Telephone AidsAmplified and Text TelephonesTelephone communication is usually one of the biggest obstacles for individuals with a hearing loss. Telephone aids are often a necessity. Part of the problem is that you have no visual cues when speaking on the phone. If you are unable to see the person you are speaking with, it is often hard to know what they are saying. 
Amplified phones may help. If you wear a hearing aid, make sure the phone is compatible with it. Newer phones now require this compatiblity feature. If your hearing aid has the T switch, this should also eliminate any feedback. Below are a few of the amplified phones currently on the market: 
There are also text telephones (and even adapters for cell phones!)which allow you to type a message over the telephone network.Click on the link below to see some of the text (tty) phones (and the cell phone tty adapter)currently on the market:
Text Telephones (TTY) and Cell Phone Adapter The use of the text telephone does require some education. You will need to learn the correct procedures to make it work. Most phone companies have a special department for customers with disabilities. Ask the business office to connect you to the correct department.
In certain states you may be able to receive a free loaner phone. Ask your doctor or your audiologist if this is possible in your state. If so, they will provide you with the necessary signed form. This form confirms your hearing loss. In case you need more information, have the doctor or hearing professional write out the instructions for you. The free phones vary depending on the extent of your loss. Often, there are amplified phones as well as text telephones available. You will need to specify the extent of your loss. Have the professional list the type of phone that will be best for your needs. For travel purposes you can even buy a portable amplifier that will attach to the headset of any phone. This is handy in case you are in a location that does not have an amplified phone.
I recently participated in a telephone trial for Captioned Telephones.
The various types of equipment can be purchased through catalogues, online, and through your hearing professionals. Most of the companies will send you a free catalogue. You can contact them by phone, or by going online to their website. Most of them have an e-mail address.
When you are researching the products it does pay to compare prices and warranties. When you buy a product use your credit card. This will protect you in case there are any problems.
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When using a text phone, you will dial 711 and will be connected to a relay operator who will receive and relay your phone messages. She connect and speak with the other party and will then type their responses back to you. Relay operators are available 24 hours a day. There is no additional charge for local calls made through a Relay operator, but there are special long distance rates. You need to contact your telephone carrier for the details.
These exciting new products look like a traditional telephone with extra buttons, and allow for special features. One feature is the caption button. By pushing this button, you will be connected to a relay operator who monitors to your call and uses a voice recognition technology to provide captions of the dialogue that is being sent. This allows the listener to both hear and read the contents simultaneously!
