Hearing loss makes using the telephone difficult
When older adults have 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.
But telephones are an important source of safety and social connection. So, we found a special type of phone that solves this problem.
It’s called a caption phone. Even better, internet-based caption phones and service are free for people with hearing loss through a program funded by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
On a caption phone, the live phone conversation appears in easy-to read text on a large screen. Other than that, it works like a regular telephone – dial and answer calls as usual. Speak and listen using the phone handset like always.
They’re helpful for people with hearing loss that affects their ability to use a standard telephone. It gives them a lifeline in case they need to call for help as well as keeping them connected to family and friends.
We explain why helping older adults keep connected is important for health and how seniors with hearing loss can get a free caption phone.
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Keeping connected is important for senior health
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 seniors who are socially isolated tend to have greater risk of death and die earlier. They also have poorer quality of life while they’re alive.
So, helping older adults with hearing loss connect with family and friends, like through the telephone, improves mental and physical health.
How seniors can get a free caption phone
To get a free caption phone, first choose a company that sells caption phones.
There are many companies that offer caption phones and service (in alphabetic order), here are some:
- CapTel
- CaptionCall
- ClearCaptions
- Hamilton CapTel
- InnoCaption – free service for smartphones
- Sprint CapTel
To get a free caption phone and service, people with hearing loss must certify that they have a hearing loss that necessitates use of captioned telephone service.
Companies that offer caption phones will be able to guide you through the qualification process. Typically, a form like this one must be completed and then 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
- Standard home phone connection
- Standard electrical outlet
Installation Process
There should be no additional charges for delivery and installation. A local trainer helps install the phone in the home. The trainer makes sure the phone works and teaches how to use it.
The trainer will also complete the additional paperwork required by the FCC.
Recommended for you:
- Affordable Hearing Aid Alternatives for Seniors: Hearing Amplifiers
- 10 Helpful Products for Hearing Impaired Seniors Increase Independence and Safety
- 7 Sources of Low Cost Internet for Seniors
By DailyCaring Editorial Team
Image: CapTel
This article wasn’t sponsored and doesn’t contain affiliate links. For more information, see How We Make Money.
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Patsy Leblond
Is this service or phone available in Ontario, Canada.
DailyCaring
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.
Maggie
Can this caption phone capture a Spanish conversation?
DailyCaring
That’s a great question. We’d suggest contacting CaptionCall to find out. They can be reached at 1-877-557-2227
Please send information by mail: 260 terrace Dr.
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..
DailyCaring
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:
— http://dailycaring.com/how-to-get-the-best-hearing-aids-from-the-audiologist/
— http://dailycaring.com/affordable-hearing-aid-alternatives-for-seniors-hearing-amplifiers/
— Additional articles about hearing loss http://dailycaring.com/tag/hearing-loss/
Kemble K. Kennedy, Jr,
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.
usha
hi can we purchase this phone and can work for another country?
DailyCaring
We don’t know the answer to that, but my guess would be no because phone systems are different across countries. You may want to give CaptionCall a call at 1-877-557-2227 and ask them.
Dorri P
Sorry if this seems like an odd question, but I am not very familar with a caption phone? Does the person on the other end have to type an email to you, for you to get the captioning on your phone? How do you respond back?
DailyCaring
That’s a great question. Unless you had been told, you probably would never know that you were speaking to someone who is using a caption phone. A caption phone doesn’t require anybody to do anything different. You would call the person who owns a caption phone and speak as you normally would to anyone on any phone. The caption phone will translate your spoken words into written words, which will be displayed on the caption phone’s screen. That helps the person with low hearing to know what you’re saying when you call. They would then speak to you through the phone handset and you will hear their voice as if they were using a regular phone. I hope that clarifies things!
Gail overcash
Older person has hearing aids can they still get a free phone
DailyCaring
Gail — We assume that someone with hearing aids would be eligible for a caption phone because they do have hearing loss. To be sure, check with CaptionCall directly. They can be reached at 1-877-557-2227
Barbara Carnahan
I want to know first of all whether one has to have internet to make this phone function.
Secondly, I would rather purchase the phone than jump through all the hoops to get a free phone.
No one MOST IMPORTANT, must you have internet for this phone?
This is an urgent questions.
DailyCaring
Hi Barbara — According to CaptionCall, this caption phone requires a high-speed internet connection in order to work. As far as we know, all caption phones require high-speed internet. You may want to give CaptionCall a call at 1-877-557-2227 to see if they have any options that don’t require an internet connection.
Debbie
There are captioned phones that do not require internet. CapTel makes some.
DailyCaring
That’s fantastic to know! Thanks for sharing.
Bruce LaDue
I’m trying to set up my voicemail on my Caption Phone. Need directions. HELP
DailyCaring
For help with your Caption Phone, please call Caption Call customer service at 1-877-557-2227
I hope they can help you get your voice mail set up quickly and easily. Enjoy the phone!