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Deaf Communication & Phones

Being deaf does not mean you cannot communicate -- the communication method just differs. Since there are varying levels of deafness, the communication methods may range from sign language only to being able to talk on the telephone with an assisted device.

  1. TTY Machine

    • Depending upon the severity of a deaf person's hearing, they may not be able to use a standard telephone. They can, however, use a TTY machine. A TTY machine does not require any direct conversation, only the ability to type. The user will type to an operator who will relay the message directly to the person on the other end and type back to the deaf user.

    Captel Phones

    • Newer technology is available in the form of a Cap-tel phone. Cap-tel phones are available in almost every state for free or for a greatly discounted fee. Cap-tel phones stream live text of the conversation onto a screen placed on the phone for easy reading. Cap-tel phones vary from TTYs because typing is not necessary. When placing a call, the service connects to a silent operator first, then connects to the party you are calling. The silent operator will convert the hearing person's speech into text that shows up on the phone screen.

    Internet Relay

    • If a TTY or Cap-tel phone is not available, there is the Internet. Some Internet companies such as Sprint Relay, allow for online relay calls. The user will place a call through the Internet. The conversation is direct, meaning there is live conversation between the two parties. The hearing person's speech is converted to text by a silent operator and appears on the computer screen for the non-hearing person.

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