This exciting new product looks like a traditional telephone with extra buttons to allow for special features (The one shown here is manufactured by CapTel). One such feature is the caption button. By pushing this button, you will be connected to a relay operator who listens to your call and monitors voice recognition software which provides captions of the dialogue that is being sent. This allows the listener to both hear and read the contents simultaneously.

Captioned Telephone users can place and receive a call in the same manner you would operate a traditional telephone.

It is only when you press the caption button, that a different procedure takes place. Behind the scenes are specially trained operators who edit the voice recognition system as it occurs. As a result you will see corrections to the text of the dialogue.

The operators use a special attachment called a stenomask so they can speak without being heard by other people. This keeps the dialogue private. The operator using this equipment can be trained to analyze what is being transcribed. This same system is used for court reporting and live closed captioning television and other productions.

Answering a call with a captioned telephone

If you have received a call from a person with the captioned telephone and they want you to call them, you must first connect with a relay operator. Unless you own this special equipment, you are required to call a special relay phone number. This number differs in each state. Often it is easier to instruct the other party that you will call them and they will be automatically connected as a result. This service must be set in place before a phone call. It cannot be connected in the middle of a call.

This unique phone allows the user to review the conversation by scrolling back, just like you would on a computer. Once the conversation is over and you hang up, that feature is over. It only works during a call. You can also adjust the volume of the phone during a call. It works as an amplified telephone as well.