No matter how severe hearing loss is, hearing-impaired telephones can make phone conversations more pleasant and productive. For example, a phone amplifier can boost the volume on a regular phone, clarify the sound a user hears and filter background noise. A telecommunications device for the deaf TDD , also known as a text telephone to telephone typewriter TTY , can give these individuals the ability to talk with hearing friends and relatives, work effectively in the business world and make use of numbers and other phone services.
Telecommunications relay services, or telephone relay, connect TDDs to the telephone system. Newer variations -- such as Internet protocol IP relay, video relay service and IP captioned telephone service -- can even eliminate the need for a TDD by making use of a computer with Web access [source: Federal Communications Commission ].
How do you find out what options are available? And how can you choose the right one? Let's start by seeing how sound amplifiers can help you hear better on a telephone. You can also find instructions for downloading the NRS app on an Apple or android device. With it, comes more freedom and independence. When you speak to an NRS user who is deaf or hearing impaired, your words will be typed, signed or repeated by the relay officer. These tips, from the National Relay Service, will help ensure the call goes smoothly:.
Want more like this? For health and wellbeing news you can use, go to the healthdirect blog. Middle-aged man with hearing aid talking to mobile phone screen. Please enter your name Please enter your email Your email is invalid. Please check and try again Please enter recipient's email Recipient's email is invalid. Please check and try again Agree to Terms required. Thank you for sharing our content. A message has been sent to your recipient's email address with a link to the content webpage. Your name: is required Error: This is required.
Your email: is required Error: This is required Error: Not a valid value. Send to: is required Error: This is required Error: Not a valid value. So, what happens when they need to make a phone call?
For those with hearing loss, everyday activities like talking on the phone can be challenging. While some people might avoid talking on the phone so their friends and family don't get frustrated with repeating themselves, amplified phones can help you stay in touch with loved ones. Studies show people with hearing loss who become isolated have a higher chance of depression compared with those who maintain strong ties with friends and family members.
With the help of amplified phones, you can stay in contact. Amplified phones are specifically designed for people with hearing loss , allowing you to turn up the volume as necessary to hear speech clearly. Most people who use amplified phones don't use hearing aids yet, but people with hearing aids can certainly use them, as well. If you do wear a hearing aid, you may want to read up on hearing aid compatible phones. Amplified phones have features that make it easier to hear high-pitched noises, which many people with hearing loss find challenging.
If you have to ask others to repeat themselves often or you avoid phone calls altogether, you might benefit from an amplified phone. You can purchase an amplified phone with or without a cord or even a mobile phone, depending on your preference.
Landline amplified phones will often have special features such as caller ID, large number keys and a speakerphone, which should all be considered. Some phones have the capability to work with a headset, photo dialing, backlit keypads, answering machine or wall mounts. Some phones also will have special alerts that let you know if the phone is not hung up correctly. Do you ever find that you have missed calls completely because you can't hear the telephone ring? Many amplified phones have settings that allow you to turn up the volume on the ringer so that you never miss an important call again.
Some models will even have a visual indicator, like a flashing light , so you can see when you are receiving an incoming call. Some phones have the capability of ringing up to five times louder than a traditional telephone. If you're a hearing aid wearer, you may have a telecoil in your hearing aids. With the flip of a small switch, you can make sure that your hearing aids are only picking up the sound that is coming through the telephone, and not background noise around you.
Some cell phones also come with amplified volume settings, such as the Jitterbug brand, which is also designed for people with vision problems. If your smartphone isn't loud enough, you can also consider getting a portable phone amplifier, see below.
If you travel often or need to understand telephone conversations both at home and at work, you may benefit from using a telephone amplifier, which is a separate device that increases the volume of a regular landline or mobile phone. Compatible with many types of phone models, in-line telephone amplifiers are best for people with moderate to severe hearing loss.
These devices increase sound by up to 40 decibels, and you can control the tone of speech. People with mild-to-moderate hearing loss may benefit best from using a portable amplifier, which increases sounds by up to 30 decibels.
These small devices attach to the headset on a telephone, with a built-in control for volume, so it's simple to make the conversation louder or softer. This is a great option for people who talk on the phone on a regular basis, because an incoming caller may have different settings on their phone. People with hearing loss have many resources available to make it easier to understand others and communicate properly.
If you are unsure if getting an amplified phone is the best option for you, here are some considerations:. If you answered yes to any of these questions, chances are you can greatly benefit from having an amplified phone. When you are finding the perfect amplified phone to buy, you will need to consider your degree of hearing loss , so that the product you purchase has the clearest quality.
The best way to find your degree of hearing loss is by getting a comprehensive hearing evaluation :.
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