For seniors with hearing loss, something as simple as a phone call can become a frustrating and even isolating experience. Struggling to hear conversations may lead an older adult to avoid calls altogether, cutting them off from vital social connections and emergency access.
The good news? Caption phones—specialized technology that displays spoken words as real-time text—can bridge this gap while costing nothing for eligible individuals. Funded by the FCC, these devices empower seniors with hearing loss to reclaim independence, safety, and meaningful conversations. In this guide, we’ll explain how caption phones work, why staying connected is critical for health and happiness, and how to secure a free device through certified providers. Because no one should miss out on life’s important calls!
Hearing Loss Makes Using the Telephone Difficult
When someone has hearing loss, using the phone can become nearly impossible.
If your older adult has been avoiding talking on the phone, that could be the cause.
Telephones are an essential source of safety and social connection, so fortunately, a special type of phone solves this problem – a caption phone.
Even better, caption phones and services are free for people with hearing loss through a program funded by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
We explain how caption phones work, why staying connected is essential for senior health, and how seniors with hearing loss can get a free caption phone.
How Caption Phones Work
On a captioned phone, the live phone conversation appears as easy-to-read text on a large screen.
Other than that, it works like a regular telephone—just dial and answer calls as usual. Speak and listen using the phone handset as always.
These phones are helpful for people with hearing loss, who have difficulty using a standard telephone.
It gives them a lifeline in case they need to call for help and keeps them connected to family and friends.
Staying Connected is Vitally Important For Seniors
Loneliness and social isolation have significant negative impacts on senior health.
Feeling alone can increase the risk of depression, poor nutrition, cognitive decline, and more.
Studies have shown that socially isolated seniors tend to have a greater risk of death and die earlier. They also have a poorer quality of life while they’re alive.
So, a phone that can help older adults with hearing loss stay connected with family and friends can help improve mental and physical health.
How Seniors Can Apply For a Free Caption Phone
First, choose a company that offers caption phones to apply for a free caption phone.
Many companies offer caption phones and services (in alphabetical order), here are some to consider:
- CapTel
- CaptionCall by Sorenson
- ClearCaptions
- Hamilton CapTel
- InnoCaption – free service for smartphones
To get a free caption phone and service, people with hearing loss must certify that their hearing loss necessitates the use of captioned telephone service.
Companies that offer caption phones can guide you through the qualification process.
A captioned telephone order form must be completed and signed by a medical professional or audiologist.
Before going through the process, make sure your older adult has:
- Medically-recognized hearing loss
- High-speed internet connection – if needed, there’s one model that works over a standard analog telephone line only
- Standard home phone connection
- Standard electrical outlet
Installation Process
There should be no additional charges for delivery and installation.
A local trainer will help install the phone in the home, make sure it works, and teach older adults how to use it.
The trainer will also complete the additional paperwork required by the FCC.
Recommended for you:
- 8 Sources of Low Cost Internet for Seniors
- 10 Common Signs of Hearing Loss in Seniors
- Reduce Dementia Risk by Treating Hearing Loss
About the Author
Connie Chow
Connie was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also knows how important support is — especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.
Where in Adelaide South Australia can I get a caption phone
We’re a U.S.-based company, so we’re not familiar with programs in other countries. We found this website, which has information about caption phone service in Australia – https://www.konnekt.com.au/captioning-service-replacement/
Is this available in British Columbia Canada?
The free caption phone program is a U.S. program, but the Canadian government might have something similar.
Is there anything available to pay for or help with the cost of the land line needed for the phone? There is a connection plug on the wall for a phone but I do not have telephone service .
Thank you very much
You may want to contact the land line telephone service provider in your area to find out if they have programs that can help with the cost of phone service.
My caption call phone has stopped working and is leaking some sticky stuff around the MENU button and under the monitor. Is there a repair/replacement service? The former phone number was 1 (xxx) xxx-xxxx, which, of course, no longer rings but he answering machine attachment does..
I am almost totally deaf and miss the phone.
James Terrill
I’m sorry to hear that your caption phone isn’t working. We’re not affiliated with Caption Call, so you’ll need to contact them to get help with your phone. Their contact information is — Phone: 1-877-557-2227, Email: support@captioncall.com, Website: https://captioncall.com/
Is this service or phone available in Ontario, Canada.
This is a service that’s free in the United States for those who qualify because it’s paid for by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It’s possible that there are similar benefits programs in Canada. We’re not familiar with phone services in Canada, but it’s also likely that you could also purchase similar caption phones for use in Canada.
Can this caption phone capture a Spanish conversation?
That’s a great question. We’d suggest contacting CaptionCall to find out. They can be reached at 1-877-557-2227
I have gone thru [3] different ais brands and none seem to work. Last audio test
the tech said he thought nothing would be able to help my loss. I do have a
computer Please let me know what is available in writing and what would this
company recommend..
I’m sorry to hear that it’s been tough to find hearing aids that work for you. Your doctor or a qualified audiologist are the best people to make recommendations for your specific situation. We don’t sell any products and aren’t doctors or hearing specialists, so we aren’t able to provide any recommendations.
We do have a couple of articles with more information about finding a hearing aid or hearing amplifier that may be helpful:
— https://dailycaring.com/how-to-get-the-best-hearing-aids-from-the-audiologist/
— https://dailycaring.com/affordable-hearing-aid-alternatives-for-seniors-hearing-amplifiers/
Apply for a phone.
I have a question: I have gone thru [3] sets of hearing aids and none helps my hearing.
Audiologist says apparently nothing will help with my hearing problem. i have
been around noise all of my life and no ais seems to help. I do have a
computer. What would suggest in your line of apparatus.