you hear low, medium, or high frequencies the best, you can press the TONE button to change the frequency to the level you prefer. With the CapTel 2400i, you can even customize the sound frequency to match your audiogram.
Can I turn captions on and off during a call?
Yes! With most models, if you’re in the middle of a phone call and you decide you’d like to turn captions on or off, all you have to do is press the Captions button. If you’re turning captions on, there will be a brief pause while the phone connects to the captioning service. The exception is the CapTel 840. With CapTel 840, you need to turn the captions ON before you place the call. You cannot turn the captions on/off during a CapTel 840 call, unless you set up the CapTel 840 in 2-Line mode.
What display customization options are available?
Just like everyone’s hearing is different, everyone’s vision is too. All CapTel phone models have adjustable font sizes and colors, so you can easily navigate the phone display and read captions. The CapTel 2400i is the only model with a touch-screen display; you’ll navigate the others using buttons on the telephone.
Can I add contacts and speed-dial?
A built-in phone book, caller ID, and speed-dial programming are available in all CapTel phone models, and the 2400i even has a dial-by-picture feature. On the 2400i, you can transfer contacts directly from your iPhone or Android smartphone. For other models, refer to the step-by-step instructions in your user manual for adding your most dialed contacts!
Will my hearing aids work with my captioned telephone?
Yes! All CapTel phones are hearing-aid-compatible, meaning they have an induction loop that connects with the telecoil in your hearing aid so the sound pipes directly into your device.
Interested in captioned hearing loss telephones for yourself or a friend or family member? Shop our selection here! Your phone will come with detailed instructions on how to use every feature in that model, and you can also visit our online knowledge base at any time for more guidance.
