Learn how CapTel phones help people with hearing loss.
There are many aids, services, and devices that can assist people who experience hearing loss. One of the most helpful tools is a captioned phone for hearing loss, which shows text captions of what your caller says. If you or someone you know has difficulty hearing over the phone, you may have questions about how captioned phones work and what to expect when using one.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
- How captioned phones for hearing loss work
- How captioning works for voicemails
- Integrations with other hearing devices
- Varieties of different model options
If you have any specific health questions about your hearing, make sure to talk with your doctor or audiologist. Reach out to the CapTel team for any questions about CapTel phones – they’ll be happy to assist you!
How captioned phones for hearing loss work
Captioned phones for hearing loss work very similarly to regular phones; you can make outbound and accept incoming calls like with any other telephone, but a captioned phone also displays text captions of the what the other party says during the conversation.
For internet-based models, the process is simple. On both incoming and outgoing calls, your captioned phone connects to a no-cost captioning service, so you can read and follow along on the screen with your caller’s voice in real time. There is an analog version of the captioned telephone as well if you don’t have access to high-speed internet. For more information on how the process works, and the simple steps to get started with captioned phones, read more about how the technology works.
How captioning works for voicemails
Captioned phones can show captions for voicemails, too. The process is the same as with any other phone; your caller simply leaves a message like usual on the built-in answering machine or your voicemail service, and on playback, the captioned text will display on the screen along with the caller’s voice. Check the instructions that come with your captioned phone for full details.
Integrations with other hearing devices
All CapTel captioned phones are HAC (hearing aid compatible), which means they are designed to be used with hearing aids (they work wonderfully for non-hearing aid wearers as well!). In addition, you can adjust the sound volume and frequency to the levels you hear best, allowing you to customize the sound quality for your own personal hearing preferences.
Varieties of different model options
Various models of captioned phones for hearing loss can assist in different ways. The basics work the same across all captioned phones, but you’ll want to consider which captioned phone model is right for your needs.
For example, if you find it easier to read larger print captions, the CapTel 880i model might be the best fit for you. It features an extra-large display screen, with variable font styles, sizes, and colors to accommodate people with low-vision.
For those who prefer a touch screen interface, the CapTel 2400i may be your preferred option. With a large, colorful menu graphics, and a powerful speakerphone, the CapTel 2400i makes calling easy. And if you have traditional analog telephone service and don’t have access to high-speed Internet, the CapTel 840 is your best bet.
If you have further questions on how captioned phones for hearing loss work or how to select the best fit for your needs, reach out to the CapTel team or take a look at the How-To videos on the CapTel website for more information on specific models.
